MALAWI: MCCB President Calls for Urgent and Sustained Focus on Children’s Faith Formation
Children present offertory gifts to Bishop Martin Mtumbuka during Mass
By Brenard Mwanza
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka has issued an urgent call to the Catholic Church in Malawi to safeguard the faith of its youngest members, warning that neglecting children today risks a Church without faithful tomorrow.
Speaking at the official opening of the inaugural National Children’s Congress themed “Forming Missionary Disciples: Children Called to Serve”, held from July 30 to August 4, 2025, at St. Don Bosco Parish in Lilongwe, Bishop Mtumbuka lamented that children are often overlooked in pastoral planning and liturgical life. “If we don’t take care of these children today, we will be preaching to empty churches in 50 years,” he cautioned, prompting a reflective silence among attendees.
Bishop Mtumbuka, who also leads the Diocese of Karonga, emphasized the need for dedicated liturgies and catechetical programs tailored specifically for children. “Combining children with adults during liturgy does not serve their needs. They must have space where the Word of God speaks to them in a way they can grasp and live,” he explained.
He expressed concern that many parishes show minimal interest in children’s spiritual growth despite the Church’s mission being inclusive of all ages. “As bishops, we are fully committed to the faith development of children, but this commitment must extend to priests, catechists, and parents,” he added.
While recognizing the Church’s strong network of schools and a university providing quality academic education, Bishop Mtumbuka acknowledged challenges in religious education and catechesis. “We are doing something, but we are not satisfied that we are doing it to the best of our ability,” he said, noting inconsistent quality in catechism lessons across parishes.
Bishop Mtumbuka also commended the tireless efforts of religious sisters in nurturing young people’s faith, but warned that their work needs greater structural support. “Without proper faith formation, we will have no convents. No vocations. No future,” he said, urging the entire Christian community to assist children to “know, live, and defend” their faith.
The National Children’s Congress was organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in collaboration with the MCCB, bringing together children from across all eight dioceses.
Fr. Peter Ephraim Madeya, PMS National Director in Malawi, echoed the call for ongoing formation. “Every diocese must hold annual congresses and offer children leadership opportunities, especially during school holidays, to nurture their missionary identity and keep them engaged,” he said.
Missionary delegates who graced the Congress included Sister Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Holy Childhood Association at the Vatican, along with representatives from the United States, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
Participant Nancy Mathilauza from the Archdiocese of Blantyre shared her experience: “This Congress is helping me understand my faith and how to be a missionary.”
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