Apostolic Nuncio Administers Sacraments and Celebrates Inclusivity for the Deaf Community at Maula Cathedral
- Communications
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Our Lady of Africa–Maula Cathedral hosted a historic Eucharistic Mass on Sunday, July 19, 2026, which featured the administration of First Holy Communions and Confirmations alongside the parish’s first-ever liturgy fully adapted for the deaf community.
The Mass was celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, His Excellency Archbishop Gian Luca Perici. The momentous occasion came just one day after Archbishop Perici presided over his very first priestly ordination in Malawi at the podium.
In his homily, Archbishop Perici reflected on the Gospel parable of the wheat and the weeds, offering a comforting message to a congregation navigating life's heavy burdens, financial stresses, and personal struggles.
"God is completely powerful, but He chooses to judge us with justice, mercy, and immense patience," the Nuncio stated. "God does not cut us off when we make mistakes; He gives us time to grow. If you feel more like the weeds than the wheat, God is telling you today that He is not done with you."
The Nuncio explained that First Holy Communion provides essential "spiritual food" for the young candidates, while the Sacrament of Confirmation seals them with the strength of the Holy Spirit to resist worldly temptations. He challenged older parishioners to let the children's enthusiasm reignite their own hunger for Christ.
In his remarks, Acting Cathedral's Administrator Reverend Father Makina reminded parents and candidates alike of their ongoing responsibilities.
"Today you are not graduating from the Church... you are taking a new step in the Church, in your Christian journey. The world in which you are growing is presenting you with many challenges. There are pressures to compromise your faith... Confirmation today is giving you the strength to resist these temptations."
Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator Reverend Father Frank Lazaro Phiri, representing Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, extended his gratitude to the Nuncio and visiting guest Bishop Timothy from the Archdiocese of Birmingham (UK).
Fr. Phiri urged families to nurture this growth at home, asking, "Is the faith growing from the family? And how much are we witnessing to this faith outside of the Church?"
For the first time in the cathedral's history, the entire service was translated and fully structured to accommodate the deaf community.
Parish Second Vice Chairperson, Mr. Thomson Mbalule invited the deaf attendees to stand and be recognized, drawing warm applause from the congregation.
"For too long, barriers have kept our deaf brothers and sisters on the margins of our parish celebrations," Mbalule noted. "Today, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, we break those barriers down. The Word of God is not bound by sound. It is felt in the heart, seen in signs, and shared in love. Maula Cathedral is your home."
The parish council committed to making this inclusive sign-language liturgy a permanent standard for all future cathedral celebrations.
On behalf of the children, Scholastica Tumaini Kasambala concluded the ceremony by thanking the Nuncio, priests, animators, and parents for their continuous love and dedicated preparation.
"We promise to continue loving Jesus, praying every day, participating in Holy Mass, and living as faithful members of the Catholic Church," Kasambala said, while offering prayers of thanks for the sacrifices of their parents, catechists, sisters, and animators who prepared them for the sacred milestones.
Photo Credit: Mathews Jerry Banda
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