Ahead of Sunday of the Word of God, Diocesan Bible Coordinators in Malawi Urged to Ensure Solemn, Creative Observance

Blantyre, 14 January, 2026 / 3:45 PM

As the Catholic Church prepares to mark the Sunday of the Word of God 2026, Diocesan Bible Coordinators and Parish Priests in Malawi have been urged to ensure not only solemn but also creative observance of the annual celebration observed on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, this year on January 25.

In a circular dated Monday, January 12, the Secretary General of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) highlights practices intended to enhance creativity and solemnity.

“I kindly ask Diocesan Bible Coordinators and Parish Priests to ensure this day is observed with both solemnity and creativity,” Fr. Valeriano Mtseka says in the circular addressed to the Diocesan Bible Coordinators, Pastoral Coordinators, and Parish Priests in the Southern African nation.

Fr. Mtseka highlights a Bible procession and enthronement of the Bible during the liturgy, special display of the Bible or Book of the Gospels in churches and homes, and the communal praying of Lectio Divina in parishes, Small Christian Communities (SCCs), and families as practices that should be embraced on the material day.

The Malawian Catholic Priest further encourages the people of God to wear the ‘Bible Cloth’ on the day, expressing the hope that the celebration will deepen love for the Word of God and strengthen the mission to witness Jesus Christ.

Established by Pope Francis through his 2019 apostolic letter Aperuit Illis, the Sunday of the Word of God is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time. This observance aims to strengthen Catholics’ connection with sacred Scripture and emphasise the living nature of God’s word in the Church’s life.

This year, the Sunday of the Word of God will be celebrated on 25 January with the theme: “The word of Christ dwells among you”, drawn from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

In the January 12 circular, Fr. Mtseka emphasises that the Sunday of the Word of God is dedicated to celebrating, studying, and sharing the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church.

He explains, “It highlights the central role of God’s Word in our faith and mission, encouraging all the faithful to listen, read, meditate, and live in accordance with the Scripture. This day offers an opportunity to renew our relationship with Christ, who speaks to us through His Word.”