By Mabvuto Kalawa Malawi Freedom Network correspondent
The Holy Guardian Angels Small Christian Community (Mphakati) in Nathenje, Lilongwe, had a memorable and spiritually uplifting day as they offered their annual thanksgiving to God.
The Mass, officiated by Father Superior Fr. Regis Mshanga, was held as part of the community’s celebration of their dedication and commitment to the Catholic faith.
During his homily, Fr. Mshanga called on the faithful to remain united, cooperative, and prayerful, just as Jesus Christ was during His earthly ministry.
He encouraged the Christians to strengthen their faith and actively contribute to the growth and advancement of their small Christian community.
The Father Superior emphasized that cooperation and unity are the pillars of a thriving community, especially in newly established faith groups such as Holy Guardian Angels.
The first reading during the Mass was taken from Deuteronomy 26:1–11, which recounts the celebration of the Israelites after gaining freedom from Egypt.
In this scripture, the Israelites are instructed to rejoice with their families and the Levites as they offer thanksgiving for their harvest and deliverance from slavery.
The Gospel reading was taken from the book of Mark, in which a man approaches Jesus seeking healing for his suffering daughter.
Fr. Mshanga used this passage to remind the congregation that although diseases may exist in our homes, true healing comes only when we call upon Jesus.
The chairman of the Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati expressed gratitude to Fr. Mshanga for gracing the community with his presence during the celebration.
He noted that the community is still in its infancy, having only been established on March 2, 2025, and that members are still learning and operating through trial and error.
He therefore appealed to the parish leadership for training programs to help the members grow spiritually and administratively in their roles.
Fr. Mshanga congratulated the Mphakati members for the efforts they are making, particularly citing their impressive Sunday collections as a sign of commitment and growth.
He also reminded the congregation of the significance of their Mphakati’s name—Holy Guardian Angels—which is derived from the three archangels: Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael.
Fr. Mshanga explained that when God wants to perform miracles, He does so through Gabriel, and when healing is needed, it comes through Raphael.
He urged the community to be prayerful and to pray the novena dedicated to these three archangels for divine intercession.
Fr. Mshanga further explained the purpose of “Masika,” a thanksgiving offering to God, which all faithful Catholics are expected to give in gratitude.
The Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati currently comprises 36 families and is the sixth small Christian community under Nathenje Church Council.
It falls under Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, located in the eastern part of Lilongwe, which is under the jurisdiction of the Likuni Deanery within the Lilongwe Archdiocese.
The parish itself was established in the late 1960s and continues to support the growth of small Christian communities such as Holy Guardian Angels.
The celebration concluded with prayers and fellowship, marking yet another milestone in the spiritual journey of the Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati.
