Ulongwe Parish – The Diocese of Mangochi officially launched Bible Month 2026 on Sunday, 6 September, at Sacred Heart Parish in Ulongwe, with His Lordship Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, Bishop of Mangochi, presiding over the celebration.
The launch coincided with the celebration of the parish’s patronal feast, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, bringing together priests, religious, catechists and lay faithful from Ulongwe Parish and beyond.
In his message, Bishop Stima emphasised the importance of cultivating a culture of lectio divina and allowing Sacred Scripture to shape every dimension of Christian life. He highlighted the teaching of the Second Vatican Council in Dei Verbum, which states that “the Church has always venerated the Divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord.”
The Bishop encouraged every Catholic household and individual to own a Bible and make the reading of Sacred Scripture part of daily life.
He further called on all Church groups, associations and movements to begin their meetings with the reading and reflection on the Word of God. He also urged families to make Bible reading a regular practice in their homes, emphasising the importance of creating a culture in which the Word of God is encountered not only in church but also within the family.
Addressing the clergy, Bishop Stima challenged priests to read the Bible regularly and to develop a deep love for the Word of God. He reminded them that, as ministers entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel, they must first be nourished and transformed by the Scriptures they preach to God’s people. This reflects the teaching of Presbyterorum Ordinis concerning the priest’s responsibility as a herald of the Word.
Turning to the lay faithful, the Bishop challenged those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation not only to live according to the Word of God but also to proclaim it and become witnesses of Christ in their families and communities. He noted that this reflects the universal call to holiness and mission affirmed by Lumen Gentium.
Bishop Stima reminded the faithful that Christ continues to speak to His people through His Word. He said that the Word of God must be received as spiritual nourishment and allowed to transform the lives of those who encounter it.
He stressed that observing Bible Month should not be limited to September. “Bible Month is a month to celebrate the Bible, but the Word of God is for every day,” he declared.
The Bishop therefore urged the faithful to ensure that Sacred Scripture becomes a permanent feature of Christian discipleship throughout the year.
The celebration at Ulongwe Parish marked the beginning of Bible Month activities in the Diocese of Mangochi, with the faithful encouraged to deepen their relationship with Sacred Scripture and allow the Word of God to guide their Christian lives.
Communications Office | Diocese of Mangochi