MALAWI: Archbishop Tambala Inaugurates New Formation House for Franciscan Sisters
Archbishop Tambala and Bishop Konig cutting a ribon
Brenard Mwanza
His Grace the Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has on Sunday, January 12, 2025, inaugurated the new formation house for the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary at St. Benedict the Black parish in Dowa district.
The establishment of the formation house represents a commitment to supporting and nurturing future generations of Religious sisters in Malawi and beyond.
In his remarks at the end of the thanksgiving mass, Archbishop Tambala expressed appreciation to the congregation for the house which he feels would help in promoting local vocations as more girls would be inspired with the presence of religious sisters close to them.
“We must sacrifice our resources moving forward in supporting these sisters who have done a remarkable work that will benefit all of us,” he pleaded.
Over the years the Sisters, the prelate added, “have done a great mission and service at Madisi in Dowa and now they have opened this house where their candidates for the congregation will be formed. This is a great milestone in the missionary work.”
Sister Magdalena Schmitt FCJM, the congregation’s Superior said the inclusion of young women in their activities for over the previous 40 years in Madisi, Dowa – drew more desire among girls to join the religious life.
“This led to the establishment of this community that integrates the desires of young women into a shared spiritual life alongside male counterparts, Franciscan Friars, inspired by the principles of Saint Francis,” she said.
The house would also work as a convent for the Franciscan Sisters who are serving at St Benedict the Black parish.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Auxiliary Bishop Matthias Konig from the archdiocese of Paderborn in Germany, German Ambassador to Malawi, Ute Konig, priests and a number of religious sisters from various congregations.
Archbishop Tambala, in particular, expressed gratitude to the German ambassador to Malawi, acknowledging more missionaries who arrived from Germany and evangelized in Malawi, stating they had played an important role in missionary work.
