Malawi’s First-ever Catholic Children’s Congress Concludes with Calls to Protect Young Ones from Harm

Lilongwe, 08 August, 2025 / 9:25 PM

The inaugural National Children’s Congress organized by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has concluded with a call to prioritize child welfare, safeguard children from harm, and promote their spiritual development through good role models.

Held from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at St. Don Bosco Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe, the four-day congress brought together 1,397 children — 622 boys and 775 girls — from all eight Dioceses of the Catholic Church in Malawi. Church leaders, animators, and guests also participated.

In a statement issued following the congress, MCCB members urge Catholic families and communities to protect children from all forms of harm and encourage their participation in the life of the Church.

“The Church should establish groups to fight against climate change and peer pressure and provide role models for children,” the Catholic Bishops say in the statement issued on August 3.

They add, “Church leaders should prioritize the well-being and participation of children in church activities.”

From the outset, the congress drew children into an encounter with God. The first day began with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering participants the opportunity to renew their hearts through confession and spiritual reflection.

Facilitators guided sessions on “Care for Creation,” encouraging the children to embrace Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on care for our common home, Laudato Si’, by caring for the earth and responding to the cries of the poor. 

Through interactive presentations and group discussions, they explored how everyday choices impact both the environment and the most vulnerable.

On the second day of the congress, Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba presided over Holy Mass and invited the children to embrace their baptismal mission in daily life.

“As children of God, we are called to be stewards of creation and to care for the most vulnerable among us,” Bishop Chaima said on August 1.

On that same day, each Diocesan delegation participated in a tree-planting ceremony, a visible sign of the children’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Beyond catechesis and environmental awareness, the congress also highlighted the gifts and diversity of Malawi’s children. The afternoons came alive with sports competitions, traditional dances, and colorful cultural displays, celebrating joy, unity, and youthful energy.

During the closing Mass of the congress on August 3, Bishop Montfort Stima of the Catholic Diocese of Mangochi commended the children for their full participation and enthusiasm throughout the Congress.

“This conference has been a powerful witness to the boundless potential of our children. May they continue to grow in faith, wisdom, and service to others,” Bishop Stima said.

Speaking during the August 3 Eucharistic celebration, MCCB President, Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, underscored the importance of prioritizing child welfare and spiritual development in the Church.

He tasked the congress’ organizing committee to “set up a national children’s committee, and plan a review meeting to discuss the outcome of the congress.”

The congress was themed “Children Missionaries of Hope!” with a motto “Children praying for and helping fellow children.”

The next National Congress for Catholic Children is to be held in 2028 in Mangochi Diocese.