Machinga, Malawi — In a joyful homecoming filled with gratitude and celebration, Mpiri Parish in the Diocese of Mangochi welcomed back two of its most esteemed sons, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala and Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, for a Thanksgiving Mass marking their first visit to Mpiri as bishops.
A Celebration of Faith and Gratitude
The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Tambala and concelebrated by Bishop Mwakhwawa, paid tribute to the parish’s deep spiritual heritage and its pivotal role in nurturing priestly vocations.
In his homily, Bishop Mwakhwawa reflected on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, emphasizing reverence for the Church as a sacred dwelling of God:
“Take time to visit Christ, who is always present and waiting for you in the Church,”
he urged, calling on the faithful to lead lives of purity and devotion.
Honouring a Legacy of Faith
Following the Mass, the two prelates expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners for their warm welcome. Archbishop Tambala commended Mpiri Parish for its enduring legacy as one of the oldest in the diocese and encouraged the faithful to prepare spiritually for the parish’s upcoming Centenary Jubilee in 2026.
“As you prepare for the Centenary Jubilee, prepare your hearts and renew your Christian life,”
he said, urging parishioners to emulate the missionary zeal of the early Montfort Fathers who first preached at Mpiri.
A Call to Nurture the Future
Bishop Mwakhwawa also used the occasion to appeal to parents to prioritize their children’s education and to discourage early marriages, describing education as the foundation for a better future.
The parish priest, Fr. Danasio Malajira, thanked the bishops for choosing Mpiri as the venue for their thanksgiving celebration and invited them to return for the centenary festivities next year.
A Parish Rich in Heritage
The celebration drew a large gathering of clergy, religious, and lay faithful, including Fr. David Kaliyos and Sr. Florence Mmeta, both proud children of Mpiri Parish. The bishops were accompanied by Fr. Charles, youth representatives from Maula Cathedral, and Sacramentine Sisters from Namwera.
In closing, Archbishop Tambala and Bishop Mwakhwawa expressed their profound appreciation for Mpiri Parish, acknowledging its formative role in their spiritual journeys and vocations to the priesthood. Their visit served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of faith and the importance of honouring one’s roots.
A Legacy of Mission
Archbishop Tambala hails from St. Montfort Mphakati, within Mpiri Parish, while Bishop Mwakhwawa spent his formative years in Ngokwe, where his parents were long-time parishioners. Both began their priestly journeys at Mpiri — making their return a truly symbolic homecoming.
Founded in 1926 by the pioneering Montfort Missionaries, Mpiri Parish stands today as one of the oldest and most influential parishes in the former Shire Vicariate, continuing its legacy as a cradle of faith and vocation.
Communications Office — Diocese of Mangochi