Lilongwe, MALAWI — The Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, has urged nine newly ordained priests of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe to remain steadfast in prayer, saying it is the foundation of a faithful and fruitful priestly ministry.
Presiding over his first priestly ordination in Malawi at Maula Cathedral Podium on Saturday, 18 July 2026, Archbishop Perici told the new priests that their vocation would be marked by both joy and challenges, but encouraged them to remain close to Christ, the High Priest.
“When challenges come—and they will come—be strong. Do not be afraid. Look to Christ, the High Priest, and follow His example,” he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio described the celebration as a special moment in his ministry and thanked Archbishop George Desmond Tambala for inviting him to preside over the ordination.
He also expressed appreciation to the seminary formators for accompanying the candidates throughout their formation and to the parents who offered their sons in service to the Church.
Addressing the newly ordained priests, Archbishop Perici stressed that prayer must remain at the heart of their priestly life.
“Prayer is your only source of strength. Without prayer, you cannot serve well,” he said, urging them to remain united with their bishops, fellow priests and the faithful they have been called to serve.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Right Reverend Vincent Mwakhwawa, described the ordination of the nine priests as a significant milestone for the local Church, saying it reflects both the growth of the archdiocese and the generosity of families who continue to nurture priestly vocations.
He said the Church remains in need of more priests and religious as many parishes continue to expand.
“Many parishes need priests, and some are so large that they need to be divided to establish new parishes. Although we are celebrating nine new priests today, we still need many more priests and religious sisters,” Bishop Mwakhwawa said.
He appealed to young people to prayerfully discern God’s call, saying the invitation to serve the Church extends far beyond those ordained on Saturday.
“God has not called only these nine. There are many young men whom He continues to call. I encourage them to listen to His voice and respond generously,” he said.
The ordination of the nine priests adds to the pastoral ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe as it continues to respond to the growing spiritual needs of the faithful across the archdiocese.
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