MALAWI: Auxiliary Bishop Urges Politicians to Serve with Love and Dedication
CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF LILONGWE
Bernard Mwanza
As Malawi gears up for the September 17, 2025 General Elections, the Catholic Church has called on politicians to prioritize serving the people with love, zeal, and dedication.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe Rt. Rev. Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa made the remarks on Sunday, 13th October 2024, during the feast celebration of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus at Mlale parish in Lilongwe.
He emphasized that politicians are also missionaries, entrusted with the responsibility of caring for their constituents.
Bishop Mwakhwawa stressed this point in his homily while reflecting on the life of St. Teresa, who supported many people in their spiritual journeys.
He said politicians, particularly Catholics, should be inspired by St. Teresa to serve with compassion and integrity and that they should be in the forefront to guide other politicians on how best to serve their people.
He further hinted that it is high time politicians understood that politics is not about competition but to serve the people better.
“The definition of politics in our local language is quiet misleading – ‘ndale’ promotes competition until someone falls, but we should change this perception so that political leaders understand that this is a service for the people,” Bishop Mwakhwawa emphasized.
Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msinja North Constituency Binton Kuntsaira who attended the celebration alongside other politicians, at the invitation of the parish, commended the Church for its continued efforts in advising politicians and reminding them of their role in the society, saying the Church plays a vital role in promoting peace and good governance.
“We’re really grateful for such advice and reminder made by the bishop. We ask our bishops to keep on reminding us every time so that we shouldn’t go astray in our quest to serve the people,” Kuntsaila said.
With just eleven months remaining before the general elections, political parties in Malawi are intensifying their preparations.
The Catholic Church remains in the forefront, reminding citizens about the importance of peaceful elections and responsible leadership.
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