In the midst of the Jubilee Year, a jubilant gathering of over 2,000 members of the Children Apostolate, under the Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS) of St. Louis Montfort – Balaka Parish, in the Balaka Deanery, convened for a soul-stirring spiritual Recollection on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The Recollection, masterfully preached by Fr. Steven Limbani Kassimu, Chaplain of Children Apostolate in Balaka Deanery, was themed “Self-reliance as a Catalyst of People of Hope.”
As the faithful young pilgrims embarked on this spiritual journey, Fr. Kassimu illuminated the path to spiritual and physical development, emphasizing the paramount importance of self-reliance. “Christ is our resource, both spiritually and physically, and the Holy Spirit is the driving force to achieve this,” he reflected. The venerable priest underscored the potency of prayer in fortifying one’s relationship with the Almighty, exhorting the young apostles to “talk to God, and tell Him their fears, disappointments, frustrations, desires, and dreams.”
Fr. Kassimu further stressed the significance of the Sacrament of Confession, highlighting its role in spiritual healing. “The Sacrament of Confession helps one to heal spiritually,” he affirmed, encouraging the young ones to avail themselves of this sacrament to deepen their bond with God. As members of the Children Apostolate, Fr. Kassimu urged them to cultivate a life of devotion, citing the exemplary devotion of St. Louis de Montfort, who “had a passionate devotion to the Virgin Mary, and loved praying the Rosary.” This devotion, Fr. Kassimu noted, enabled St. Louis de Montfort to develop an intimate relationship with God.
Quoting the Montfort Missionaries’ motto, “We shall go to them,” Fr. Kassimu admonished the young apostles to “always think of those who are spiritually vulnerable, and go to them to share with them the Gospel of Love, hope, and encouragement.” On the material and physical plane, Fr. Kassimu encouraged the young ones to develop skills that can generate income, utilizing the resources God has blessed them with. He cited the example of Apostle Paul, who “used his talent in tent making to sustain himself.”
The Recollection was followed by vibrant social activities, including dramatic performances and poetic recitals. In her remarks, Sister Mercy Chatenga exhorted the Children Apostolate members to capitalize on this spiritual retreat, noting that “the Year of Jubilee is a time of spiritual renewal, starting afresh with the Lord, a time of reconciling with the Lord and the neighbor.” This spiritual milestone marks a significant achievement for the Children Apostolate members at St. Louis Montfort – Balaka Parish.
As the Recollections in the Deanery of Balaka draw to a close, the faithful will converge on Utale 1 Parish on October 18, 2025, for a celebratory visit to the Holy Place, featuring various spiritual activities. The parishes that have already conducted Recollections in the Jubilee Year of Hope include Utale 1, Mbera, Kankao, and Balaka.
Report by Fr. Francis Kachere, Communications Secretary – Diocese of Mangochi