St. Lawrence (Kwipululu) Rectory Project Commences

Construction of a rectory at St. Lawrence of Brindisi (Kwipululu) Parish has commenced following its official launch a fortnight ago by Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba, Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima.

Christians of the parish, led by their Parish Priest and Dean of Thondwe Deanery, Rev. Fr. Gift Phiri, are undertaking the construction using locally sourced resources from well-wishers within the parish, with support from Friends of Kwipululu Parish in the country.

The project is estimated to cost US$131,578. Once completed, the rectory is expected to ease the challenge of mobility faced by the clergy, who currently travel more than five kilometres every day to celebrate Mass and attend to other pastoral needs at the parish.

So far, the parish has locally raised US$5,265.15, which has enabled the project to commence.

The parish, therefore, appeals for further support to enable the completion of the project and allow the priests to relocate from their current temporary residence to the parish.

Those wishing to support the project, either financially or in kind, through materials such as cement, bricks, wire, iron sheets and door and window frames, can contact the Diocesan Financial Administrator, Fr. Hermes Malata, on +265 996 096 511 or the Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Parish on +265 995 336 186.

According to the Parish Priest, St. Lawrence Parish was established on 5 January 2019. It has six outstations and, as of 30 December 2025, had 6,530 Christians and catechumens.

The Catholic Diocese of Zomba has 20 parishes, some of which are run by missionary congregations. St. Lawrence Parish is entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (Capuchins), whose theological formation house is also located within the Diocese.