A Missionary Church in Malawi
PMS Malawi’s missionary work is made possible through the generosity of the universal Church and the global network of National Directors it belongs to.
This documentary traces how the Catholic faith took root in Malawi and grew into the missionary Church it is today, showing how the four Pontifical Mission Societies shape the country’s liturgical year and lead up to the 2026 Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday.
Inside the Documentary
The Catholic faith first arrived in Malawi in 1889 and was permanently established in 1901 by the Montfort Fathers, growing today into one of the country's largest Christian denominations with close to six million faithful.
Four Pontifical Mission Societies guide the Church's missionary life across the year: Holy Childhood, the Pontifical Missionary Union, St. Peter the Apostle, and the Propagation of the Faith.
Holy Childhood leads the celebration of Epiphany Sunday, with children taking an active and visible role, including the first-ever National Children's Congress held in 2025, which brought together over 2,000 children from across Malawi.
The Pontifical Missionary Union, founded in 1916 by Paolo Manna, is marked every February with a season of missionary formation for priests, religious, and lay faithful that culminates in the Holy Eucharist.
St. Peter the Apostle, founded in 1889 by Jeanne Bigard, supports vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and is celebrated through Vocation Sunday, when young people are invited to encounter and discern God's call.
World Mission Sunday, promoted by the Propagation of the Faith and instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926, is the Church's universal expression of missionary solidarity and is prepared in Malawi through a national launch three months in advance.
Renewed missionary awareness has borne real fruit, with PMS Malawi's contribution to the universal solidarity fund growing from 7% to 87% over the past three years.
In 2026, Malawi will host the National Centenary Celebration of World Mission Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium in the Diocese of Mzuzu on 3rd October, marking 100 years of this global missionary observance with Msgr. Anh Nguyen, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union in Rome, as Guest of Honour.
Recognizing the Collaboration of Local Ordinaries in the Mission of PMS in Malawi (1974–2026)
As the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi reflect on over five decades of missionary service and animation from 1974 to 2026, it is important to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the local Ordinaries in the various dioceses across the country.
Throughout these years, the collaboration and support offered by the bishops have created a conducive environment for PMS to carry out its missionary activities effectively within their respective dioceses. Their guidance, encouragement, and pastoral leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the missionary work of the Church in Malawi.
The partnership between PMS and the local Ordinaries has strengthened missionary awareness, promoted evangelization, supported the formation of missionary groups, and encouraged the faithful to participate actively in the universal mission of the Church. The fruits of these efforts continue to be evident in dioceses throughout Malawi.
Recognizing the role of the local Ordinaries not only expresses gratitude for their unwavering support but also strengthens their sense of ownership and participation in the achievements of PMS. Such recognition can further inspire continued collaboration and renewed commitment to the missionary mandate of the Church.
PMS Malawi extends its sincere appreciation to all the local Ordinaries, past and present, whose support, leadership, and collaboration have continued to advance the mission of the Church and the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi.
“Zikomo kwambiri to all the local Ordinaries whose dedication and partnership have helped sustain the missionary spirit of the Church in Malawi for more than five decades.”
Pontifical Mission Societies — Malawi
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops
The bishops of Malawi, through the MCCB, provide pastoral oversight and governance to the work of PMS across all dioceses.
Local Ordinaries of Malawi
The bishops of the dioceses of Malawi whose collaboration and leadership have advanced the mission of the Church.
9 Dioceses · Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops
A Missionary Journey of Faith and Solidarity
The History of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi
The Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi form part of the worldwide missionary family of the Catholic Church, dedicated to promoting missionary awareness, prayer, formation and solidarity in support of the Church’s evangelising mission.
Through the four Pontifical Mission Societies: the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter Apostle, the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), and the Pontifical Missionary Union, the faithful are invited to recognise that every baptised person shares in Christ’s universal mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all peoples.
The Beginning of a Missionary Journey (1974-1981)
The journey of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Malawi entered a significant new chapter on 22nd September 1974, when the then Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy See’s competent missionary authority and now the Dicastery for Evangelization, appointed Rev. Fr. Clément Bédard, M.Afr. (Missionaries of Africa), as the first National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi.
National PMS Directors in Malawi
Eight priests have faithfully served as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Malawi since the office was first established in 1974.
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Global Solidarity, Local Impact
PMS Malawi works alongside partners across the universal Church to support evangelization, education, healthcare, and community empowerment throughout Malawi. Our specific partners and funders will be featured here as details become available.