Episcopal Conference of Malawi

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Our Mission
Our Mission


The Catholic Church is committed to providing holistic evangelisation through teaching the word of God, and facilitating development work.
Our Vision
Our Vision
Family of God filled with the Holy Spirit living in harmony, peace and solidarity.
Brief History
Brief History
Established in 1961 with approval of the Holy See, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has until now been an assembly of eight Catholic Dioceses.

DiocesesOf the Catholic ChurchIn Malawi

Our Dioceses

The following are the 8 Dioceses of the Catholic Church in Malawi

What’s HappeningWhat’s HappeningWhat’s Happening

Latest News & Articles

Discover the heartwarming stories, events, and updates from Episcopal Conference of Malawi. Our blog is your window into the vibrant and inspiring community that is dedicated to faith, education, and positive change. Join us on this journey of discovery and celebration.

BISHOP MWAKHWAWA URGES CHRISTIANS TO FULFILL PASTORAL ACTIVITIES

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe Rt. Rev. Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa has challenged Christians in the Church always to remember to fulfill their missionary obligations by carrying out practical pastoral activities.
Speaking in two separate Eucharistic celebrations in Salima and Lilongwe, Bishop Mwakhwawa told  Christians that the Church expects them to do more in sharing their faith with other people and proclaim the good news of salvation.
On Saturday – 31st August 2024, Bishop Mwakhwawa was at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Salima. He administered the sacrament of Confirmation to 662 Christians, the parish’s first in five years. On Sunday he was at St. Philip the Apostle Parish, Area 44 in Lilongwe where he performed a similar duty of administering the sacrament to 31 Christians.
During the two events, Bishop Mwakhwawa told the confirmed Christians to pray every day in private, as individuals, and in the community, especially by going to the Eucharistic celebration and also to love the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
“You should also teach others the Word of God and Church teachings. To do that, you need to continue learning the catechism of the Catholic Church and read the Bible in your groups.” Bishop Mwakhwawa added.
The Prelate further asked the Christians to do manual work at parish, home, and school at their level as a service to Christ, citing visiting the sick and the old in homes to assist them.
“The fourth obligation is that; you should embrace the Spirit of Missionary charity by contributing money generously to the Church and support the needs of the Church and other people”. he continued
The bishop also encouraged the newly confirmed Christians that the sacrament of Confirmation will empower them to serve in the Church and society as young missionaries in proclaiming the good news of salvation with courage, conviction, and commitment.
He, therefore,  advised parents to encourage their children to attend post-confirmation lessons, cautioning them to stop telling children that after-confirmation signifies that young people have finished Catholic formation.
“Catholic formation does not stop, even adults have to continue learning the Catholic faith in families and Small Christian Communities.” Bishop Mwakhwawa concluded.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
It consists of a prayer to the Holy Spirit, the laying on of hands while the prayer is said, and the anointing of the candidate with the oil of Chrism.
#ecmmedia

‘Be Light of the World’ – YCW Told

On Sunday, July 14th, 2024, the Young Christian Workers (YCW) of Maula Denary in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe welcomed 39 new members during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Patrick’s Parish. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. John Kessy, MAfr, the Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain, who delivered an inspiring message to the YCW community.

A Call to Be the Light

In his homily, Fr. Kessy urged the new members and the existing YCW community to embody the motto “See, Judge, and Act” by viewing the world through a spiritual lens. “You will face challenges, but be strong in faith, do not be afraid, be true disciples of Jesus Christ and courageous ambassadors of the Church,” he encouraged. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of being a light in the world and standing firm in faith despite adversities.

A Diverse and Committed Group

The archdiocesan YCW president, John Namalenga Jnr, highlighted the diversity and commitment of the group, which includes both single and married individuals aged between 18 and 40. The new members hail from several parishes, including St. Francis, St. Patrick’s, St. Andrea Kaggwa, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Denis (Chinsapo), St. Matthias, St. Mark, and Padre Pio.

About Young Christian Workers (YCW)

The Young Christian Workers (YCW) is an international Catholic youth movement dedicated to recognizing the dignity and worth of each young person. It empowers its members to challenge social exclusion and take proactive steps to bring about positive change in their homes, workplaces, and social environments. By fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, YCW nurtures young individuals to become leaders who drive meaningful social transformation.

The enrollment of 39 new members into the YCW is a testament to the vibrant and growing Catholic youth community in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. As these young Christians embark on their journey, they are called to be steadfast in their faith and proactive in their mission to illuminate the world with the light of Christ.

Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia Attends Sub-Regional Conference of Bishops

In a remarkable gathering that underscores the unity and collaborative spirit of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa, His Excellency the Most Rev. Gian Luca Perici, Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, is among the distinguished delegates attending the sub-regional conference of bishops from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This significant event is currently taking place at the Inspector General’s ground in Area 30, Lilongwe.

The conference marks a pivotal moment for the Catholic communities in these three countries, bringing together church leaders to discuss pressing issues, share insights, and forge a common path forward. The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, the Pope’s representative in the region, highlights the importance of this assembly and reaffirms the Vatican’s commitment to supporting the Church’s mission in Africa.

The opening ceremony, filled with prayer, song, and a spirit of fellowship, is being led by Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, President of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi. As the main celebrant, Archbishop Tambala set a tone of reflection and unity, calling on the bishops to work together in addressing the challenges faced by their congregations and communities.

In his opening remarks, Archbishop Tambala emphasized the importance of solidarity among the Church leaders, noting, “Our gathering here is a testament to our shared faith and our commitment to serving our people with humility and love. Let us use this time to listen, learn, and support one another as we strive to bring hope and healing to our nations.”

The conference agenda includes a series of discussions on pastoral care, social justice, and the role of the Church in fostering peace and development. Special attention will be given to the Church’s response to issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare, which are critical concerns for the region.

Rev. Gian Luca Perici, in his address, expressed his admiration for the bishops’ dedication and the resilience of the Catholic communities they serve. “The Church in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe stands as a beacon of hope in challenging times. Your efforts to bring the light of Christ to every corner of your nations are truly inspiring,” he said.

As the conference progresses, the bishops will engage in workshops and plenary sessions aimed at developing concrete strategies to enhance their pastoral work and community outreach. There is a shared understanding that the outcomes of this conference will have a profound impact on the future direction of the Church in the sub-region.

The sub-regional conference of bishops is not just an event; it is a celebration of faith, a reaffirmation of commitment, and a beacon of hope for the Catholic Church in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. As the delegates gather in Lilongwe, they carry with them the prayers and aspirations of millions of faithful, united in their mission to build a more just and compassionate world.

ECM’s CONDOLENCE MESSAGE ON THE DEATH OF THE STATE VICE PRESIDENT ON MALAWI

The Catholic Bishops in Malawi express their condolence on the death of the Vice President of Malawi, Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine other Malawians.

The Bishops have therefore called upon all priests to have a Eucharistic celebration on Sunday the 16th of June 2024in all the Catholic Churches to pray for the restful repose of all who died in the tragic death on 10th June 2024.

FRIENDS OF CHIKWAWA DIOCESE INSPIRE MAJOR SEMINARIANS

FRIENDS OF CHIKWAWA DIOCESE INSPIRE MAJOR SEMINARIANS

Seminarians from the diocese of Chikwawa at St Anthony (Kachebere) Major Seminary were on June 8 over the moon when Friends of Chikwawa Diocese, Lilongwe Chapter, paid them a visit as part of inspiring them in their priestly formation and training.

The group which was led by Very Reverend Fr Valerian Mtseka the Patron of the group who is also Episcopal Conference of Malawi ECM Secretary General besides verbal encouragement, provided assorted items to the six Seminarians including a laptop for each, writing materials and cash.

“It was a promise we made few years ago when we visited them and this was fulfilment of that promise. They requested for computers (laptops) as one of their needs”, highlighted Fr. Mtseka when asked the purpose of their visit.

Loyd Luciano, a second year Seminarian from Nkhate (Holy Spirit) parish in the diocese of Chikwawa expressed joy with the visit by friends from his diocese saying the presents they had brought with them, particularly the laptops, will ease some challenges affecting their academic work. We are very glad to have the parents around and their presence meant a lot to us. In addition, we very much appreciate the gifts they have given us, this is a big boost to our priesthood journey”, he said.

Seminarians to the diocesan priesthood in Malawi undergo nine years of formation as they discern their vocation to priesthood.

They spend a year at either Kasina Spiritual formation in Dedza or St. Patrick’s in Rumphi before proceeding to St. Anthony’s (Kachebere) Major Seminary for rigorous Philosophy and other social disciplines for three years before proceeding to St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba for theological studies which covers four years. In between the time at the St. Peter’s Major Seminary, they spend a year in parishes and institutions for pastoral experience in their respective dioceses.

Kachebere Major Seminary has currently 92 seminarians from all the dioceses in the country out of which six are from the diocese of Chikwawa.

DEATH ANNOUCEMENT

The Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi regrets to announce the death of RV. FR. SILVESTRO (SILVIO) ZANARDI, MCCJ who passed on today, 5th June 2024 at Verona it Italy, his Home Country.

Fr. Silvio was Born on 28th Dec 1940 in Bergamo Italy.

He made his Final vows on 09/09/66

He was ordained Ordained a priest on 28/6/1967.

He served in the following places
-His first appointment was Venegono, Italy 1967-70 and Burundi 1971-77
-Vubwi (Zambia) 1979
-Chadiza (Zambia) 1981-85
-Phalombe (Malawi) 1986
-Chadiza (Zambia ) 1987
-Matthias mulumba (Zambia )1990
-Lirangwe (Malawi )1993
-Msamba parish Lilongwe (Malawi) 1999- 2024

Fr. Silvio died today 5/6/2024 in Verona Italy! He will be buried in Italy.

Other Burial arrangements will be communicated later.

 

 

death fr Silvio

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