MALAWI: Radio Alinafe of Lilongwe Archdiocese, Marks 20 Years of Broadcasting

Staff Writer

Radio Maria, a Catholic community radio for the Archdiocese of Lilongwe in Malawi, has marked 20 years of broadcasting since its establishment in March 2002.

The Radio which commenced from a very humble studio at the Bishop’s garage, was established to respond to the invitation of the Bishops during the Special Assembly of the Bishops of Africa in 1994 to make use of the modern instruments of mass communication to spread the Good News.

During the 20 years, Radio Alinafe has been broadcasting various programs including Catholic Catechism, health, agriculture and environmental issues among others, which has changed the lives of many people because of its educative, informative and inspirational programs.

In his homily, during the thanksgiving Mass on Tuesday, September 27, Chairman for the Communications and Research Department at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and Local Ordinary of Mangochi Diocese Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima urged the media, especially Radio Alinafe, to impact the society to have a change of mindset and convert listeners.

On his part, the Director of the Radio, Fr. Louis Chikanya unveiled the vision and plans of the Radio highlighting that the Radio’s vision is “to establish a national radio station to widen the broadcasting area to reach many listeners.”

Additionally, he continued, the radio’s objective remains evangelization, fostering justice and peace, offering a forum for the audience to debate on issues that affect their lives, promoting Catholic choirs and train students of journalism in practical experience.