Plans Underway for First-Ever National Eucharistic Congress in Malawi to “renew faith”, Part of 2025 July Jubilee Year

Blantyre, 09 July, 2025 / 10:24 PM

Plans are underway for the realization of the first-ever national Eucharistic Congress in Malawi, an official of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has said. 

In an interview with ACI Africa, the MCCB National Pastoral Coordinator said that the August 5 – 9 Congress that aims to “renew faith” and foster “ecclesial communion” in Malawi is part of the country’s national celebration of the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.

“In the spirit of the Jubilee, which calls all believers to rediscover the joy of Christian hope, the Congress aims to renew faith, strengthen ecclesial communion, and reaffirm our commitment to evangelization and solidarity, especially with the poor and marginalized,” Fr. Joseph Sikwese said during the Tuesday, July 8 interview.

Fr. Sikwese added that the Congress that is organized under the theme, “Eucharist: Source and Summit of Pilgrims of Hope,” seeks to encourage the people of God in Malawi “to develop a more profound love and understanding of the Eucharist, which is at the centre of the Church’s life and mission.”

In the Interview, the Malawian Catholic Priest told ACI Africa that the five-day Congress to be held at Our Lady of Africa Maula Cathedral of Malawi’s Lilongwe Archdiocese will “be a profound moment of spiritual renewal for the Church in Malawi.”

Asked about expectations ahead of the inaugural national Eucharistic Congress, Fr. Sikwese, who also serves as the Deputy Secretary General of MCCB, said that Malawi’s Catholic Bishops hope that the spiritual initiative will result in “personal and communal transformation”.

He said that MCCB members also expect the Congress to lead to deeper spiritual nourishment through a renewed love for the Eucharist and a strengthened missionary spirit.

Additionally, Fr. Sikwese said that initiators expect the Eucharistic Congress to lead to “increased promotion of Eucharistic adoration and greater unity and solidarity among the faithful.”

“We envision participants returning to their communities renewed in faith and committed to living and sharing the transformative power of the Eucharist in their daily lives,” he said.

In the July 8 interview, the MCCB national pastoral Coordinator spoke about preparations ahead of the Eucharistic Congress, which he said has incorporated all groups, including those of youths.

“Preparations for the National Eucharistic Congress are twofold: logistical and pastoral,” he said, and added, “At the logistical level, the organizing committee is predominantly made up of lay faithful, with young people actively involved in planning and coordination.”

Pastorally, the MCCB official told ACI Africa, “Parishes across Malawi are participating in weekly Eucharistic adoration and catechesis to deepen the faithful's understanding of the Eucharist.”

As part of the preparations, he said, “Catholic radio and television stations also broadcast special programs dedicated to the Eucharistic Congress, some specifically aimed at engaging the youth.”