Chiyendausiku, Balaka – Ninety-four members of the Holy Childhood Apostolate from Chiyendausiku Sub-Parish gathered on Saturday, 16th May 2026, for a day of recollection held at the Sub-Parish under the theme “Eucharist, the Heart of the Holy Childhood Ministry.”
Presiding over the spiritual program, Fr. Steven Limbani Kassimu, Chaplain of the Holy Childhood Apostolate for Balaka Deanery, centred his reflection on Matthew 14:13-20. Drawing from the Gospel account of the feeding of the five thousand, he reminded the children of the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of faith.
“The Eucharist is a necessity for every child,” Fr. Kassimu said. “Just as Christ saw that His disciples needed food for their journey, so too do all children need the spiritual food of the Body and Blood of Christ. I appeal to you to show concern for those who do not yet receive the Eucharist, and to take steps to assist them.”
He further emphasized that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is a sign of unity and love, and urged the children to promote this spirit of communion in all their activities. “The Church is built upon and finds its centre in the Eucharist,” he said, recalling the teaching of the Second Vatican Council that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium 11).
Fr. Kassimu also stressed the importance of interior disposition in receiving the Sacrament. “Preparation is key. The Sacrament of Reconciliation disposes the heart to receive the Eucharist worthily. It is an act of total humility before God.”
In his remarks, Mr. Innocent Kanjira, Animator of the Holy Childhood Apostolate at Chiyendausiku Sub-Parish, encouraged the children to value the Sacrament deeply. “The Sacrament of the Eucharist shapes us, identifies us, and guides us on our path as missionary children of the Church,” he said.
Mr. Amosi Nyalungwe, Catechist of Chiyendausiku Sub-Parish, added his voice in calling the children to reverence. “Give the Sacrament of the Eucharist the honour and respect it deserves, for in it Christ Himself is truly present,” he stated.
The recollection concluded with the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Holy Mass, and social games, creating an atmosphere of both prayer and fraternity.
The program was organized to prepare the children for the forthcoming Diocesan Eucharistic Congress and to strengthen their understanding of their role as young missionaries in the Church’s mission of evangelization.
Communications Office
Diocese of Mangochi