In a joyous celebration of faith, the faithful of St. Peter’s – Lulanga Parish gathered to witness a landmark event in the spiritual journey of 76 candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on July 20, 2025. The solemn Mass, presided over by Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangochi, was a proof of the parish’s commitment to cultivating the faith of its members.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sacred rite in the Catholic Church, where baptized individuals are confirmed in their faith and receive the Holy Spirit’s gifts. As St. Paul writes, “Now he who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God” (2 Corinthians 1:21). Through Confirmation, the candidates are strengthened in their faith, empowered to witness to Christ, and sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, Bishop Stima emphasized the importance of reflecting the face of God in daily life. “People should be able to encounter God through you,” he exhorted the candidates and the faithful. He also encouraged parents to bring their children to church, citing the importance of cultivating their relationship with God and building the future Church. “There should be more children in the church so that they grow in their relationship with God,” he said.
The celebration drew Christians from all the outstations of the parish, who gathered to witness this momentous occasion. The parish, located in the Muslim-majority area of Makanjira, has faced challenges in the past, but the confirmation of 76 candidates is a proof of the power of faith and perseverance. As the parishioners celebrated, they echoed the words of Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
This historic event marks a pivotal moment in the growth of the parish, and a symbol of hope that people are slowly embracing Christianity. The parish’s journey is a reminder that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Report by Fr Francis Kachere , Communications Secretary – Diocese of Mangochi