“Escalation of prices affecting our budget”: Catholic Bishop in Malawi Appeals for Support of Seminaries

Blantyre, 15 October, 2024 / 10:25 PM

The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe has appealed for support for seminaries in Malawi, citing rising costs that he says have impacted the Church’s ability to provide for the formation of future Priests in the Southern African country.

Speaking at the Sunday, October 13 celebration of the feast of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus at Mlale Catholic Parish of the Metropolitan See, Bishop Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa urged Christians of goodwill to take responsibility in aiding seminarians.

“The escalation of prices of most things in Malawi is affecting our budget but also our contribution to the seminary,” Bishop Mwakhwawa who was ordained as the Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe Archdiocese in January this year said in a report that the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) published on Monday, October 14.

He added, “It is our duty as the Church to support these young men in seminaries because some of them come from poor families, which makes it not easy for them to pay fees.”

The Bishop Chairman of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi lauded the growing number of seminarians in the country, a situation he said has put additional strain on the Church’s financial resources.

He emphasized, “The number of seminarians in the seminaries is growing, which makes the budget to increase every year.”

Bishop expressed joy that amid the financial challenges, more and more young men are answering the call to the priesthood. He said the rise in priestly vocations in the country will help the Church to meet the spiritual needs of its members.

 “It is exciting that more boys are responding to God’s call to become Priests,” he said, adding that the need for their formation is urgent.

Speaking at the same event, the Chairperson of the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) for Maula Deanery assured the Bishop that the association would reflect on the call and mobilize resources to support the seminaries.

“We will encourage all women to respond accordingly by contributing resources towards this cause,” Christina Lupia said.

Meanwhile, in another event on Saturday, October 12 at St. Mathias Parish, Lumbadzi, of Lilongwe Archdiocese., Bishop Mwakhwawa called on women to take a leadership role in supporting those in need, emphasizing the importance of compassion and action.

“Among us, there are many needy people who are going through various problems and need help,” he said, and stressed,  “Be women of substance. Bring a difference in someone's life.”

The Bishop highlighted the crucial role women play in both the Church and society, calling on them to actively seek opportunities to serve others.