Story by Mabvuto Kalawa – Malawi Freedom Network
Christians of Holy Guardian Angels have been urged to find ways of sourcing resources in order to become self-reliant as a mphakati.
This call was made today when Brother Mark, who is on pastoral experience, visited the newly established mphakati.
It was his first time to visit the community, and his objective was to encourage members in their spiritual lives while strengthening their unity.
In his address, Brother Mark explained the meaning of a mphakati and its role in the Catholic Church.
He highlighted that there are six thematic objectives for which Catholic bishops established these small Christian communities.
According to him, the six pillars that must guide every mphakati are engaging in charity work, fostering cooperation among members, learning new skills, initiating developmental activities, and working towards self-reliance.
Brother Mark further encouraged members to learn different skills as part of their contribution to the community’s development.
He also stressed the importance of teaching children both spiritually and mentally.
“You must teach your children to pray and send them to school from Monday to Friday,” he said. “On Saturdays and Sundays, let them come to church and join youth organizations so that the church will have trustworthy Christians in the future who grow in a Christian way.”
He cautioned parents against beating children when they go wrong but rather advising and praying for them.
As an example, he cited the story of Saint Augustine, whose mother prayed tirelessly for him until he changed later in life.
Brother Mark also encouraged men and women to join various church associations such as the Catholic Men’s Association, Catholic Women’s Association, and the choir, stressing that active participation in these groups would strengthen the church’s growth.
He thanked the mphakati members for their cooperation and love, acknowledging that although it is a newly established community, he had observed strong unity among them.
The gathering also included scripture readings and preaching, during which Brother Mark emphasized the need to love one another and to have trust in God.
In his remarks, Mr. Malaki Kambani Banda, the mphakati chairperson, thanked Brother Mark for his visit, noting that members were very happy with his encouragement.
He assured him that they would follow the advice and also introduced the executive members of the mphakati.
Banda explained that the Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati was established in March this year after members were previously part of St. Martin.
He said the parish council created the new mphakati to comply with church guidance that each mphakati should consist of around fifty members.
Banda also pointed out that since the executive members were elected, no orientation has been conducted, and he requested further training to help members understand their roles.
He further appealed for continued visits to other mphakatis within the parish, saying such tours would help strengthen Christian life.
“We have learned a lot of things from your visit, and we will be praying for you to achieve your God’s calling,” Banda concluded.
Holy Guardian Angels is one of the mphakatis in Nanjete Parish, which has eighty-four mphakatis and six church centres.
Brother Mark comes from Madisi Parish under Madisi Deanery.
He is currently in his fifth year of theological studies at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba, preparing for ordination as a priest.
As part of their pastoral work, seminarians are required to visit Christians in mphakatis, and this visit formed part of Brother Mark’s pastoral mission.
Concluding Analysis
The visit by Brother Mark to the Holy Guardian Angels Mphakati reflects the crucial role that small Christian communities play in strengthening the Catholic Church in Malawi.
Mphakatis are not only centres for prayer and spiritual growth but also platforms for social support, cooperation, and grassroots development.
By encouraging self-reliance, skill-building, and active participation, the Church ensures that members are empowered both spiritually and economically.
Such visits also reinforce unity, promote continuity of faith among children, and sustain the growth of the Catholic community across parishes.
