TAKEAWAY MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN MALAWI IN VIEW OF THE WORLD MISSION SUNDAY CENTENARY CELEBRATION FROM POPE LEO XIV’S MESSAGE TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE PMS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
By Fr. Gerald Malota – Diocesan Priest in the Diocese of Dedza
On 1 June 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed participants in the Annual General Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome. As the Church in Malawi prepares for the National Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday on 3 October 2026 at Mzuzu Stadium in the Diocese of Mzuzu, the Holy Father’s message speaks directly to all the faithful in our country. It reminds us that mission is not reserved for a few; it is the vocation of every baptized Christian. Whether bishop, priest, religious, catechist, youth, parent, or lay faithful, we are all called to be “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
The celebration in Mzuzu will not simply mark one hundred years of World Mission Sunday. It will be an opportunity for the Church in Malawi to give thanks for the gift of mission, to celebrate the fruits of missionary cooperation, and to renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel in our time.
1. The Church in Malawi is both a receiving Church and a sending Church
For 100 years, World Mission Sunday has helped parishes in Malawi build churches, form priests and religious, support catechesis, and strengthen the life of the Church. We are grateful for this solidarity. Through the Pontifical Mission Societies, the universal Church has made a significant contribution to the growth of the Church in Malawi.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith has supported pastoral activities, catechesis, evangelization programmes, the formation of catechists, and the construction of churches and pastoral centres. The Society of St. Peter the Apostle has assisted in the formation of seminarians and novices, helping dioceses and religious congregations prepare future priests and religious leaders. The Missionary Childhood Association has formed generations of children in missionary awareness while supporting educational, spiritual, and charitable initiatives for young people. Through the Missionary Union, clergy, religious, and lay leaders have been encouraged to deepen their missionary formation and commitment.
These contributions have helped strengthen the Church in Malawi and enabled her to participate more fully in the universal mission of Christ. Pope Leo reminds us that “older Churches must also stay missionary.” Today, Malawi is not only receiving support but is also sharing the Gospel beyond its borders through priests, religious, and lay missionaries serving in different countries. As we prepare for the centenary celebrations, let us pray not only for mission territories abroad but also for Malawian missionaries serving throughout the world.
2. Mission starts in your parish and community, not only overseas
Pope Leo calls for a “missionary conversion” capable of healing a world marked by division, conflict, and indifference. In Malawi, this means promoting reconciliation in our families and communities, caring for the sick and the elderly, defending justice and truth, supporting the vulnerable, and living with integrity in public and private life.
Every Christian has a mission field: the family, the workplace, the school, the market, and the parish community. You do not need to travel abroad to be a missionary; wherever God has placed you is your mission territory.
3. Put Christ at the center, not the amount of the collection
Pope Leo quotes John 3:30: “He must increase, I must decrease.” World Mission Sunday is not merely about fundraising, nor is it a competition over who contributes the most. It is an expression of communion with the universal Church and participation in Christ’s mission. Every gift, whether large or small, becomes a sign of faith, generosity, and solidarity when offered with love.
4. Use what you have for evangelization
The Holy Father highlights Blessed Fulton Sheen, who used the modern media of his time to proclaim the Gospel. Today, every Catholic in Malawi can contribute to evangelization through the gifts God has given them. Some will preach, some will teach, some will sing, some will serve the poor, some will support mission through prayer and sacrifice, and others will witness through social media and daily Christian living. Mission begins when we share Christ using the opportunities and talents available to us.
A Call to Unity in Mission
Above all, Pope Leo XIV calls for unity in the Church’s missionary work. The Pontifical Mission Societies—the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, the Missionary Childhood Association, and the Missionary Union—work together in service of the Church’s universal mission. Their mission is our mission.
As Malawi gathers on 3 October 2026 at Mzuzu Stadium in the Diocese of Mzuzu to celebrate the Centenary of World Mission Sunday, we give thanks to God for the countless fruits of missionary solidarity made possible through the Pontifical Mission Societies. For decades, the prayers and contributions of Catholics throughout the world have helped sustain evangelization, priestly and religious formation, catechetical programmes, youth initiatives, and pastoral development in our dioceses. The growth of the Church in Malawi is a living testimony to the power of the universal Church working together in mission.
Therefore, as clergy, religious, catechists, youth, families, and all the lay faithful, let us renew our commitment to Christ’s command: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). The Centenary of World Mission Sunday is not only a celebration of the past; it is a call to deepen our missionary spirit and to carry the Gospel with renewed zeal into every corner of Malawi and beyond.
One in Christ, United in Mission.