MALAWI: Director of Catechists Calls for Support Towards the Work of Catechists’
Rev. Fr. Peter Chatambala, Director of Catechists in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe
Sam Kalimba
The Archdiocesan Director of Catechists in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Rev. Fr. Peter Chatambalala, has called for support for the work of catechists. He said this on Saturday, August 23, on the occasion of celebrating the silver jubilee of one of the Catechists in the Archdiocese
He said that Catechists are the roots of the Church, as they are, in most cases, the first point of contact for the faithful who would want to receive any Sacrament from the Church.
Fr. Chatambala said Catechists are the unseen roots of the Church, anchoring the faith through teaching, preparing Christians for sacraments, guiding those returning to communion, training lay leaders, supporting small Christian communities (SCCs), and preaching the Gospel. Their vital but often hidden role calls for greater support from all.
He nonetheless thanked the Jubilarian Catechist Benjamin Kalongonda for living the faith for the past 25 years. “… I know it’s not easy and the road was not all smooth to cling to Christ in such a manner, but I would like to commend you,” he said.
He said that the Silver Jubilee celebration for Mr. Kalongonda was a testimony of faith, hope and perseverance, and dedication to duty for the past 25 years. He added that Mr. Kalongonda had done a lot in the Church from the year 2000 to 2025, including providing formation to new Catechists. He said that for one to be able to achieve this long service as a Catechist, he or she must have loved praying and reflecting on the Gospel to deepen their faith as the roots of faith.
Monsignor Patrick Thawale, Parish Priest for St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish, where the Jubilee took place, said that it was easy for him to accept hosting the celebration, taking into account the contribution Mr. Kalongonda makes to the Parish.
“Mr. Kalongonda is ever present at the Parish and all the Outstations. He is the face of our Parish, and no wonder, instead of calling his office Parish Office, Christians call it the Catechist’s office. We can only appreciate his service by celebrating with him and his family the Silver Jubilee,” he said.
Mr. Kalongonda, in his thanksgiving statement, appreciated the support he receives from God Almighty through the Parish Priest, Monsignor Thawale, all priests, Sisters, and the lay faithful who keep him moving in the service.
Mr. Kalongonda first became a Catechist in 2000 in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe and later moved to a Catechetical Training Centre (CTC) in the Catholic Diocese of Dedza, where he was a formator until 2021 when the CTC was closed. In the same year, in October, he moved to St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish, where he is still serving.
