About Us

Andrea Kaggwa Woyera Parish

Andrea Kaggwa Woyera Parish is one of the Roman Catholic parishes and churches under the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. The Parish and churches under it are a non-profit and are managed by a Parish Priest and Parish Executive team. The Parish Priest is assigned by the Archbishop while the Parish executive committee comprises members elected by the laity from all the churches under the parish management.

The parish exists not only to fulfill its religious mission but also to serve as a community center, providing spaces for social, recreational, health, and educational activities. It further offers counselling services, ensuring a holistic approach to the well-being of its members and the wider community.

Vision

Holy Spirit filled family of God committed to integral development of its faithful and society

Mission Statement

Transforming the faithful into missionary disciples of Jesus Christ through spiritual and human development

Our Values

Transparency, Accountability, Honesty and Confidentiality

A Brief History of Andrea Kaggwa Woyera Parish

In 1992, the Catholic Diocese of Lilongwe, under the leadership of the late Right Rev. Matias Chimole, announced the establishment of Kaggwa Woyera Parish as an offshoot of St. Francis Parish (Kanengo). The parish was officially opened on January 1, 1993, and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFMC) began their ministry there. The Capuchins managed the parish until 2015, when the Diocesan Priests (DP) took over.

Early Years and Expansion

Initially, the parish had three outstations: St. Mark at Senti, St. Monica at Chambu, and Kaggwa at Area 49. Over time, the number of outstations grew to ten, including St. Anthony at Area 25 Sector 7 (now a standalone parish), St. Padre Pio at Area 49 Gulliver (now a standalone parish), St. Kizito at Bende and Sankhani, St. John Maria Vianney at Buli, St. John Bosco at Kambidzi, Mother Teresa at Chaombwa, and St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Parish Leadership

The parish has been led by several priests, including Rev. Fr. Francis Paliekara (OFMC), Rev. Fr. Davis Elavinthaingale (OFMC), Rev. Fr. Isaac Puthur (OFMC), Rev. Fr. Gracian Chitillapilly (OFMC), Rev. Fr. Harvey Chikumbu (OFMC), Rev. Fr. Cherian (OFMC), Rev. Fr. Constantine Mgunda (DP), and currently Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale (DP).

Catechists and Religious Presence

The parish has had several catechists, including Mr. Lameck Chibwira, Mr. Banda, Mr. Kapulula, Mr. Phiri, Mr. Chimpepu, Mr. Harry Tadeyo, and currently Mr. John Benjamin Kalongonda. The parish has also been home to several religious congregations, including the Sisters of Missionaries of Mary Mediatrix (SMMM) and Sisters of Charity of Ottawa (SCO).

Vocations and Legacy

The parish has produced several priests and sisters, including Rev. Sr. Etness Chiomba (CMC), Rev. Sr. Theresa Kathumba (TS), Rev. Sr. Dorothy Gawamadzi (TS), Rev. Fr. John Mangwere (SAC), and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Zikabuma (SPS).

Early Worship and Development

Before the construction of the current church, Christians would gather for prayers under a Naphini Tree in a maize field, later moving to a Mphangala Tree near Kapondasoka’s residence. Rev. Fr. Julio (M.A) constructed a prayer house, which was later turned into a residence for the first catechist. The Capuchin priests demolished the catechist’s house and constructed the present priests’ house, expanding the prayer house and building prayer houses in all outstations.

Self-Reliance and Growth

The Capuchins opened a tuckshop, constructed the Mother Theresa Hall, a Home-based care clinic, and a parish office block. They also established a private nursery school, which gradually grew into a full private primary school, Wisdom Centre. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Davis, the parish purchased its first bus, becoming the first parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe to do so.