Hundreds of the Catholic faithful from all over Malawi on Tuesday thronged the Our Lady of Africa, Maula Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe for the first ever National Eucharistic Congress.

The five-day gathering (August 5th -9th) will feature activities aimed at deepening the Catholic faith.

The Congress is among others featuring liturgies, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, processions and individual presentations on various topics related to the Eucharist and its connection to the Catholic Church's evangelizing mission.

Speaking at the end of the opening Mass, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia Most Reverend Gian Luca Perici called on the Catholic faithful in the country to use the Congress to pray for the nation ahead of the September 16th elections.

The Nuncio said just like Pope Leo is praying for peace across the world, Catholics in the country should pray for peace in Malawi

“During elections in the country, there is need for Christians need to pray. Not only Christians but all Malawians should pray so that the results of the forthcoming elections will reflect the Malawian wish” said Archbishop Perici

The Apostolic Nuncio said the inaugural Eucharistic Congress in Malawi is a rare opportunity for Catholics in Malawi to deepen their faith and understand the mystery in the Body of Christ.

“Lay faithful will deepen their faith and understanding of the Sacrament of Eucharist. This is found in the Catholic Church” added Archbishop Perici

The National Eucharistic Congress will reach its climax on Friday August 8th with a Eucharistic procession scheduled from the Our Lady of Africa, Maula Cathedral to St Patricks Parish in Area 18 in Lilongwe.

During this procession, Catholics led by Right Reverend Alfred Mateyu Chaima will parade Eucharist in the afromentioned route

Meanwhile, the closing Mass for Congress which is being held under the theme The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Pilgrims of Hope is expected to be celebrated on Saturday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe where thousands of Catholics are expected to attend.