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.
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.
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.
2025 National Children`s congress was organized under the theme: Children are missionaries of hope from 31st July – 4th 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