Maula Cathedral Celebrates Family Day and Marriage Commitment

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, parishioners of Maula Cathedral gathered to celebrate Family Day, emphasizing the foundational role of the family in the Church and renewing marriage vows.

The event featured a special Eucharistic Celebration led by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa and Maula Parish Priest, Fr. Louis Chikanya, as a concelebrant.

In his homily, Bishop Mwakhwawa commended Maula Cathedral for initiating the celebration, noting that the Archbishop was profoundly grateful.

"The Archbishop is very grateful to you all, Maula Cathedral... You are an example that you are showing, demonstrating to the whole world that you still want to live this married life, which is a good life."

Bishop Mwakhwawa sharing homily

He emphasized that those who renewed their vows were preaching to the world about the importance of marriage as a ministry and a source of blessing, essential for building cohesion in society.

The Family of Mr. and Mrs. Jude & Julie Selveratnam from Maula Parish’s International Community showing their Certificate of recognition for 30 years in married life

The Family of Mr. and Mrs. Chando from Maula’s St. Francis SCC, showing their Certificate of recognition for 35 years in married life

The Bishop also highlighted and praised Maula Cathedral's "best practice" of offering long-term marriage counseling and preparation sessions. He noted the Archbishop's intention to escalate this program to all parishes in the Archdiocese.

He then challenged all couples, especially parents, to be exemplary:

"Please know that family is a school of marriage. So be exemplary. And also in the parish, do some pastoral programs with young people. Prepare the young people also for marriage... It will help them to prepare very well and make decisions."

Mrs. Dorica Chirwa, the Second Vice-Chairperson, delivered a moving speech, thanking the Bishop for his presence and his "beautiful homily and encouragement." She extended heartfelt congratulations to the couples celebrating their jubilees:

"Your commitment, perseverance, patience, and love stand as a living testimony of God's design for marriage. You have joined together through joys and trials and remain sanctified and united."

Mrs. Chirwa also used the occasion to propose a lasting legacy for the event: "May I therefore request our parish priests... that this Family Day become a treasured annual tradition, an opportunity to pray together, reflect, celebrate, and recommit ourselves to the gift of family each year."

A Call for National Peace

Bishop Mwakhwawa announced a new initiative from the Bishops' Conference, urging the faithful to pray daily for the nation's leaders:

"We have started today praying for leaders in the country and the world... We want from now onwards, please each and every household, individual, pray, pray, pray for the leaders in this country and in the whole world."

The celebration brought parish families together to rejoice and renew their commitment, reinforcing the belief that "Strong families build a strong Miphakati (Small Christian Comunities), and a strong Miphakati builds a church and a strong society."