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Feast of the presentation of the Lord and Pastoral Missionary Unity celebrations
28 January, 2026
| Diocese News

Feast of the presentation of the Lord and Pastoral Missionary Unity celebrations

By Social Research and Communications Commission
28 January, 2026

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Bishops hold first plenary meeting

Wed

28

Jan 2026

Bishops hold first plenary meeting

The Secretariat for the mother body of all catholic bishops in Malawi, The Malawi Conference for Catholic Bishops, MCCB, has announced its first plenary meeting for the year 2026. According to the press release from the secretariat, signed by Very Rev Fr Valeriano Mtseka who is the Conference’s Secretary General, the plenary will run from Monday 26th January 2026 to Friday 30th January 2026. The meeting which will draw all members of the Conference, will also be graced by the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, His Excellency Most Rev GianLuca Perici. Among other things, the plenary will discuss issues on Synod on Synodality, recent developments in all lay catholic movements, progress and status of the Directorates of the Secretariat, priestly formation, among others. The press release concludes by calling upon all Christians to commend the Bishops to the Lord in prayer. The Bishops hold plenary meetings twice a year. This is a platform where the Bishops discus matters to do with the mission of the Church in Malawi and the world.

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Catholics to celebrate “Sunday of the Word of God”

Wed

21

Jan 2026

Catholics to celebrate “Sunday of the Word of God”

Catholics in the country will this coming Sunday, 25th January 2026, the Third Sunday of Ordinary time, celebrate the word of God during their Eucharistic celebration. This is contained in a communique from the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops’ secretariat in Lilongwe. Dated 12th January 2026, and signed by the Very Rev Fr Valeriano Mtseka, the communique calls on all Bible coordinators and parish priests to make preparations so that the day may be celebrated with solemnity and creativity. “The Sunday of the Word of God is dedicated to celebrating, studying, and sharing the importance of sacred scripture in the life of the Church. It highlights the central role of God’s word in our faith and mission, encouraging all the faithful to listen, read, meditate, and live in accordance with scripture. This day offers us an opportunity to renew our relationship with Christ, who speaks to us through His word.” Among the suggested activities to be included in the celebration are; Bible procession, a special display of the Book of the Gospels in Churches, parishes and homes, and communal praying of the “lectio divina” in churches, communities and families. Commenting on the directive, Fr Joseph Gift Chikwapa, the Pastoral Coordinator for the Diocese of Chikwawa, called on all parish priests to consult Fr Alfeo Boloma in case they intent to add more creativity to the celebration for proper guidance. Pope Francis declared The Sunday of the Word of God on 30th September 2019, at the Feast of St Jerome, through his apostolic letter “Aperuit Illis”. He called all believers to deeper engagement with scripture.

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Pastoral Commission announces Diocesan Choir festival

Mon

19

Jan 2026

Pastoral Commission announces Diocesan Choir festival

Choirs in the Diocese will this year celebrate their music talent under the Diocesan Choir Festival in the coming few months. In a written communication from the Diocesan pastoral Coordinator Fr Joseph Gift Chikwapa, the festival will be held in different phases leading to the final. The communication states that there will be an official launch of the festival to be held on 31st January 2026 at St Mathews Nchalo parish, The first phase of the competition will begin in all the parishes on 14th February. The successful choirs will proceed to compete at the deanery level on 14th March 2026. No gifts or awards will be handed out on these two initial levels. The culmination of the festival will be held at Diocesan level on Easter Monday, 4th April at St Mathews Nchalo Parish. A registration fee of MK10,000.00 will be required of all participating choirs. The festival named after the sponsor, Hon Francis Folley, is funded at the total cost of MK10,000,000.00. The final gitfs or awards to be presented are in the following categories. Best perfoming choirs: MK 2,000,000 MK 1,500,000 MK 1,000,000 Mk 1,000,000 (Best performing women choir).   Choir conductor MK 70,000 Mk 50,000 MK 30,000   Keyboardist MK 100,000 MK 60,000 MK 40,000 All the choirs that will make it to the final stage will receive Chichewa Catholic hymn books. Each choir is expected to sing two songs: Easter song number 38, and a composition of the song titled: Chifundo cha Mulungu chilibe malire. Hon Francis Folley is a catholic from Our Lady of Fatima Parish. He is member of Parliament for Nsanje North Constituency and Deputy Minister of Education in the current government.

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Young priests gather for reflection and renewal

Tue

9

Sep 2025

Young priests gather for reflection and renewal

Catholic priests under the Malawi conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) who have served for five years and under, are convening in Kachebere, Mchinji. The gathering, which began on 9th September and runs till 12th September 2025, aims at offering sessions for reflection about their early years of priesthood, leading to renewal. Bishop Alfred Chaima of the Diocese of Zomba, who is Bishop Chairperson for the Pastoral Commission, welcomed all and thanked them for their coming. He thanked the under-five priests for the significant sacrifice of leaving their duties to attend this session, emphasizing that this retreat is a vital opportunity for reflection and communal growth. He assured them that the session was a moment to make good use of their time together in a spirit of support. Taking his turn, Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, President of the MCCB expressed deep gratitude to the young priests for their dedicated service in the Lord’s vineyard and thanked the bishops for their national pastoral leadership. He noted the Church’s commitment to forming priests through various initiatives. He also posed a profound question for reflection: in this changing and challenging world, are we holding fast to the inspiring examples we once followed? He later reminded the priests of the Church’s trust and confidence in them. The meeting has drawn participants from all the 8 Dioceses in the country.    

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Live your vocation as pilgrims of hope

Sat

16

Aug 2025

Live your vocation as pilgrims of hope

Bishop Peter Martin Musikuwa of the Diocese of Chikwawa, has called on newly professed sisters of Mary Consoler of the Afflicted to follow the example of Mary who braved the hilly escarpments to pay her cousin Elizabeth a visit, by living their life as religious as pilgrims of hope, readying themselves to meet challenges and problems as they seek to serve Him. The remarks were made at St Michaels Cathedral Chikwawa during a celebration where four novices and four sisters made their professions. Qouting from the book or Revelations, the Bishop highlighted how satan tempts and deceives those that commit to follow him. “Every vocation, he says, is a cross that all must carry. It is only with the help of God that those that commit themselves to a calling, remain faithful. Therefore, Mary stands out as an example to be followed.” The novices that are making their first professions are: Matilda Ganizani Marko , Nelia Dzombe, Grace Chilowa and Stella Malanda. Sisters Roseamary Mnembe, Victoria Yohane, Jesse Ndawala and Martha Harah will be making their final or perpetual professions. Mary Consoller of the Afflicted is a local congregation for sisters in the Diocese of Chikwawa. It was founded by late Bishop Felix Mkhori, who was the first indigenous local ordinary for the Diocese.

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40 depart for Children’s Congress

Wed

30

Jul 2025

40 depart for Children’s Congress

A total of 40 Children have departed from the Diocese for the Children’s Congress in Lilongwe. They have been accompanied by 4 animators. The Children’s congress is the first to be held in Malawi. It promises to be an enriching experience for the children. It is a clear sign of the Church’s efforts to nurture the faith of children as they grow. The congress will be graced by Ines Paulo, the Secretary General for Pontifical Mission Societies for Holy childhood in Rome, Kizito Nthundu, National PMS Director for Zimbabwe and 15 other delegates from Zimbabwe. The congress will run from 30th July to 4th August 2025, at Don Bosco parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

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Catholic Bishops condemn political violence

Fri

27

Jun 2025

Catholic Bishops condemn political violence

The road to September 16 elections has already signaled volatility and danger. Episodes of violence and counter violence seem to have taken center stage. Just yesterday, violence and anarchy reigned supreme in Lilongwe as peaceful demonstrations turned hostile and violent. in the wake if this, Catholic Bishops in Malawi have strongly condemned the acts describing them as concerning. Through a statement produced by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), the Bishops have with one voice stood up in what they call in defense of democracy. “In defense of democracy and peace, we condemn in the strongest terms possible, all forms of violence and lawless behavior which we have noted over the recent months/days.” said the statement. Drawing their inspiration from scripture, the Bishops while quoting Mt 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God, the Bishops recall the neutrality in partisan politics and therefore call on all Catholics, and all people of good will to remain united in spite of political differences, to preaching and living Christ’s supreme commandment of love. The call by the Roman Catholic authorities comes after peaceful demonstrations meant to force resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission for alleged failure to address electoral stakeholders concerns most notably the refusal to have independent audit of the Smartmatic system of managing the elections. During the demonstrations, senior actives were beaten and ambushed in full view of security agents as Malawi Defense Force and the Malawi Police Service. Meanwhile, the US embassy has released a statement condemning the violence and the seeming failure to carry out duty by security agents. The diplomatic mission in the Malawi has released a statement on the same.

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Bishops to celebrate Jubilee Year

Thu

19

Jun 2025

Bishops to celebrate Jubilee Year

Catholic bishops in the country, will celebrate the Jubilee Year in their status as pastors of souls on 25th June 2025. The Secretary for the Malawi Conference for Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Fr Valeriano Mtseka, has confirmed. Fr Mtseka disclosed that the Jubilee Year celebrations for the Bishops will be held as a public liturgical function on Wednesday next week after the annual plenary that the Bishops will have. “The Bishops will reflect on their roles and discuss how they can best collaborate to embody the spirit of synodality.” added Fr Mtseka. After these deliberations, the Bishops will have  a penitential service at St Patrick’s parish Area 18 in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. This will be followed by Eucharistic celebration. Mindful of the number of Bishops in the country and that all the faithful are part of the mission of the Bishops, the Conference is inviting all Christians to join in the celebration. “We are calling all Christians to be part of the celebrations as this is a big day in the Church,” he added. Bishop Raphael Ncube from Zimbabwe will facilitate the day’s activities. The Jubilee Year was pronounced by late Pope Francis at the end of last year and runs till the end of this year 2025. Since its declaration, different agents of evangelization and lay groups have celebrated their jubilee, an enormous opportunity to share and reflect on their ministries.

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Do not take God’s graces for granted – Bishop Musikuwa urges his flock

Sat

14

Jun 2025

Do not take God’s graces for granted – Bishop Musikuwa urges his flock

At the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of St Lawrence Girls Catholic Secondary School, Bishop Musikuwa has invited all people to look back at the history of the school with gratitude to God, as it is suicidal for believers to neglect God when things are going their way. The remarks were made during Eucharistic celebration marking 25 years of existence for St Lawrence secondary school, the sole girls’ boarding school both in the Diocese and the whole lower Shire valley. Established in the year 1999, the school has remained the only sign of the Church’s commitment to promoting girl child education and so impact their life. The school is one of the long standing signature left behind by the late Bishop Mukhori who had unmatched passion in caring for his flock. Bishop Musikuwa then called all people to remember different people who have contributed to the establishment of the school, of particular mention is the family of Mr and Mrs Manda who generously donated the land on which the school stands today. “Now the ball is in our hands. All of us need to reflect on how much we ourselves have given and benefited others. Remarked Bishop Musikuwa. The celebration is being held at St Lawrence Girls Catholic Secondary School in Chikwawa. Honourable Patricia Kaliati is gracing the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

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St Lawrence Girls  Secondary School clocks 25

Sat

14

Jun 2025

St Lawrence Girls Secondary School clocks 25

All roads lead to St. Lawrence Girls Catholic Secondary School in the Diocese of Chikwawa today 14th June 2025, as the school celebrates its silver jubilee, a commemoration of 25 years of existence, since its establishment in the year 2000.   Bishop Felix Eugene Mkhori founded the school as a fulfilment of his long standing desire as soon as he became bishop of the Diocese, to promote girl child education and end early child marriages that were a common occurrence then.   Headmistress for the school, Naomi Chiwaya, announced that preparations for the celebration are complete, and guests are expected to arrive by 8:00 am.   The event will begin with celebration of mass led by Bishop Peter Musikuwa of the Diocese, followed by a graduation ceremony for outgoing students.   UTM Presidential Advisor Patricia Kaliati will attend the celebration as the guest of honor. To this day, the school is credited for having produced productive citizens for the country who are working both in and outside Malawi.  

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Mzimu Woyera Seminary celebrates its day

Sun

8

Jun 2025

Mzimu Woyera Seminary celebrates its day

A sight of  seminarians past and present, rejoicing with their alma mater, was nothing but a joy to the eyes. As jubilant congregants sang and danced to celebrate the patron Saint of the school, you would not but join in as if to signal that indeed all who were present were filled with the Holy Spirit. Mzimu Woyera Seminary day will now be a signature of every year’s prayers offered at the institution. In his sermon, Bishop Musikuwa reminded all that the presence of the Holy Spirit must always propel us to action. “We receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. We receive faith and called to apostleship, meaning we are called to serve and benefit others”. Right Reverend Peter Musikuwa Bishop of Chikwawa Diocese was speaking in a homily at the grand occasion where Mzimu Woyera Seminary in the Diocese celebrates its Patron Saint “Mzimu Woyera” Pentecost. The day is was celebrated on June 7th , a day before the actual day of Pentecost. “Through the sacrament of baptism we are attached to Christ and that’s why we are Christians. Let us have hearts that prompt us to action for the benefit other people”. He said. He also urged the seminarians to work extra harder in their academics. As part of the celebration, the seminary conducted a fundraising activity with the aim of raising fund to assist the running of the seminary. Stepping aside from the day’s core message, Bishop Peter Musikuwa urged his flock to pray to the Holy Spirit as the country heads closer to the September polls. Mzimu Woyera was established by the Late Bishop Felix Mkhori to form young boys to priesthood. The seminary has so far produced more than 40 priests.

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Seminary alumni to celebrate patron saint

Tue

3

Jun 2025

Seminary alumni to celebrate patron saint

Preparations for this year’s Mzimu Woyera Seminary Day celebrations are getting closer to completion as the Diocese is nearing this day on 7th June 2025. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday 7th June, which is a day before the actual day of the feast of Pentecost. Among other things to happen on the day is the fundraising to be held to raise funds to assist the running of the Seminary. On their part, Mzimu Woyera seminary alumni has been putting resources together to help in the preparations for this traditional big celebration. Dave Moyo, who is the president for the alumni, has called on all alumni from different generations to help in funding the event by making a contribution of at least 30,000 each. He has further called them to patronize the event. Mzimu Woyera Seminary is an institution that was established by late Bishop Felix Mkhori, to form young boys to priesthood. The seminary has since produced more than 40 priests since its inception. Many young people have gone through its corridors, and are serving the nation in different capacities.

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