Story by Luke Chimwaza
(Correspondent)
Ulongwe Catholic Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Mangochi commemorated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, 3th August, 2019 amid pomp and colour.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the diocese’s the diocese’s Bishop Montfort Stima –‘ congratulated Ulongwe parishioners for their support towards the growth of the parish. He, however, advised them to develop a spirit of self-reliance to realise true development of the 1 parish.
“Missionaries built these parish structures long ago, we now have the duty to sustain them, We need to renovate where necessary and considering that the church is growing fast, we have to construct new and modern structure; hence, the need for self-reliance,” said the bishop.
He then urged the parishioners to thank God for the priests and nuns the parish has produced since its establishment.
Among dignitaries attending the celebration was Bishop Emeritus Emeritus for Mangochi, Alessandro Pagani.
Ulongwe Parish initially started as an out station of Utale I Parish in 1919, when was under :ese, until Zomba diocese, until 1961 when, upon establishing St Louis. Montfort (Balaka Parish), Ulongwe Catholic church ? became jits outstation, and attained parish status in 1968 with , ^ Montfort Missionaries Montfort Missionaries as its first parish priest.
Meanwhile, Ulongwe Parish, which is in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalembo in Balaka has institutions that include pastoral centre, preparatory , a catholic private primary school, health centre, early childhood development centre and a convent ■