The Catholic Church in Malawi has celebrated 125 years of evangelisation with a special Eucharistic celebration at St Mary’s Nzama Parish in Dedza, the historic site of the country’s first permanent Catholic mission, established by the Montfort Missionaries in 1901.
The celebration on 19 September brought together bishops, priests, religious communities, lay faithful, traditional leaders and government representatives under the theme Rooted in Christ, Sent for Mission.
Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, representing Pope Leo XIV, presided over the celebration. Two deacons were also ordained priests for the Diocese of Dedza.
The anniversary recognised the contributions of missionaries, catechists and local communities while highlighting the Church’s continuing work in education, healthcare and community development.
Archbishop Nwachukwu urged the new priests to rise above political and tribal divisions and serve as instruments of unity.
Why it matters: The anniversary celebrates the history of Christianity in Malawi while challenging the Church to continue meeting the spiritual and social needs of its communities.