By Suleman Chitera

MANGOCHI, Malawi — Bishop Montfort Stima of the Diocese of Mangochi has urged members of the Legion of Mary to emulate the humility, simplicity and faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary as they continue their mission of evangelisation and service to communities across Malawi.

Bishop Stima made the call during the official opening of the 2026 Legion of Mary Annual General Spiritual Meeting at Our Lady of Victories Parish in Nankhwali, Mangochi.

The meeting is being held under the theme, “125 Years of Catholic Christianity in Malawi Rooted in Christ,” as the Catholic Church in Malawi commemorates 125 years of Catholic Christianity.Catholic Church celebrate jubilee year of development commission

Bishop Stima Calls for Mary’s Example

In his homily, Bishop Stima reflected on the important role of the Legion of Mary in evangelisation, prayer and service, urging legionaries to make the life of Mary a model for their apostolic work.

He said Mary’s humility, simplicity, obedience and commitment to God should inspire Legion of Mary members as they seek to serve the Church and the nation.

“As legionaries, you are called to be the light of the nation through lives of prayer, simplicity, and apostolic zeal after the example of Our Lady,” Bishop Stima said.

The Bishop emphasised that the Legion’s mission should not only be reflected in church activities but also through the daily lives of its members and their service to others.

Nankhwali Parish Celebrates Catholic Heritage

Speaking at the gathering, Very Rev. Msgr. Henry Chinkanda commended the Legionaries for choosing Our Lady of Victories Parish, Nankhwali, as the venue for this year’s annual spiritual meeting.Bishop Mchombo champions church-led economic empowerment through savings ministry

Msgr. Chinkanda highlighted the parish’s historical significance in the development of Catholicism in Malawi.

He said the name Our Lady of Victories points to Christ’s victory over sin and the devil while also reflecting the missionary courage that helped establish the Catholic faith in Malawi 125 years ago.

“The very name ‘Our Lady of Victories’ reminds us of Christ’s triumph over sin and the devil, and of the missionary courage that planted the faith in this land 125 years ago,” Msgr. Chinkanda said.

Legion of Mary Seeks More Priestly Support

Meanwhile, Prisca Nzunga, President of the Mangochi Regia, has appealed for stronger priestly accompaniment of Legion of Mary members across the Diocese of Mangochi.

Nzunga specifically called for increased support in organising annual spiritual retreats for legionaries in different parishes.Malawi catholic church set to host historic national eucharistic congress

She said regular spiritual formation and priestly guidance would help members deepen their faith and strengthen their commitment to the Legion’s mission.

Delegates Gather for Annual Spiritual Meeting

The Legion of Mary Annual General Spiritual Meeting has attracted delegates from nearly all parishes within the Diocese of Mangochi.

The gathering is providing legionaries with an opportunity for prayer, spiritual reflection, fellowship and renewal of their commitment to evangelisation.

The meeting will run until Sunday, August 9, 2026, when it will conclude with the celebration of Holy Mass.Christ Mandate Church and Wonderful Kids Foundation trained in conservation agriculture methods

The gathering comes as Malawi’s Catholic Church marks 125 years of Catholic Christianity, with the anniversary providing an opportunity for reflection on the Church’s missionary history and its continuing role in evangelisation and community service.