Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) - Formation in seminars, the training of catechists working in rural areas, the construction of children's wards in hospitals, educational materials for children in rural parishes and the ongoing formation of lay people, priests and religious are just some of the initiatives supported by the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi. The Catholic Church arrived in Malawi in 1901. From 1901 to 1922 there were about seven 7 parishes. Today, in 2022, there are almost 180 parishes with almost 100 sister communities, eight pastoral centers, three catechetical centers, 610 catechesis and almost 300 priests.
"If you read the history of the Church from a missionary perspective, you realize that the Catholic Church in Malawi took root through the prayer and offerings of the Pontifical Mission Societies - says Father Vincent Mwakhwawa, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi. The Church in Malawi has grown greatly in numbers, infrastructure and the formation of the faith of the people.It is visibly young and vibrant thanks to the educational work of the early missionaries and today the local clergy who were trained and supported by the Pontifical Mission Societies most lay people, children, young people and the elderly take an active part in the life and mission of the Church". At present, the local Church in the rural communities depends on the work of catechists who spend their time with the faithful to teach the faith, prepare children and adults for baptism, prepare young people for Christian marriage, the sick and the elderly visit, accompany spouses and coordinate pastoral programs. "Without catechists, the Church in rural communities would not exist", continues Father Mwakhwawa -. The PMS support the faith today and in the future through missionary formation and the involvement of children in the life of the Church". (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 19/5/2022)
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