Children United in Christ, United in Mission: Dedza Diocese Celebrates 2026 Annual Mission Children’s Congress
The Diocese of Dedza successfully held its 2026 Diocesan Annual Mission Children’s Congress from 14–16 August 2026 at St. Joseph High School, Bembeke, under the inspiring theme, “Children of the Diocese of Dedza, Be One with Christ, United in Mission.” Inspired by the Holy Father’s 2026 World Mission Sunday theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” the congress called children to deepen their friendship with Christ and actively participate in the Church’s missionary mission.
The Diocesan Annual Mission Children’s Congress is organised every year to encourage, strengthen, and celebrate the missionary spirit among children. Guided by the Pope’s annual World Mission Sunday theme, the gathering provides an opportunity for children to grow in faith, receive missionary formation, and share experiences from their parish missionary activities. Previous congresses were held at Mua Parish in 2024 and Tsangano Parish in 2025. Following this year’s successful gathering at Bembeke Cathedral, Mtakataka Parish will host the 2027 congress.
This year’s congress brought together more than 965 children from 12 of the Diocese’s 19 parishes. During the three-day programme, the participants received formation in various aspects of the Catholic faith and missionary life. The Diocesan PMS Director led sessions on the theme of the year, the lives of the patron saints, and the founder of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood. Ms. Rose Chimsewu facilitated a lesson on the Children’s World Mission Rosary, while Fr. Flavius Makwinja guided the children and their animators through the liturgy, the liturgical seasons, and the meaning of sacramentals.
In addition to the formation sessions, the congress offered opportunities for fellowship and joyful celebration. Children showcased traditional dances, music, poems, and other cultural performances, while also participating in games and enjoying both sacred and wholesome recreational music, fostering unity and friendship among participants from different parishes.
The congress concluded with a Holy Mass on 16 August 2026 at Bembeke Cathedral, presided over by Fr. G. Bwemba, who represented the Bishop of Dedza, Rt. Rev. Peter Chifukwa. In his homily, Fr. Bwemba reminded the congregation that the Holy Father continues to call the Church to promote unity, peace, and justice. Conveying the Bishop’s message, he thanked all stakeholders whose dedication ensured the success of the 2026 Diocesan Annual Mission Children’s Congress. He further encouraged the children to remain united, live peacefully with one another, work hard in school, remain faithful to the Church and missionary activities, and prepare diligently for the Sacraments, especially the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the children’s representative expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Flavius Makwinja for his enlightening lessons on the liturgy. He observed that although many boys serve as altar servers, they had not fully understood the meaning and symbolism behind many liturgical vestments and practices. He said the sessions had greatly enriched their understanding of the Church’s liturgy. He also thanked the Diocesan PMS Director for his inspiring presentations on the Holy Father’s 2026 World Mission Sunday theme and other missionary topics that challenged the children to become active missionaries in their families, schools, parishes, and communities.
The Diocese of Dedza believes that combining missionary formation with celebration is essential in nurturing young disciples. By investing in the spiritual and missionary formation of children and their animators, the Diocese is strengthening the future of the Church, deepening the faith of its young people, and raising a new generation of Catholics who are truly One in Christ, United in Mission.