Catholic Church in Malawi Celebrates 125 Years of Permanent Establishment

The Catholic Church in Malawi on Saturday, 19 September 2026, celebrated 125 years since its permanent establishment in the country with a national Jubilee celebration at St Mary’s (Nzama) Parish in the Diocese of Dedza, the site of Malawi’s first enduring Catholic mission.
The celebration was held under the theme “Rooted in Christ, Sent for Mission: Celebrating 125 Years of Evangelization in Malawi.” The Jubilee commemorates the arrival of the Montfort Missionaries at Nzama on 25 July 1901, following earlier missionary efforts in Malawi.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization, attended as the Special Delegate of the Holy See, representing Pope Leo XIV. Before the main celebration, he met clergy, religious and lay representatives in Lilongwe and called on all Catholics to actively participate in the Church's evangelising mission.
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) used the Jubilee to give thanks for the missionaries, catechists, religious men and women, and lay faithful who contributed to the growth of the Church. The bishops have particularly highlighted the Church's contribution to education, healthcare, social development and pastoral service in Malawi.
The celebration also looked toward the future, with the Jubilee presented as an opportunity for the Church to renew its missionary commitment for the next generation.
Traditional leaders also used the occasion to raise development concerns. Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V called for completion of the Tsangano - Neno road and proposed the establishment of a museum at Nzama to preserve the historical heritage of Catholicism in Malawi. 
The 125-year Jubilee therefore marks not only a celebration of Catholic history in Malawi, but also a renewed call to evangelisation, service and mission.