Nankhunda Parish Faithful Renovate Rectory Through Self-Reliance.

The lay faithful of St. Mathias Nankhunda Parish are renovating an old parish house that was previously occupied by a catechist to provide accommodation for their Parish Priest.

Recognising the community’s commitment to self-reliance, well-wishers have complemented their efforts with financial support after being impressed by the parishioners’ determination to take responsibility for the development of their parish.

Speaking to the faithful after Mass, during which 158 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba, Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima, encouraged them to maintain this courageous spirit of self-reliance, saying it is an important way of building a vibrant and sustainable Church.

“It is very pleasing to note that you are taking ownership of this project. This is in line with the Diocesan Five-Year (2023-2028) Strategic Plan, whose overarching theme is ‘Ownership and Responsibility in Building a Self-Reliant Church,’” continued Bishop Chaima.

Currently, the Parish Priest resides at Nankhunda Minor Seminary, about five kilometres from the parish and has to travel the distance whenever he comes to serve the parish community. The arrangement has financial implications and has motivated the faithful to renovate the parish house.

The community estimates that MK10 million is currently needed to complete the renovation and appealed to other well-wishers to also support the project.

Established in 2021, St. Mathias Nankhunda Parish is the youngest of the 20 parishes in the Diocese of Zomba.