In the heart of Chikwawa, a remarkable story of faith, gratitude, and selfless service has unfolded—one that reminds us all of the transformative power of putting our faith into action.
When Need Met Generosity
The MCA Sisters had been serving the community with dedication and love, ministering to the poor and broken-hearted. However, they faced a significant challenge: the lack of proper shelter threatened their ability to continue their vital mission in the area.
It was at this critical moment that Francisco Zonse and his family stepped forward. Moved by deep faith and profound gratitude for the Sisters’ service to their community, the Zonse family made an extraordinary decision that would change everything.
Building More Than Walls
The Zonse family took on the remarkable task of building a convent for the MCA Sisters—not just a shelter, but a true home where the religious could pray, live in community, and continue their essential work serving those most in need. This act of generosity represented far more than construction; it was a tangible expression of faith translated into action.
The project embodied the Gospel teaching that when we care for those who serve the least among us, we serve Christ himself. For the Zonse family, building this convent was their way of participating in the Sisters’ mission and ensuring that their work could continue uninterrupted.
A Sacred Blessing on Vocation Sunday
On Vocation Sunday 2025, a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting religious vocations, Bishop Peter Musikuwa had the honor of blessing the newly completed convent. The timing could not have been more meaningful—as the Church celebrated the call to religious life, this new home for the MCA Sisters stood as a powerful symbol of how the laity can support and nurture religious vocations.
Bishop Musikuwa’s blessing transformed the building from a simple structure into a sacred space, consecrated for prayer, community life, and service to God’s people.
A Living Testament to Gospel Values
This convent represents much more than bricks and mortar. It stands as a testament to several profound truths:
Faith in Action: The Zonse family demonstrated that true faith expresses itself through concrete acts of love and service. They didn’t simply pray for the Sisters’ needs—they answered those prayers through their own hands and resources.
Community Solidarity: In a world often marked by individualism, this story shows the beauty of a community that looks out for one another, especially those dedicated to serving others.
Supporting Religious Life: The project illustrates how laypeople can play a vital role in supporting religious vocations by providing the practical needs that enable religious to focus on their spiritual mission.
Gratitude Made Manifest: The family’s actions flowed from genuine appreciation for the Sisters’ work, showing how gratitude can inspire us to give beyond what might be expected.
A Challenge for All of Us
The story of the Zonse family and the MCA Sisters poses a compelling question for all of us: What can you do to support those who serve?
This doesn’t necessarily mean building convents, but it does mean recognizing the many ways we can support those who dedicate their lives to serving God and neighbor:
- Supporting religious communities through prayer and material assistance
- Volunteering with organizations that serve the poor and marginalized
- Using our skills and resources to meet practical needs in our communities
- Encouraging young people to consider religious vocations
- Creating environments where faith can flourish and service can thrive
A Prayer for Continued Grace
As we celebrate this beautiful example of faith in action, we turn to Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, asking for her intercession. May she continue to inspire families like the Zonses to open their hearts and homes to those in need. May she guide the MCA Sisters as they serve from their new home. And may she help all of us find ways to put our own faith into action.
The blessed convent in Chikwawa stands not just as a home for the MCA Sisters, but as a beacon of hope—proof that when ordinary people respond to God’s call with extraordinary generosity, lives are transformed and the Kingdom of God becomes more visible in our world.
About the MCA Sisters: The Missionary Congregation of the Angels serves communities throughout Malawi, dedicating their lives to prayer, community life, and service to the poor and marginalized.
Chikwawa Diocese: Part of the Catholic Church in Malawi, continuing the mission of evangelization and service under the leadership of Bishop Peter Musikuwa.
Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, pray for us.