MALAWI: Chichewa Breviary Launch Marks Step Toward Inclusive Evangelization — Archbishop Msusa
Luke Bisani
Montfort Media, a Catholic-owned publishing house in Malawi, has launched a Breviary in Chichewa, one of the country’s major local languages, to deepen the prayer life of many faithful.
Speaking during the launch, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Most Reverend Thomas Luke Msusa, said the Chichewa Breviary will enable more Catholics to actively follow and participate in the Church’s liturgy.
He encouraged Catholic Christians nationwide to use the Breviary effectively to enrich their spiritual lives.
Director of Montfort Media in Malawi, Fr. Blaise Jailosi, SMM, expressed optimism that the Chichewa Breviary will significantly benefit those who primarily read and understand Chichewa and may struggle with English.
The Archbishop noted that translating liturgical texts into local languages is an important step toward inclusive worship and evangelization.
Chichewa is Malawi’s national language, originating from the Chewa people, and is taught in schools to promote unity and break language barriers among citizens.
The term breviary is derived from the Latin word breviarium, meaning “abridgment.” It is a liturgical book used in Christianity for praying the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, which includes psalms, hymns, readings, and prayers recited at specific times of the day, known as the canonical hours.
