August 2025 – Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu

News , Updates

Mzuzu Diocese Commissions 25 Youths SELL Facilitators

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu has commissioned 25 youths to serve as Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) program facilitators in different parishes of the Diocese. The commissioning ceremony took place on Sunday 31 August 2025, at St. Joseph Parish in Nkhatabay.

Speaking during the event, the Vicar General of Mzuzu Diocese Father Isaac John Katumbi said he has confidence that these youths will bring positive change to their parishes with the skills they have acquired. The Vicar further advised the facilitators to avoid behaviors that may shame the church.

The Vicar General Fr Isaac Katumbi preaching to the SELL Facilitators — *The Vicar General Fr Isaac John Katumbi preaching to the SELL Facilitators*

Director of the SELL Program in the Mzuzu Diocese Father Leo Traynor a member of St Patrick Missionary Society said the program complements Catechism for young adults, aiming at supporting the youths who are passing from confirmation stage to early adult hood. Father Leo explained that at this stage the youths lack proper and quality program for their faith formation and human development.

*Fr Leo with the Vicar General of Mzuzu diocese and the commissioned SELL facilitators*

Father Leo who has been also championing for the same program for 20 years in Western Africa, further mentioned that due to globalization the influence of internet is current harming the youths, exposing them to threats and dangers like unhealth practices and pornography, hence the SELL program which is deeply rooted in faith and human transformation assures to be the intervention to the problem.

According to Isaac Thindwa the Team leader and mentor of the program, the training consists of six units namely Self-awareness( helping the youth discover their gift), Leadership (helping the youths to identify their leadership skills), Peace Building ( forming the youths to be agent of peace), Community Building ( how to sustain their families and communities), Wisdom of Traditions (looking back to the ancestor`s wisdom and how apply it in the current generation) and Justice ( critically thinking on justice issues in areas of social, economic and development of their country).

Madalitso Jere, one of the commissioned SELL facilitators from St. Michael’s Pro-Parish in Ekwendeni, confirmed that many youths are really going through a lot of challenges like drug and substance abuse, poorly use of Internet and lack of self-esteem therefore he pledged to share the knowledge gained from the program to help fellow youths make informed decisions and grow with sound mind.

Madalitso Jere, a SELL Facilitator being Commissioned — *Madalitso Jere, a SELL Facilitator for St Michaels Parish Ekwendeni being Commissioned*

Currently the SELL program is in 15 parishes of Mzuzu Diocese, and it is on the expansion drive to all the youths in the diocese through its the zones and deaneries

The commissioned youths received certificates upon completion of the three years SELL program. The program is implemented in partnership with UNGWERU Organization and Mzuzu Diocese since 2022.

SELL facilitators kneeling before the altar asking for God`s mercy and Guidance in their new task — *SELL facilitators kneeling before the Altar asking for God`s Mercy and Guidance in their new task*

Updates

Mzuzu Diocese Launches a New Parish

St Martin de Porres, a new parish of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu at Chizani in Mzimba district has been launched.

The historical event was led by His Lordship, Bishop of the Diocese, Right Reverend Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda on Saturday 30 August 2025.

St Martin de Porres Parish - Chizani — *St Martin de Porres Parish- Chizani*

Speaking during the launching Mass, Bishop Nyirenda said the new parish signifies the growth of the diocese and it creates an easy access to the word of God and sacraments for the Christians during their spiritual journey.

Bishop Nyirenda further advised the Christians of the new parish to effectively use it, by frequently worshiping, praying and receiving sacraments, which are also the requirements for the pilgrims of hope.

The bishop also asked Christians of St Martin de Porres to live their life in line with the gifts holy spirit which are love, forgiveness, happiness, kindness and peace. They should avoid fights for the parish to develop.

*Christians witnessing the Launch of St Martin de Porres Parish*

Lastly the bishop assured that the diocese has plans to establish more new parishes so that other catholic that still walk long distances to access the parish should be considered with a nearby parish too.

Father Petros Mwale expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to lead the foundation of the pris and asked well wishes to continue supporting the development of the parish.

The Chief of the area Inkosi Khosolo expressed deep appreciation for the establishment of the new parish in his area. Inkosi further expressed that other infrastructure developments like schools, hospitals and good roads will follow the parish, hence developing the area.

Before the Eucharist celebration, the bishop blessed the Father’s House for the parish and then laid the foundation stone of the Parish church.

*Bishop Nyirenda Blessing the Father`s House of St Martin de Porres Parish*

*Bishop Nyirenda Laying a foundation Stone for St Martin de Porres Parish Church*

St Martin De Porres Pro parish was established on 1 August 2023 by Bishop Emeritus of Mzuzu Diocese Right Reverend John Ryan.

Currently the parish has 2 Priests,2 Brothers,5, Catechists,6 Zones,27 Substations, 50 out churches and over 14,000 Christians This brings a total number of parishes in Mzuzu Diocese to 22 including 2 Pro- Parishes.

The construction projects for the new parish are supported by the local and well-wishers.

Updates

The 2025 Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) Examinations Results

Mzuzu Diocese Education Commission is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 form 1 Selection in the four-grant aided Catholic Secondary school of diocese namely, St Francis Secondary School- Mzimba; St John Bosco Secondary School; Nkhamenya Girls Secondary School and Nkhata-Bay Boys Secondary School. The results can be accessed in all parish centers and in all Catholic Secondary school in Mzuzu Diocese

All selected students are advised to report to their respective schools on the date the Ministry of Education will announce.

For more information contact the following numbers for the respective schools

Mr. Elija Chirwa – St Francis Secondary School- 0888 550 634

Mr. Fariot Ngwira – St John Bosco Secondary School- 0888355289/0998864091

Sr. Kettie Mjuma – Nkhamenya Girls Secondary School – 0999292267/0888432651

Mr. Mathia Chiumia Nkhata Bay Secondary School – 0991607270/0884179771

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!!

News , Pastoral , Updates

Keep Walking and be Strong in faith-MCCB President

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) Right Reverend Martin Anwel Mtumbuka has urged the Catholic youths in Malawi to be strong in their faith and keep soldiering on amidst their different challenges.

‎Bishop Mtumbuka made the remarks during the closing mass of the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference at St Peter’s Cathedral in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.

Bishop Mtumbuka said regardless of the many challenges youths encounter, they must move on, relying on Jesus Christ, in the intersession of the blessed Virgin Mary and on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

” In times of unemployment keep walking, in times of broken homes and families keep walking, in lack of school fees keep walking, in times of poverty keep walking our God is with you and also us your church leaders, we are assuring you of our support , we will not leave you alone, ” said Bishop Mtumbuka.

Bishop Anwel Mtumbuka President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishop- encouraging the youths to keep walking — *Bishop Anwel Mtumbuka President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops- encouraging the youths to keep walking*.

The bishop also advised young boys and girls not to rush into temporal or unblessed marriages but rather take time in searching for their partners and follow properly all the church marriage procedures.

The conference was parked with different lessons by excellent facilitators. On day two, the youths went through the Recollection Lesson by Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Mental Health Resilience by Brother Samuel Mithi of St John of God and Catholic Social Teachings by Bishop Alfred Chaima of Zomba Diocese. On day three the youths were reminded of the Sacrament of Penance as preparation for the Eucharist by Fr Robert Songa of Karonga Diocese, Vocation by Fr Raymond Mwale, Pastoral Director of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, and Environmental Stewardship by Isaac Thindwa of Ungwelu organization. On day four the youths learnt about Renewing and deepening the Eucharistic Faith by Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, Youth Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship by Rex Chapota of National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCM) and the last lesson was Digital Space and Cyber security by Hatchson Mkwapatila of Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

Bishop Nyirenda of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu with other bishops and the youths after the opening mass of the National Youth Conference — *Bishop Nyirenda of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu with other bishops, priests, facilitators and the youths after the opening mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference*

National Catholic Youth Chaplain Father Patrick Kamba asked the youths to put into practice the lessons they have learnt during the conference.

Mzuzu Diocese Youth Chairperson Aaron Mkandawire thanked the bishops for organizing the conference with such deep and enlightening lessons, which he said has strengthened and deepened their catholic faith.

After the lessons on day four, the youths participated in the tree planting exercise around Mary Mount Secondary School as one way of implementing environmental conservation strategies the learnt.

Bishop Chaima leading the youths in tree planting exercise at Mary Mount Secondary School — *Bishop Alfred Chaima leading the youths in tree planting exercise at Mary Mount Secondary School*

The conference was held from 13-17 August 2025, and it brought together over 250 youths from all the eight catholic dioceses of Malawi.

At the conclusion of the closing mass, the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu has handed over a Cross and a Candle to Dedza Diocese the host of 2026 National Catholic Youth Conference.

Bishop Yohane Nyirenda handed over the youth cross and candles from Mzuzu diocese to Dedza Diocese youths — *Dedza Diocese youths celebrating after receiving the cross and the candle from Mzuzu diocese accepting the responsibility of hosting the 2026 National Catholic Youth Conference*

‎

Pastoral

The Catholic Church in Malawi Celebrates National Eucharist Congress.

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

5^TH to 9^THAUGUST 2025 was indeed a time of profound grace and an opportunity to rekindle missionary thirst for the Catholic Christians in Malawi as the they celebrated the first ever National Eucharist Congress in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

The congress started with a solemn declaration message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV which was led by the Pope`s envoy to Malawi and Zambia, His Excellency Archbishop Gian Luca Perici soon before he presided over the congress opening Mass.

“Standing here today, in the heart of the Church in Malawi, I bring you the paternal greetings and apostolic blessings of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father is spiritually united with us at this sacred hour and prays that this Congress may be a moment of profound grace for the entire Church in this land,” part of the message from Pope read by the Nucio.

The Nucio continued saying that the Pope`s wish was for the congress to be a true moment of renewal, evangelization, and unity expressing pope`s spiritual solidarity to the Malawi Catholic Church.

“May it be a moment to deepen the love for the Most Holy Eucharist, strengthen the bonds of communion among the people of God and inspire a renewed missionary zeal in every diocese, parish and family,” the Holy Father pleaded in his message.

*His Excellency Archbishop Gian Luca Perici the Nicio foe Malawi and Zambia reading the message from the Pope* *during the Eucharist Congress opening*

After the opening Mass the first day ended with the Eucharist adoration and benediction which was led the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu His Lordship Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda.

His Lordship Bishop Yohane Nyirenda leading the adoration and benediction during the first day of the National Eucharist Congress — *His Lordship Bishop Yohane Nyirenda leading the Eucharist adoration and benediction during the evening of the first day of the National Eucharist Congress*.

Subsequently, each day had sessions on various topics including Christ’s presence in the Church, especially in liturgical celebrations; Renewing and deepening our Eucharistic faith; Centrality of the Eucharist in families and Small Christian Communities; Centrality of the Eucharist in Consecrated Life; Sacrament of penance and reconciliation in preparation for the Eucharist; Eucharist Testimonies; Mass and the Eucharistic procession which concluded the fourth day.

The Eucharist Procession brought the congress to the climax of adoring the blessed sacrament as all groups of people (the bishops, priest, nuns the elderly, the sick, the physically challenged, men, women and children) from all the 8 dioceses in Malawi journeyed with Jesus in the blessed sacrament a 5.2 Kilometers distance from Maula parish to St Patrick’s parish.

The Eucharist Procession from Maula parish to St Patrick's Parish — *The Eucharist Procession from Maula parish to St Patrick’s Parish*

All these Eucharistic activities were aimed at having a renewed faith, ecclesial communion, and a deeper understanding of the Eucharist’s significance in the Church’s life and mission among all the Bishops, Clergy, religious, and the lay faithful in the country.

His Lordship Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda applauded the congress as it has reminded the catholic Christians the importance of the Eucharist. The bishop also said the Eucharist is the pillar for the catholic faith therefore Christians should always have hunger for the eucharist and encouraged those outside the sacraments to be re-administered.

Bishop Nyirenda and other Bishops during the National Eucharist Congress Concluding Mass — *Bishop Nyirenda and other Bishops during the National Eucharist Congress Closing Mass*

The congress concluded with Catholic Bishops of Malawi committed to spreading the reflections and fruits of the Congress to all the faithful at every level of the Church, to promote deeper devotion and reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, to encourage ongoing reflections and catechesis on the mystery of the Blessed Sacrament all these aiming ensuring the successful implementation of the Eucharist Resolutions made.

The 2025 Eucharist Congress, themed “Eucharist: Source and Summit of Pilgrims of Hope,” aligns with the 2025 Jubilee Year theme and aims to deepen the faithful’s understanding of the Eucharist.

Pastoral

The 2025 National Eucharist Congress Commitments and Resolutions -By the Malawi Catholic Bishops

The purpose of the National Eucharistic Congress was to study and prayerfully reflect on the centrality of the Blessed Sacrament in the lives of the Pilgrims of Hope in this Year of the Jubilee of Hope 2025.

1. During this Congress the following contributors inspired the proceedings:

a. The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV as he imparted his Papal Blessing through the Secretary of State in Vatican, His Eminence Pietro Cardinal Parolin, assured the Congress through the President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, Rt. Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka that the Universal Church was united in spirit with the Catholic Church in Malawi during this momentous spiritual exercise.

b. The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, in his official declaration of the Congress underscored that what is most important is not what we do with the Eucharist but what we are with the Eucharist.

c. Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, emphasized that the centrality of the Eucharist in a Christian’s life is not an option nor a personal choice, but a direct mandate from Jesus Christ Himself.

2. During the Eucharistic Congress there were six presentations:

a. Christ’s Presence in the Church, Especially in Liturgical Celebrations,

b. Renewing and Deepening Our Eucharistic Faith,

c. The Centrality of the Eucharist in the Families and Small Christian Communities,

d. The Centrality of the Eucharist in Consecrated Life,

e. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist (Testimony), and

f. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation as Preparation for Receiving the Eucharist

3. REFLECTION

The Congress highlighted the following key insights:

a. All liturgical rites are ordered towards the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our faith; therefore, every Christian should be properly disposed to receive the divine graces that flow through the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist.

b. As the Family of God, all Christians are called to embrace a Eucharistic Encounter, Eucharistic Identity, Eucharistic Life and Eucharistic Mission as pathways to renewing and deepening their Eucharistic faith.

c. Christians are invited to offer their lives to God with Christ, in the spirit of Mary’s self-offering at the foot of the Cross.

d. The family and Small Christian Communities are called to mirror the presence of Christ in the life of the Church.

e. The Blessed Sacrament nourishes the lives of those in Consecrated Life, sustaining them in their evangelical counsels, daily living, and mission.

f. As a gift of God’s mercy, the Blessed Sacrament calls us to be agents of charity – strengthened by our devotion to the Eucharist.

g. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a necessary preparation for a fruitful encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

h. The Eucharistic Sacrifice is a gift of the Holy Trinity to the Church and humanity; therefore, Ministers and the faithful are called to celebrate it with fidelity to the rites prescribed by the Church.

4. DECLARATION OF INTENT

The 2025 Eucharistic Congress, through Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, is committed to:

a. Spreading the reflections and fruits of the Congress to all the faithful at every level of the Church.

b. Promoting deeper devotion and reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.

c. Encouraging ongoing reflections and catechesis on the mystery of the Blessed Sacrament.

5. RESOLUTIONS

During the Congress, the delegates made the following resolutions:

a. Promoting reverence to the Blessed Sacrament as the true and real presence of Christ.

b. Priests as Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist should promote reverence to the Eucharist.

c. Having Adoration and Benediction in parishes should not be regarded as a private devotion for groups but an obligation for all Christians in every parish.

d. The format of Adoration as provided in the new Chichewa and Chitumbuka Hymn Books should be made known to all the faithful.

e. Liturgical celebrations should be properly prepared for, and choirs should aim at helping the congregation to actively participate in the liturgy by selecting songs that are well known to the worshipers.

f. Receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is strongly recommended.

g. All pastors’ priorities the dissemination of teachings on the Blessed Sacrament and providing pastoral assistance to Christians who are barred from receiving the sacraments so that they may be reconciled and return to full sacramental participation.

6. With deep gratitude to organizers of the Congress and all participants, we entrust the successful implementation of these resolutions on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Our Lady of Africa.

*The Malawi Catholic Bishops and priests committed to implement the Eucharist resolutions*

Given to the entire Catholic Church on 9th August 2025 by:

Rt. Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka – MCCB President and Bishop of Karonga

Rt. Rev. Peter Andrian Chifukwa – MCCB Vice President and Bishop of Dedza

Most. Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa – Archbishop of Blantyre

Most Rev. George Desmond Tambala – Archbishop of Lilongwe

Rt. Rev. Peter Musikuwa – Bishop of Chikwawa

Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima – Bishop of Mangochi

Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima – Bishop of Zomba

Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda – Bishop of Mzuzu

Rt. Rev. Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa – Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe

Pastoral , Updates

SECAM`s 20th Plenary Assembly Concludes in Kigali

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

The Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), officially gathered for the 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda from 30th July to 4th August 2025.

According to one of the presentations at the plenary by Archbishop Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle of Cape Coast Ghana, the plenary aimed to confirm why the continental association of Bishops exists and to familiarize the newly installed and younger bishops with SECAM.

20th Plenary Assembly of SECAM in Kigali Rwanda — *20th Plenary Assembly of SECAM facilitators in Kigali -Rwanda*

The event brought together over 250 Catholic Bishops representing various episcopal conferences across Africa including Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu who represented the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB).

Speaking in an interview upon arrival from SECAM Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda applauded the plenary as they discussed many issues concerning the Catholic church in Africa, more especially on the situation of war in Sudan, DRC, Mozambique and other countries which is destructing peace in the continent. Bishop Nyirenda then encouraged Christians to avoid fighting but loving one another and exercise dialogue to maintain peace and bring hope in this Jubilee of hope.

“We are encouraging each other in Africa to exercise peace, we should not be divided on small issues even if its grave issues coming up, the only way to cultivate peace is through dialogue, talk, and resolve than fighting and killing each other” said Bishop Nyirenda.

*Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda and other bishops from other countries attending the SECAM Plenary Assembly Sessions*

The 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly was held under the theme; ‘Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace’’ which deeply reflected that in countries fractured by wars, poverty, forced displacements, and ecological crises, the church turn the gaze to Christ, who is the living source of healing and renewal. It is Jesus who walks with Africa in its wounds, who reconciles divided hearts, and who offers hope where despair threatens. As disciples, Christians are called to become artisans of peace, prophets of hope, and instruments of reconciliation. This is not only a theological conviction but a pastoral urgency. The Church in Africa must be a sign and sacrament of unity, justice, and lasting peace.”

The assembly concluded with the establishment of 12 vision pillars for the church to focus on namely : Evangelization (Catholic Education and theological tradition),A self-reliant Church, Family model of leadership, Formation on missionary discipleship and synodality, Care of creation, The youth and the renewal of the Church, Justice, Peace and Integral human development, Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, Mission in the digital environment, the health of the people of God, Liturgical life of the African Church and Church and politics.

Updates

2025 National Children Congress Resolutions

The first ever National Children Congress happened at Don Bosco Parish Lilongwe Archdiocese- Malawi from the 30th of July to the 3rd of August 2025. The delegates were Children between the age of 8 to 14 and their animators. The numbers of delegates per diocese were as follows; Lilongwe 463, Dedza 228, Blantyre 332, Mangochi 183, Chikwawa 44, Karonga 163, Zomba 183, Mzuzu 32. The total number of delegates was 1628.

Children at the National Children's Congress- St Don Bosco Lilongwe — *Children at the National Children’s Congress- St Don Bosco Lilongwe*

A) The Main Aim Of the Children Congress

To allow children to meet in one place, know one another and share knowledge.
To give children a chance to discuss issues that affect their spirituality and their day-to-day lives.
To give children a chance to give views to leaders on how best they want to participate in church and nation.
To prepare children to be good leaders for the church and nation.

B) What Was Discussed

How parents take care of their children following how Joseph and Mary took care of Jesus Christ Child abuse.
Child labor and child trafficking.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

C) The Following Were Some Key Lessons

That everyone was created in the image of God and that everyone needs to be respected and children are also created in the image of God Genesis 1: 26-27.
Life is a gift from God co from God and therefore no one has freedom to take away his or the life of another person We are all one family, and we should do things together (Solidarity).
We children should do things for the good of our fellow children (Common good) Everyone should be allowed to do his or her part (Subsidiarity).
We should help our fellow children who are lacking (preferential option for the poor) Our responsibility is to care for the environment (Genesis 1:28).
That mass is the highest prayer in the church, sacraments and liturgy and that We children should love the sacraments of the Eucharist and penance.
How to have good thoughts (Mental Health) Eat proper, enough and healthy food Having adequate time to sleep (10 hours).
Avoid bad behaviors of smoking Chamba and alcohol drinking Avoid excessive use of technology and watching inappropriate things.
Malawi 2063 which is the vision for this country. Malawi wants to be an inclusive wealthy and self-reliant nation by the year 2063.
What causes climate change, the problems that come with it and how we can prevent climate change and what we children, and the church can do with it list.

D) Resolutions

Parents and the church should take an effort to protect children from their children’s abuse, child trafficking and what disturbs the mental health of children and so they should not allow us children to excessively use modern technology.
Parents should help us to be close to Jesus Christ, teach us how to pray and read the word of God and send us for mass, parents should desist from leaving us home while they go for mass.
The lessons should be taught in dioceses and parishes to benefit more children.
The lessons should also go to parents who are key in taking care of children.
We are wanting to ask various church leaders, priests and sisters that they should love us children.
The church should strengthen its efforts in taking care of the creation and fight climate change; all parishes should find places where they can grow trees every year.
The church and the government should give equal access to education so that we can be able to achieve Malawi 2063.
The church should establish peer groups at the diocese and parish where children can be able to report various abuses.
The safeguarding policy which the church established should be taught and be utilized.
The church should establish groups to help children that are lacking most.
Priests and Sisters should take an active role in PMS activities more especially the Holy Childhood. and that during Epiphany Day parishes should organize food so that children can interact this will foster unity and togetherness.
There should be good coordination between bishops, priests and sisters in efforts on taking care of children.
In various children’s gatherings there should be role models in vocation and other key figures in society to motivate children.

Pastoral , Updates

The National Children`s Congress Concludes with a Renewed Catholic Faith in Children

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

The first ever National Children`s Congress (NCC) concluded on 3rd August 2025 with children returning to their different dioceses more spiritually refreshed, their catholic faith renewed and socially empowered.

President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) Bishop Martin Mtumbuka who was the main celebrant for this historical children’s event opening and closing, described the congress as a success. Mtumbuka also emphasized that the catholic church should continue prioritizing formation of catholic faith in children while they are still young and innocent.

Bishop Mtumbuka further said MCCB is happy that together with the Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS) managed to achieve what they planned for the children. Bringing catholic children from across the dioceses shows unity in the catholic church in Malawi.

“This year`s children congress is a great success, we have achieved what we wanted, we have unified the children from across the country, and we have given them the sense of the catholic church in Malawi,” said bishop Mtumbuka.

*Bishop Mtumbuka and Bishop Chaima with the Children from Mzuzu diocese at the National Children`s Congress*

Mzuzu Diocese Pontifical Missionary Societies Director Father Thomas Gondwe also supported that it was a great congress, children have learnt more from the lessons and from interactions with other children from other dioceses. Gondwe further said this will build a strong catholic faith in children of Mzuzu diocese hence building a strong future catholic church foundation.

Mzuzu Diocese PMS Director Fr Thomas Gondwe with the Children of Mzuzu Diocese — *Mzuzu Diocese PMS Director Fr Thomas Gondwe with the Children, animators and safeguarding officer of Mzuzu Diocese*

The congress was packed with enriching and entertaining activities including educational animations and discussions on topics such as child trafficking, mental health, environmental conservation, and Catholic teachings.

The children enjoyed participating in different activities such as leading and singing during eucharistic celebrations, sporting activities, tree planting and site visits

Thomas Tchiri from Utatu Utuwa Parish Mzimba commended the congress that it has been a great eye opener as they have learnt many things and they returned home as missionaries of hope, ready to apply spiritually and practically in their families, schools, and communities.

*Mzuzu Diocese Children returning to their different parishes from the National Children Congress*

2025 National Children`s congress was organized under the theme: Children are missionaries of hope from 31^st July – 4^th August at St Don Bosco Parish in Lilongwe a total number of 1680 from all 8 dioceses in Malawi together with their animators took part.

The congress was graced by Sister Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from the Vatican, Miss Daria Braithwaite, Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston in the United States, National PMS Director from Zimbabwe and other Malawian bishops

Archives August 2025