MALAWI: Vatican Envoy Commends Church’s Efforts in Children’s Faith Formation
Sr. Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Holy Childhood Association
By Brenard Mwanza
A senior Vatican official has praised the Catholic Church in Malawi for its growing investment in children’s missionary formation through the Holy Childhood Movement.
Sister Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Holy Childhood Association and representative of Pope Francis, made the remarks during her pastoral visit to the Archdiocese of Lilongwe on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The visit coincided with the ongoing National Children’s Congress organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB).
At Mulungu Alinafe (Emmanuel) Outstation of Holy Rosary Likuni Parish, Sr. Paulo and Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe observed dozens of children participating in catechesis, liturgical activities, and community service. The programs are led by the Sisters of Mother Teresa with support from parish catechists and youth animators.
Bishop Mwakhwawa said, “It was deeply moving to witness children so joyfully living out their missionary identity through prayer, liturgy, and generous acts of charity.” He stressed the Church’s commitment, stating, “We are committed to walking with children, accompanying them in faith, and equipping more animators to ensure no child is left behind in their journey of spiritual and human development.”
Sr. Paulo emphasized the global significance of grassroots faith formation. She said, “The service animators offer to children is a service to the world.” She described animators as “great and important people in the Church,” highlighting their role in nurturing both physical growth and moral and spiritual development of children. She warned, “If children are not formed with the right values, the future of society is at risk.”
At Likuni Parish, Sr. Paulo engaged with parish leaders and Holy Childhood members who testified how the movement has helped them grow in spirituality and missionary awareness. She said, “It is clear that this parish is planting strong seeds for the Church of tomorrow.”
Later, Sr. Paulo visited Tikondane Transit Shelter, a rehabilitation center for street-connected children run by the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. Managed by Sr. Marie Sakina, the facility currently houses 25 children and provides psychosocial support, basic education, and family reintegration services.
Reflecting on the visit, Sr. Paulo expressed concern for children affected by poverty, neglect, and displacement. She said, “When you visit a place like this, you realize the world is still full of suffering, but you also see the hope the Church is offering.” She added, “These children are not where they belong, and as a Church, we are called to respond with love and action.”
Despite limited resources, more than 90 percent of children passing through Tikondane are successfully reintegrated into their families or communities.
