It was a happy occasion when all parishioners of Benga came together on the Monday after Pentecost to celebrate the feast of their parish: Mary, Mother of the Church. It was a time when Christians from different places shook hands and strengthened their unity and friendship.

The celebrations started with Holy Mass in the morning, presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe, Rt. Rev. Vincent Makhwawa. Dressed at their best, the women and men showed their preparedness and joy for this special day.

This year’s feast at Benga Parish was not only a celebration, but also a sign of the growth of the Church. Rt. Rev. Makhwawa administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 155 faithful who came from different outstations of the parish. In his homily, the bishop preached on faith and the importance of Mary as the Mother of the Church.

The day ended with the sharing of food and drinks, and photo taking sessions with the Bishop. This brought joy and smiles to many people. The Bishop will continue to stay with us at Benga Parish for some days to share more about life and the growth of the Church.

By Louis Mkweza

Junior Apprentice of the MCSPA

Benga Mission [Malawi]

Even though this is now a dry season and despite the set back due to Covid-19, this weekend has been a blessing!

Yesterday we celebrated 16 weddings in Chikowa and it was full of pomp and joy.

Today at Mthasewe we have celebrated 11 baptisms and confirmations. The gospel reading couldn’t have been more appropriate on the invitation to the Kingdom of God as a wedding feast. A kingdom that is open to everyone and a Kindgom where God does not tire in inviting us, to a point of going out of the roadsides to get the good and the bad alike. The newly baptised were all dressed in white, a sign that they have their wedding garment on. May we continue to transmit joy of the feast by purifying our hearts especially on this time of Covid-19 through acceptance of others and generosity.

May you have a blessed week ahead

Fr. Steven Ochieng MCSPA