Bishop Chaima Urges Children to Reach Out to Those in Need

Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba, has urged children in the Diocese to reach out to people in need, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who visited Elizabeth and offered her support.

Bishop Chaima made the remarks during the Eucharistic Celebration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which marked the closure of the first-ever Diocesan Children Congress, held from 20 to 22 August 2026.

The Diocesan Leader said that, just as Mary encountered the Angel who brought her a message from God and subsequently visited Elizabeth, the Congress was another encounter with the Lord, commissioning the children to spread the faith among their parents, relatives and friends.

“Learn from the Queen of Heaven, whose strong faith enabled her to accept God’s will and serve others. Your faith in God and willingness to do His will, will also glorify His name, just as Elizabeth honoured Mary, leading her to proclaim the Magnificat,” Bishop Chaima said.

The Prelate stressed that the Congress aimed to help children become rooted in faith, diligent in education and people of good behaviour.

In his remarks, the Diocesan Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Director, Fr. Samuel Mangulenje, called on the children to put into practice what they had learned during the Congress. He also appealed to the clergy and religious to include children’s programmes in their pastoral plans so that children can learn more about the Church and actively participate in its life.

Speaking on behalf of the children, ten-year-old Laurent Liponje from Pirimiti Parish, thanked Bishop Chaima and said the Congress had provided an important opportunity to deepen their understanding of faith, human dignity, environmental care, child abuse and mental health. He expressed optimism that the children would share what they had learned with others in the Diocese.

According to Diocesan PMS Team Leader, Ellen Chatsalira, close to 700 children attended the Congress. She appealed to the clergy and religious to continue accompanying children in their parishes so that they can grow deeper in faith, while thanking the animators for their support.

Zomba Diocese has 20 parishes, with children from across the Diocese attending the Congress under the guidance of animators and Pastoral Team members.

Malawi hosted its first-ever National Children Congress in 2025, where a resolution was made for Dioceses to organise their own Children Congresses. Zomba Diocese is the first Diocese to hold a Children Congress following the national event.