NTAJA — The Bishop of the Diocese of Mangochi, the Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, has challenged members of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) to look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of Christian discipleship and a guide for their mission in the Church and family.
Bishop Stima made the appeal during Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, Ntaja, on Friday, 11 September 2026, as he officially opened the Diocesan CWA Annual General Meeting (AGM). The gathering is being held under the theme: “A Catholic Woman: A Missionary of Hope in her Family.”
In his homily, Bishop Stima reflected on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council. Lumen Gentiumdescribes Mary as “the model of the Church in the matter of faith, charity and perfect union with Christ” (LG, 63).
The Bishop reminded the women that, within the Holy Family of Nazareth, Mary exemplified a life of faith, love, service, and commitment to God’s will. He encouraged CWA members to imitate her virtues of humility, obedience, faith, and selfless service, so that they may become authentic “missionaries of hope” in their families and communities.
Bishop Stima further emphasized that Catholic women have an important role in nurturing faith within the family and strengthening the Christian life of their communities. Drawing inspiration from Evangelii Gaudium, he encouraged the women to become bearers of the joy of the Gospel through their everyday witness and service.
“A Catholic woman is called to be the heart of the domestic Church,” Bishop Stima said. “By imitating Mary, you become living signs of God’s presence, forming your children in faith and building families that are schools of prayer, love and solidarity.”
The Diocesan CWA Annual General Meeting brings together delegates from parishes across the Diocese of Mangochi for prayer, spiritual formation, reflection, and deliberation on matters concerning the apostolate and mission of Catholic women in the Church.
The gathering concludes today, Monday, 14 September 2026, with the celebration of a Solemn High Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, Ntaja.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi