Namalaka, Mangochi – In a joyful celebration of faith and community, the Catholic faithful of St. Mary’s – Rashid Out-station, under Namalaka Parish in the Diocese of Mangochi, marked the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven with the inauguration and blessing of their newly built church. The event, which took place on Friday, August 15, 2025, was presided over by Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangochi.
The day’s festivities commenced with a vibrant welcome ceremony for Bishop Stima, marked by traditional drumbeats, dancing, and ululations. A group of women in uniform carried a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, symbolizing her presence and patronage over the celebrations. As the Bishop, clergy, and faithful processed towards the new church, singing Marian hymns such as “Ave Maria,” children scattered flowers along the path, setting the tone for a day of thanksgiving and joy.
Before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Stima led the rite of blessing for the new church building, invoking God’s presence and dedicating the structure as a sacred place of worship. In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the significance of the Assumption of Mary, describing her as a model of holiness, especially for the youth in today’s modern world. “Let us follow Mary’s example by keeping our bodies pure and remaining virgins until marriage,” he urged, emphasizing that any sexual activity outside marriage is sinful and prohibited in the Catholic Church.
The Bishop also encouraged parents to guide their children in spiritual growth, taking inspiration from Saints Anna and Joachim, the parents of Mary. “Let us imitate Mary’s deep trust in the Lord and make this newly opened church a place of spiritual growth and holiness,” he said.
In their speeches after the Holy Mass, Village Headman Rashid expressed his joy and gratitude for the establishment of a permanent place of worship in his area. He thanked the Diocese for providing a clean and portable water facility alongside the church, noting its benefits for the community. The Village Headman also appealed to Bishop Stima to consider establishing a nursery school near the church to support early childhood development and education in the area.
The Parish Moderator and Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Medrick Chimbwana, thanked all contributors, parishioners, donors, and priests for their dedication and sacrifice, highlighting the teamwork that made the project possible. “Let us make full use of this new church for catechesis, sacraments, and community service,” he encouraged.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Stima congratulated the parish on completing the project and revealed that the construction of St. Mary’s – Rashid Catholic Church was made possible through the financial support of Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS). He encouraged the faithful to give generously during Mission Sunday Collections to support similar projects in other areas.
The Bishop also encouraged the community to utilize the water sources around for irrigation farming, emphasizing that increased agricultural production would improve their livelihoods and strengthen their case for government development projects. “If you produce more, it will be easier for the government to consider constructing the Mangochi-Makanjira road,” he added.
The inauguration of St. Mary’s – Rashid Catholic Church marks a significant historical event in the spiritual life of the community, providing a permanent place of worship and a hub for spiritual growth and development. As the faithful gather in their new church, they are reminded of the importance of faith, community, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
St. Joseph the Worker – Namalaka Parish, with the inauguration of this new church, will now boast of five dynamic outstations radiating from its core, and these include: All Saints – Lupetere, St. Tereza – Lugora Church, St. Peter’s – Saiti Church, St. Padre Pio – Lungwena Church, and the newly inaugurated St. Mary’s – Rashid Church. This newly inaugurated Church is located approximately 26 kilometers from Namalaka Church; this outstation is proof of the parish’s commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving the faithful.
Report by Br. Francis Bartholomew Khamula and Fr. Francis Kachere
Communications Office – Diocese of Mangochi