The Parish Catechist, Mr. Benjamin Kalongonda celebrated 25 years of serving the Lord in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe on 23 August 2025 in a memorable event marked by the Eucharistic celebration, gift presentation and luncheon.
The day begun with Mass that was led by the Director of Catechists in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Rev. Fr. Peter Chatambalala who is also the Parish Priest for Our Lady of Fatima Salima Parish.
The Director in his homily said that Catechists are like roots of a tree that anchors it from underground.
“Our Catechists function as roots of a tree. These roots provide strength of the tree by giving it a base on which the tree stands. The Catechists are there to catechize the Church teaching and tradition to those who lack it. They share the Catholic faith and prepare those who would like to receive the Sacraments in the Church. They are witnesses of the Holy Gospel and therefore Catechists are very important in the Church,” he said.
He said that the Silver Jubilee celebration for Mr. Kalongonda was a testimony of faith, hope and perseverance and dedication to duty for the past 25 years. He said that Mr. Kalongonda had done a lot in the Church from the year 2000 to 2025 including providing formation to new Catechists. He said that for one to be able to achieve this long service as a Catechist must have loved praying and reflecting on the Gospel to deepen their faith as roots of faith.
Monsignor Patrick Thawale said that it was easy for him to accept to host the celebration taking into account the contribution Mr. Kalongonda makes to the Parish.
“Mr. Kalongonda is ever present at the Parish and all the Outstations. He is the face of our Parish and no wonder instead of calling his office Parish Office, Christians call it the Catechist’s office. We can only appreciate his service by celebrating with him and his family the Silver Jubilee,” he said.
Mr. Kalongonda in his thanksgiving statement appreciated the support he receives from God Almighty through the Parish Priest, Monsignor Patrick Thawale, all priests, Sisters and the lay faithful that keeps him moving in the service.
Mr. Kalongonda hails from Kayala Village, Traditional Authority Mponera in Dowa District under Mtengowanthenga Parish. He first became a Catechist in 2000 at Mtengowanthenga Parish and later moved to Mtendere Catechetical Training Centre where he was a formator until 2021 when the CTC was closed. In the same year in October he moved to St. Andrew Kaggwa Parish where is still serving.
A very dedicated and transformative Man