Mangochi — His Lordship Bishop Montfort Stima celebrated the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination on 04th August, 2026, with a thanksgiving gathering at his residence.
In his address, the Bishop recalled that the priesthood belongs to Christ, and that priests are called to be humble servants of the Lord and of God’s people. He cautioned against any attitude that would treat the sacred ministry as personal possession, noting that fidelity to vocation requires continual conversion. Drawing from his pastoral experience at Limbe Cathedral Parish, he observed that the faithful rightly expect priests to live in a manner “worthy of their calling.”
The Bishop also reflected on the Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests. He highlighted the Curé of Ars as a model of holiness, humility, and dedication to sacramental ministry, noting that despite not being esteemed for worldly learning, the saint brought many souls to conversion through his prayer and pastoral charity.
Speaking on behalf of the ADCCOM family, Fr. Simon Mundisiye congratulated Bishop Stima on four decades of faithful priestly service. He described Bishop Stima as a man of simplicity and humility. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the clergy and the lay faithful for his exemplary episcopal leadership and pastoral care.
In attendance were representatives from the neighbouring communities of St. Paul the Apostle Seminary, St. John’s, Koche Parish, and Mangochi Cathedral.
Bishop Stima was ordained to the priesthood on 3rd August 1986 by the late Archbishop James Chiona at Limbe Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
Ad Multos Annos!
Diocese of Mangochi Communications