The Catholic Church in the Diocese of Mangochi joined the Universal Church in commemorating the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with a vibrant diocesan celebration held under the theme “Christian Families: Agents and Pilgrims of Hope.” The event, held at St. Louis Montfort – Balaka Parish, brought together families from across the diocese to reflect on the importance of family life and the Sacrament of Marriage.
In his presentation, the Diocesan Chaplain for the Family Apostolate, Fr. Danasius Malajira, urged Catholic families to be “active carriers of God’s message through their way of living,” emphasising the call to journey through life with faith. “Families are the domestic Church, where faith is first proclaimed and lived,” he said, echoing the words of Pope St. John Paul II (Familiaris Consortio, 1981).
The celebration included a procession through Balaka Town, culminating in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, during which Bishop Montfort Stima exhorted families to emulate the Holy Family’s example of love, unity, and perseverance. “Despite challenges, the Holy Family remained together and resolved their difficulties as one,” he said. “Keep Jesus at the centre of your life, just as Joseph and Mary did.”
The Bishop’s message resonated with the scriptural exhortation, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). During the celebration, families renewed their marriage vows, while 12 exemplary couples were awarded certificates in recognition of their faithful commitment to Christian marriage.
In his remarks, Bishop Stima encouraged families to live exemplary Christian lives that would attract young people to the vocation of marriage. “Frustration is a sign that the devil is at work; pray together as families, and you will succeed,” he said.
The celebration continued with a visit to Balaka District Hospital, where families shared gifts with newborn babies and offered words of encouragement to patients and their families. Fr. Malajira explained, “We came to share the joy of Christ’s birth and to assure them that they are not alone.”
The event ended with a shared meal organized through a bring-a-dish initiative by Marriage Encounter and Teams of Our Lady. As Pope Francis reminds us, “The family is the first and most important school of love” (Amoris Laetitia, 2016). May the example of the Holy Family continue to inspire Christian families to be a source of hope and love in society.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi