1901–2026: Catholic Church in Malawi marks 125 years

Chancy Mterera, SMM – Dedza

The quasquicentennial celebration, held on 19 September 2026, brought together bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, traditional leaders and representatives of the Malawi Government under the theme, “Rooted in Christ, Sent for Mission: Celebrating 125 Years of Evangelisation in Malawi.”

Continuing the mission in Malawi

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelisation and Special Delegate of Pope Leo XIV for the jubilee celebrations.

The celebration also included the ordination of Deacons Timothy Tendai Chimbiya and Peter Bengo to the priesthood for the Diocese of Dedza, linking the commemoration of the Church’s missionary past with its continuing mission in Malawi.

Be above political and tribal divisions

In his homily, Archbishop Nwachukwu called on the Church in Malawi to remain rooted in Christ, in keeping with the theme of the jubilee, and to bring Christ to the people through its mission.

Addressing the two newly ordained priests, the Archbishop reflected on the biblical figure of Melchizedek, associated with righteousness and peace. He encouraged the new priests to rise above political and tribal divisions and to serve the people as priests of Christ and instruments of unity.

The celebration at Nzama also provided an opportunity to remember the generations of missionaries, catechists, religious men and women, and lay faithful who have contributed to the growth of the Catholic Church in Malawi since the arrival of the Montfort Missionaries in 1901.

Part of the faithful at the Eucharistic Celebration in Dedza

Spiritual and human needs of the people

Over the past 125 years, the Church’s mission has extended beyond proclaiming the Gospel to responding to the spiritual and human needs of the people. Through its schools, health facilities and other social initiatives, the Catholic Church has contributed to the development of communities across Malawi. The Church’s contribution to education remains visible in the performance of Catholic schools, with Catholic institutions featuring prominently among the schools with high distinction rates in the 2026 Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations.

An opportunity for gratitude

The jubilee, therefore, has been more than a commemoration of the past. It has offered the Church in Malawi an opportunity to give thanks for 125 years of evangelisation, recognise the contribution of generations who built the local Church, and renew its commitment to proclaiming Christ and serving the people.

(Luntha TV)

Advertisement