The annual retreat for the clergy of the Diocese of Dedza, which began on 31 August and concluded on 3 September 2026, brought together over 30 diocesan priests for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The retreat was held under the theme: “I Am Sending You Like Sheep Among Wolves” (Matthew 10:16). Inspired by the words of Jesus, “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves,” the retreat invited the priests to deepen their trust in Christ and renew their commitment to missionary discipleship.
As part of the Diocese’s longstanding tradition, the priests dedicated Thursday of their retreat to praying for the peaceful repose of their departed brother clergy.
On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the priests remembered all the bishops, priests, and deacons of the Diocese who had gone before them. They prayed for the eternal repose of 5 bishops, 46 priests, and 2 deacons. This annual act of remembrance expressed their love, gratitude, and communion with those who faithfully served the Church before them. They also asked their departed brothers to intercede for the clergy of the Diocese of Dedza in their missionary ministry.
In his reflection, Fr. Samson Kunkumbira emphasised the importance of obedience to Christ in missionary work. Drawing from the Gospel of the day, he reflected on how Simon Peter and his companions experienced an extraordinary catch of fish only after obeying Jesus’ command to put out into the deep waters. He reminded the priests that, by working with Christ and faithfully following His commands, they can accomplish great things in their ministry. Without Christ and without living the values of the Gospel, all human efforts become fruitless.
Reflecting on the retreat theme, Fr. Kunkumbira reminded the priests that Jesus’ words, “I am sending you like sheep among wolves,” are both a warning and a mission. The Lord does not promise an easy path but calls His disciples to remain courageous, faithful, and obedient even amid challenges and opposition. He explained that the “wolves” represent the many challenges, temptations, opposition, and trials that priests encounter in their ministry. Despite these difficulties, priests are called to remain steadfast in their vocation, courageous in proclaiming the Gospel, and faithful to Christ. He urged them never to allow fear, discouragement, or worldly pressures to weaken their missionary commitment, but instead to rely on God’s grace, trusting that Christ, the Good Shepherd, will always accompany and strengthen them. Just as the miraculous catch of fish came through obedience to Christ, so too the Church’s missionary mission bears abundant fruit when priests remain faithful to the Gospel and place their complete trust in the Lord.
As the priests prayed for their departed brothers, they entrusted them to the infinite mercy of God, asking that they be purified and welcomed into eternal life. They also prayed that these faithful servants, now united with the Lord, would continue to intercede for the clergy of the Diocese of Dedza as they carry forward the Church’s missionary mission.
At the conclusion of the closing Mass, the diocesan priests expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Samson Kunkumbira for his inspiring and enriching reflections throughout the retreat. They thanked him for helping them deepen their relationship with Christ and strengthen their commitment to missionary discipleship.
Responding to the vote of thanks, Fr. Samson Kunkumbira expressed his sincere appreciation to the Priests’ Association of the Diocese of Dedza for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading this year’s annual retreat. He acknowledged that preaching to his fellow priests was both a privilege and a challenge, and thanked God for granting him the grace to carry out the task. He also expressed his gratitude to the clergy for their attentive listening, openness to the retreat conferences, and the spirit of fraternity and unity they demonstrated throughout the retreat.
The clergy of the Diocese of Dedza were also thanked for their faithful participation in this year’s annual retreat, their spirit of fraternity, and their generous contributions, which contributed to the success of the retreat.
As the retreat concluded on 3 September 2026, the priests were encouraged to return to their respective parishes as agents of change, living witnesses of the Gospel and faithful missionaries of Christ. Renewed in prayer and strengthened by the retreat, they were urged to put into practice the spiritual lessons they had received and to continue serving the People of God with courage, fidelity, and missionary zeal.