MALAWI: Catholic Seminaries Alumni in Malawi Celebrate New Identity
Some of the Delegates to the AGM for Ex-Seminarians
Sam Kalimba
The Association of Ex-Seminarians in Malawi has voted to change its name to the Association of Catholic Seminaries Alumni (ACSA), following a request by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB). The voting took place at their 3rd Annual General Meeting on 6th December 2025 in Lilongwe.
The MCCB had expressed concerns that the term “ex-seminarian” carried a negative connotation, implying that members had been expelled or left the seminary under controversial circumstances.
The name change aims to promote inclusivity and improve the association’s image. The new name will be presented to the MCCB for approval in January 2026.
Monsignor Henry Chinkanda, national chaplain of the association, urged members to reflect on their pastoral and sacramental lives, emphasizing the importance of spiritual retreats and moral integrity.
The Association’s Secretariat ordered that members celebrate the Year of Jubilee for the ecclesial movements in their parishes. In response, members who pray at St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish animated the Mass on 7th December 2025.
In his remarks, the Association’s Board Chairperson, Dr. Maxon Ngochera, commended the Church for the opportunity to demonstrate that, despite not making it to the priesthood, the members could still participate in evangelization.
He also thanked the MCCB for entrusting them with the role of leading resource mobilization for the seminary fund, which supports the formation houses and the two major seminaries in Malawi.
Rev. Fr. Matthews Potani, who presided over the Jubilee, expressed gratitude for the group’s active presence at the parish through various lay leadership roles. He said that while some felt bitter toward the Church after leaving the seminaries, many are ready to serve the Church. He encouraged them to continue doing good to mankind.
The association comprises seven alumni of local minor seminaries and is expected to identify a patron saint, as requested by the MCCB.
