In a significant pastoral visit, Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mangochi, descended upon St. Peter’s Utale 1 Parish on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to offer spiritual guidance and encouragement to the faithful. The visit, which marked a crucial moment in the Bishop’s canonical mission, began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a fitting start to a day of spiritual reflection and growth.
Following the Mass, Bishop Stima engaged in a meaningful interaction with the priests and parishioners, urging them to deepen their spiritual lives, particularly through the sacraments. However, the Bishop’s address took an important turn as he expressed concern over the prevalence of irregular unions within the parish. Despite being one of the oldest parishes in Malawi, established in 1908, the parish reported only four sacramental marriages in the previous year.
“This raises concern and is a clear indication that there is much work to be done in this area,” Bishop Stima emphasized. He encouraged the parishioners to collaborate closely with their priests to address this pastoral concern.
The Bishop shed light on the sacrament of marriage, highlighting its significance in the life of Christians. “It is matrimonial consent that makes or forms marriage, and nothing else,” he stressed. “The owner of the sacrament of marriage is Christ himself, and he is the key to a fruitful married life. Through this sacrament, Christians are able to receive other sacraments, making it essential for us to take it seriously.”
Bishop Stima’s words served as a call to action, urging the faithful to prioritize the sacrament of marriage and to strive for a deeper understanding of its importance in their lives.
Bishop Stima’s words served as a call to action, urging the faithful to prioritize the sacrament of marriage and to strive for a deeper understanding of its importance in their lives.
As the Diocese of Mangochi continues to navigate the complexities of pastoral care, Bishop Stima’s visit to St. Peter’s Utale 1 Parish serves as an important reminder of the ongoing efforts to nurture the spiritual lives of the faithful.
Report by Fr. Francis Kachere – Communications Secretary, Diocese of Mangochi