Lilongwe, Malawi — Saint Patrick’s Catholic Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, marking five decades of evangelization, pastoral care, and social outreach in central Malawi.
Founded in 1976, the parish has grown into a vibrant Catholic community of more than 4,000 faithful. It currently comprises two outstations – Kauma and Mgubo – as well as 46 Small Christian Communities that continue to sustain and strengthen faith life at grassroots level.
The jubilee is being celebrated under the theme: “50 Years of Grace: Anchored in Faith, Building the Future.”
Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, Parish Priest Reverend Father Kennedy Malemia described the milestone as a moment of thanksgiving and renewed missionary commitment.
“We are celebrating not only the growth of structures, but above all the growth of faith among the people of God,” Fr. Malemia said. “This jubilee reminds us that the Lord has journeyed with this parish from its humble beginnings to where it stands today.”
As part of the preparations, the parish has organised spiritual retreats and pastoral activities aimed at deepening the faith of parishioners and renewing their commitment to the mission of the Church.
Fr. Malemia said the retreats have offered the faithful space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal ahead of the main celebrations.
Alongside the spiritual programmes, the parish has intensified outreach initiatives to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, widows, and orphaned children.
“As a Church, we are called to serve,” Fr. Malemia said, underscoring the parish’s commitment to both spiritual and social dimensions of its mission.
The parish has already held jubilee celebrations at Mgubo Outstation on 10 May, while the closing celebrations are expected to take place in October 2026 at Kauma Outstation.
The main jubilee celebration will be marked by Holy Mass at St Patrick’s Grounds on Saturday, 30 May 2026, to be presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa on behalf of Archbishop George Desmond Tambala.
The parish has invited priests, religious sisters, and other pastoral agents who once served at the parish to join the faithful during the celebrations.
Fr. Malemia added that the jubilee has also prompted renewed reflection on collaboration within the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, particularly in supporting newly established parishes to grow in self-reliance and strong missionary spirit.
“We want to support the younger parishes so that together we continue building a strong, self-reliant and missionary Church,” he said.
Among the pastoral and social milestones highlighted during the briefing are charitable outreach programmes and the establishment of nursery and primary schools at Kauma Outstation, initiatives aimed at complementing government efforts in expanding access to education and promoting integral human development.
Meanwhile, Agnes Sentala, Treasurer of the Main Organising Committee, said the jubilee budget stands at 36 million Malawi Kwacha, with about 33 million already raised through contributions from parishioners and well-wishers.
The parish, located in Area 18 of Lilongwe, was named in honour of Bishop Patrick Kalilombe, who played a key role in transforming the former Chimutu Outstation into a fully fledged parish.
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