Malawi Church Celebrates Centenary of World Mission Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium
As the Catholic Church in Malawi joined the universal Church in celebrating the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, thousands of faithful gathered at Mzuzu Stadium in the Diocese of Mzuzu on 3 October 2026, in a spirit of joy, thanksgiving and renewed missionary commitment.
As the Church in Malawi joined the universal celebration of the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, the faithful on 3rd October 2026, gathered at Mzuzu Stadium, in Diocese of Mzuzu with joy and thanksgiving.
The occasion marked one hundred years since Pope Pius XI instituted World Mission Sunday in 1926, inviting the entire Church to unite in prayer, sacrifice, and generosity for the spread of the Gospel.
With the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission”, the celebration was both a moment of gratitude and a call to renewed missionary zeal.
In his address, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe and President for Mission under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), His Lordship Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, reminded bishops, priests, religious, and the faithful that missionary renewal begins at home.
He emphasized that every parish should become a community of prayer, sustaining vocations and missionary endeavors through the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and family devotions.
Bishop Mwakhwawa highlighted that prayers and missionary animation through World Mission Sunday have contributed to the growth of diocesan priests, religious sisters, and parishes across Malawi.
The Papal Envoy, Monsignor Fih Anh Nhue Nguyen, Secretary for the Pontifical Mission Society for Union, applauded the lay faithful in Malawi for their role in supporting the missionary work of the Church.
He encouraged Christians to remain committed to carrying out God’s mission, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s message that every believer has a role to play.
Monsignor Nguyen also pointed to the launch of a five‑year strategic plan for diocesan priests as an important step towards strengthening the Church’s missionary, vocational, and developmental efforts.
National PMS Director, Father Peter Madeya, further commended the faithful for their contributions through World Mission Sunday.
He urged Christians to continue supporting the Pontifical Mission Societies in their activities so that the mission work can fully sustain the Church in all aspects.
The growth of parishes in all dioceses in Malawi reflects this wider development.
Malawi had only 17 parishes in 1926, but over the past century the number has grown to 217 by 2026.
