On November 1, 2025, the Feast of All Saints, St. Joseph – Namalaka Parish was filled with joy as Bishop Montfort Stima, prelate of the Diocese of Mangochi, officially blessed and opened Lupetere Church, dedicating it to the patronage of All Saints.
In his homily, Bishop Stima delivered a powerful message, urging the faithful to strive for holiness. “Saints should be your models, so that it is possible to become holy,” he said. “Holiness does not come on a silver platter, but one has to work hard to achieve it. Along the way, one is bound to meet challenges, especially from those who do not wish them well. These challenges should never bring us down, but propel us to strive more.”
The Bishop also emphasized the importance of inner beauty, saying, “Just as the Church building is beautiful, your hearts should also be beautiful, because your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
The Bishop also emphasized the importance of inner beauty, saying, “Just as the Church building is beautiful, your hearts should also be beautiful, because your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.”
Bishop Stima commended the cordial relationship between Christians and Muslims in the area, citing the presence of Muslim leaders and chiefs at the ceremony as proof of this ecumenical spirit.
The Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangochi, Fr. Davie Mambo, was also present, having played a significant role in the construction of the church during his tenure as Parish Priest. Fr. Mambo’s efforts, including encouraging Christians to mould bricks and collect sand, were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, despite land disputes.
The construction of All Saints – Lupetere Church was made possible through the generous assistance of St. Joseph – Namalaka Parish’s sister parish, St. Brendan, in the United States of America, as well as the Catholic grouping “I am Catholic, I am Proud,” which donated cement and roofing sheets.
Located 30 km from the Parish Church, All Saints – Lupetere Church serves a community of 72 Christians from 16 families, in a predominantly Muslim area.
Communications Office – Diocese of Mangochi