At the close of their national conference in Lilongwe, Church and lay leaders urged Catholic men to deepen prayer, strengthen families, and promote integrity for the good of the Church and society.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, His Lordship Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa, has called on Catholic men in Malawi to embrace renewal and become true agents of evangelisation rooted in Christ.
He made the call during the closing ceremony of the Catholic Men Association (CMA) Annual General Conference. The gathering was held from 20 to 22 March 2026 at St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe under the theme “Rooted in Christ, CMA Members Sent for Mission as Agents of Evangelisation.”
Bishop Mwakhwawa urged participants to put into practice what they had received during the gathering. “Go back to your homes and live what you have learned. You have listened to the Word of God. Let it shape your lives in your families, your parishes, your workplaces, and your nation.”
Prayer at the Heart of Family and National Life
The Bishop emphasized the importance of prayer in daily life. He called on men, especially fathers, to take responsibility for the spiritual life of their families. “Make prayer a priority in your families. As fathers, take the lead in spiritual matters. Pray together and guide your children. Allow them to take part so that they grow in faith.”
He also encouraged commitment to the Eucharist, especially for those living near their parishes. “Commit yourselves to the celebration of the Eucharist. Let prayer strengthen your families, build the Church, and help you intercede for our country.”
Speaking about the situation in Malawi, he highlighted the importance of prayer, saying: “The challenges we face cannot be solved by technical solutions alone. Prayer is essential.”
Formation, Integrity, and Care for Creation
Bishop Mwakhwawa encouraged men to continue supporting one another in living according to the teachings of the Church. “Continue teaching one another the values of the Church. Help each other to live moral and upright lives even in your workplaces.”
He also urged responsible stewardship of the environment. “Take care of the environment. Be responsible citizens who live ethically and protect what God has entrusted to us.”
The Bishop spoke with urgency about corruption, urging men to “reject corruption in all its forms” and not give in to temptation while upholding honesty and responsibility in their work and in society.
Strengthening CMA in the Church
Bishop Mwakhwawa addressed concerns about the recognition of the association in some parishes. He reassured members of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops’ support.
“Where the CMA is not yet understood, we will work to ensure that it is explained and appreciated. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Support it and help it grow in your parishes.”
A Call to Go Forth Renewed
CMA National Chairperson, Onances Luke Nyirenda, described the gathering as a moment of grace and renewal. “This has been a grace-filled conference marked by renewal, unity, and hope. Go forth as transformed men ready to live your faith,” he added.
He also highlighted the conference’s focus on synodality, encouraging members to embrace a spirit of walking together, strengthening communication, and practicing servant leadership.
Catholic Men and National Development
Malawi’s Minister of Defence Feston Kaupa offered a broader perspective, describing the association as an important force for unity and development.
“Catholic men coming together as one body is a powerful sign. It strengthens faith, families, and the nation,” he said.
He concluded by linking faith with national progress. “When men are grounded in faith, they contribute meaningfully to society. That is how we build a better Malawi.”
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