Give Young People “space to participate”: Bishop in Malawi Urges Greater Youth Involvement in Evangelization

Bishop Vincent Frederic Mwakhwawa of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe is calling on clergy, religious, and lay leaders to give young people more opportunities to participate in the Church's mission. In a video released Tuesday, the auxiliary bishop said that youth involvement in parish life often focuses too much on practical tasks rather than spiritual leadership.

Bishop Mwakhwawa noted that while young people attend parishes, they are rarely invited to lead in prayer, participate in adoration, or teach their peers. He urged leaders to entrust them with responsibilities such as accompanying children and the elderly, as well as helping others understand Church teachings.

The bishop made these remarks during October, which the Church observes as Mission Month. He connected his appeal to the theme for World Mission Day 2026, "One in Christ, united in mission," set by Pope Leo XIV.