On 26 December 2025, as Christians worldwide continued to rejoice in the birth of Christ, the Diocese of Mangochi gathered to honour its beloved Shepherd, His Lordship Bishop Montfort Stima, on the occasion of his 68th birthday. Faithful from all 25 parishes of the diocese, and beyond, converged at the Diocesan Offices Complex in Mangochi, symbolising unity, communion, and solidarity with their Bishop, a true successor of the Apostles.
The celebration also provided a meaningful platform for the “Msemino Aphunzire Pa Bill Yanga Campaign,” a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the education of major seminarians of the Diocese of Mangochi across all priestly formation houses in Malawi.
The day’s programme commenced with the solemn celebration of Holy Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral Church, presided over by Bishop Montfort Stima. The Eucharistic celebration set a prayerful and reflective tone for the event, as the faithful invoked God’s blessings upon the Bishop, the diocese, and the success of the fundraising campaign. At the conclusion of the Mass, the congregation processed to the designated venue where a luncheon and other activities followed, fostering fellowship and strengthening the sense of diocesan family.
In his address, Bishop Stima underscored the vital role of priests in bringing light to a world afflicted by corruption, broken marriages, and the abuse of social media. Quoting the words of Christ, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), the Bishop reminded the faithful of their shared responsibility in nurturing future priests. “The world is troubled, and priests are called to continue Christ’s mission by bringing light into darkness,” he said. “Every Christian has a duty to help shape and support the future pastors of the Church.”
The Guest of Honour, Minister of Transport and Public Works, Hon. Dr. Feston Kaupa, echoed the Bishop’s call, sharing his personal connection to the priesthood. “As a faithful Catholic, I have a brother who is a Catholic priest and another who served as a Brother in the Catholic Church. I urge fellow Catholics to respond to the Bishop’s appeal, not only today but at all times,” he said.
Other dignitaries present included the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon. Dr. Shadreck Namalomba, and the Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Rodrick Clement Chiwaya.
Currently, the Diocese of Mangochi has 32 major seminarians, with 5 at spirituality centres, 9 at Kachebere Major Seminary, and 18 pursuing theology studies at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi