The Church in Malawi

Bishop Montfort Stima of the Diocese of Mangochi urged members of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) to follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary in their service to the Church and their families. He made this appeal during Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in Ntaja on Friday, September 11, 2026, to open the diocesan CWA Annual General Meeting.

The meeting follows the theme, "A Catholic Woman: A Missionary of Hope in her Family." During his homily, Bishop Stima cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Second Vatican Council document Lumen Gentium to describe Mary as a model of faith, charity, and union with Christ. He encouraged the women to practice humility, obedience, and selfless service to become missionaries of hope within their communities.

Bishop Stima also noted that Catholic women play a vital role in nurturing faith and strengthening Christian life in their families. Drawing from Evangelii Gaudium, he encouraged the members to share the joy of the Gospel through their daily witness and service.

Catholic men from the Mpiri Deanery in the Diocese of Mangochi met at Namandanje Parish to discuss pastoral matters and upcoming organizational plans. Representatives from six parishes attended the meeting, including Namandanje, Nsanama, St. Mary’s, Mpiri, Holy Cross, and Masuku.

During the gathering, members discussed preparations for the upcoming National Catholic Men Organisation Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in the Diocese of Mangochi. The meeting also addressed the responsibility of members to support the Church through tithes to assist with divine worship, apostolic works, and charity.

Fr. Aaron Khonje, the parish priest of Namandanje, encouraged the men to remain committed to the Church and to work together to build up their local parishes. He urged the members to serve the Church and to promote unity, charity, and cooperation within the organization and across the deanery.

Bishop Montfort Stima of the Diocese of Mangochi confirmed 74 candidates during a Mass at St. Magdalene of Canossa–Koche Parish on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

During his homily, Bishop Stima told the congregation to increase their love for one another and practice reconciliation, apology, and forgiveness. He encouraged the community to reflect on their sacramental life during the Jubilee Year, as the Catholic Church in Malawi marks 125 years of evangelization. The bishop also urged people to resolve irregular marital situations to participate fully in the life of the Church. Referring to the Code of Canon Law and Lumen Gentium, he reminded parents of their duty to ensure children receive Baptism promptly.

Parish priest Father Kizito Khauya told the newly confirmed candidates that the sacrament is not a graduation from Christian formation. He explained that Confirmation perfects baptismal grace and strengthens Christians to act as witnesses, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Lumen Gentium.

Msgr. Dr. Patrick Thawale confirmed 182 youth at St. Andrea Kaggwa Parish on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The Eucharistic Celebration took place within the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Msgr. Thawale, who is also the parish priest, led the ceremony. During his homily, he encouraged the newly confirmed members to take on more responsibility.

A representative from the Universal Church Division of the Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart toured various projects within the Catholic Diocese of Karonga to observe their impact on local communities.