AMECEA: Fr. Joseph Healey, MM: A Guide in the Journey of Small Christian Communities

Mwenya Mukuka

As the sun sets over the vibrant city of Lilongwe, history, faith, and community converge in a remarkable celebration—the Golden Jubilee Year of Small Christian Communities (SCCs). This workshop, held from July 2023 to July 2024, commemorates 50 years of SCCs’ existence, their growth, and their transformative impact on the local and universal Church.

Fr. Joseph G. Healey, MM, cannot be detached from Small Christian Communities’ formation. He is indeed a guiding light in the journey of Small Christian Communities. In recognition of his tireless dedication to the formation of Small Christian Communities (SCCs), Fr. Healey, was awarded by the AMECEA bishops. On Tuesday, August 21st, 2023, Fr. Healey presented to a group of 26 delegates in an event that followed the SCCs 50-year launch on August 19th, 2023. Despite being thousands of miles away in the USA, Fr. Healey made his impactful presentation online, sharing his insights and wisdom to help promote and animate Small Christian Communities among the laity.

Fr. Healey’s involvement in SCCs dates back to their early years, and his influence has been pivotal in nurturing the growth and significance of these communities. Through his dedication and commitment, Fr. Healey has played a key role in shaping the landscape of SCCs, ensuring their impact is felt far and wide across the AMECEA region.

In this article, I journey through the timeline of SCCs’ development, tracing the visionary steps that shaped Small Christian Communities, and their profound role in building a vibrant, interconnected, and participatory church. This is as presented by Fr. Healey.

Bishop Patrick Kalilombe’s Vision: Laying the Foundation

In 1972, the appointment of Malawian Missionary of Africa Bishop Patrick Augustine Kalilombe marked a turning point for the Church in Lilongwe Diocese. Bishop Kalilombe envisioned a new model of church, one that would bring the Church closer to the daily lives of its people. He drew inspiration from the teachings of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), emphasizing communion, participation, and engagement.

Recognizing the need to bridge the gap between the faithful and the Church’s hierarchy, Bishop Kalilombe convened a Mini-Synod in 1973-75. This gathering, a momentous event in Lilongwe, laid the groundwork for SCCs. With a profound understanding of local culture, Bishop Kalilombe proposed the establishment of Mphakati/Miphakati, neighborhood communities responsible for Christian formation and social betterment. SCCs were born, and these grassroots communities became the embodiment of a vibrant, engaged Church.

AMECEA and the Spreading Flame

The flame of SCCs didn’t remain confined to Lilongwe. The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) embraced the SCCs model, recognizing its potential to reshape the Church. The AMECEA Study Conference in Nairobi in 1973 declared the building of SCCs as a key pastoral priority, urging the Church to become self-ministering, self-propagating, and self-supporting.

SCCs: Catalysts for Change

SCCs became the catalysts for a renewed Church. These communities, far from being isolated groups, were integral to the Church’s life. As they spread across Eastern Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Malawi, SCCs exemplified a new way of living out the Gospel, fostering authentic relationships and communal belonging.

A Journey to the Present and the Future

Fast-forwarding through the years, we see SCCs not as static entities, but as living organisms that adapt, evolve, and address contemporary challenges. In 2022, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala convened the third Archdiocesan Mini Synod in Lilongwe Archdiocese, focusing on “Discerning with the Holy Spirit.” SCCs continued to be at the forefront, reflecting the communal discernment and unity of purpose these communities embody.

Synod on Synodality: A Global Conversation

As the universal Church gathers in Rome for the Synod on Synodality, the journey of SCCs finds resonance in the theme “Communion, Participation, and Mission.” This theme aligns seamlessly with the essence of SCCs, which have demonstrated that a Church rooted in local communities can effectively foster communion, participation, and mission.

Conclusion

The story of Small Christian Communities is a testament to the power of vision, communion, and participation. From Bishop Patrick Kalilombe’s early vision in Lilongwe to the global Synod on Synodality, SCCs have been a shining example of how the Church, by embracing its local roots, can inspire a spirit of togetherness, engagement, and shared mission. As Lilongwe celebrates the Golden Jubilee of SCCs, it is a reminder that the flame ignited here continues to burn brightly across the world, illuminating the path towards a more connected, participatory, and vibrant Church.

As Lilongwe continues to celebrate the rich history and promising future of Small Christian Communities, Fr. Joseph G. Healey stands as a shining example of the profound impact that individuals can have when they dedicate their lives to the service of the Church and its communities.

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