Zomba Diocese to Celebrate Laity Council Day

The Catholic Diocese of Zomba will celebrate its Diocesan Laity Council Day at Zomba Cathedral on Saturday, 24 October 2026, in an event that will bring together the lay faithful, clergy and religious for prayer, sports and cultural entertainment.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chidumu, confirmed that preparations for the event are at an advanced stage. He encouraged the lay faithful, clergy and religious from across the Diocese to participate in large numbers to make the celebration colourful and memorable.

The day's activities will begin with a Eucharistic celebration at 9:00 am, to be presided over by the Bishop of Zomba, Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima. The liturgical celebration will be followed by various sporting and cultural activities aimed at promoting unity, fellowship and interaction among the different groups within the Church.

Planned activities include football and netball matches between the Catholic Men's Association (CMA) and the clergy, and the Catholic Women's Association (CWA) and religious women, respectively. The CMA and CWA will also compete in a tug-of-war contest, while the youth will participate in long-jump competitions.

Meanwhile, Laity Council Chairperson Bernard Chirambo, reaffirmed the executive's readiness for the event when he addressed the clergy and lay faithful during the Mother's Day fundraising hike organised by the Association of Diocesan Catholic Clergy of Zomba (ADCCOZ).

As part of the activities, the CMA will sell food items to raise funds towards preparations for its Annual General Meeting scheduled for March 2027. The Diocesan Laity Council Executive will also sell drinks to support its local and national activities.

The celebration also comes as the Diocese prepares to host the National Laity Council Annual General Meeting at Thondwe Pastoral Centre during the first week of December 2026. The Diocesan Laity Council Day is expected to provide an opportunity for fellowship and help the Diocese prepare for the forthcoming national gathering.