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,