Bishop Chaima Urges Children to Deepen Faith at First-ever Zomba Children’s Congress

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba, Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima, has urged children attending the Diocese’s first-ever Children’s Congress to use the gathering to deepen their faith, understand Catholic teaching and build meaningful friendships with fellow children. 

Bishop Chaima made the call on Thursday during the official opening of the 2026 Children’s Congress at Zomba Catholic Secondary School. He said children today are exposed to different philosophies, ideas and influences that can easily mislead and confuse them, making it important for them to come together to strengthen their faith and learn from one another. 

The Bishop encouraged the children to listen, ask questions, participate actively and deepen their relationship with God and with one another. He also urged them to interact freely with participants from different parishes to create new friendships and appreciate the diversity of the Diocese. 

The Local Ordinary further urged priests and religious sisters attending the Congress to make themselves available to answer children’s questions, particularly on priestly and religious vocations. He said the Diocese remains committed to nurturing children in the Catholic faith and encouraged them to actively participate in the life of the Church.

Meanwhile, Chairperson for the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Diocese of Zomba, Ms. Ellen Chatsalira, said the Congress had various sessions designed to equip children with knowledge and skills relevant to their faith and everyday lives. She said the sessions would cover Catholic Social Teaching, mental health and sanitation, child abuse and safeguarding, liturgy and faith formation. 

One of the participants, Yvonne Gowelo from Sacred Heart Parish (Zomba Cathedral), encouraged fellow children to commit themselves fully to the Congress by listening, participating in discussions and making the most of the opportunity to learn and interact with others. 

The three-day Congress, being held under the theme “Building a Strong Foundation of Faith in Children” and motto “Children Helping Fellow Children,” has brought together children from different parishes across the Diocese of Zomba for faith formation, learning, interaction and reflection, with the aim of strengthening their faith and encouraging them to play an active role in the life and mission of the Church.