It was an extraordinary month that was set aside by the Catholic Church across the globe for Mission Month.

This year, the climax of the month was October 18 which happened to be Mission Sunday for this year.

The road to the day, however, took almost 3 months with radio programs that built the momentum for the day.

Speaking on the sidelines of the month, Bishop Chairman for Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa who is also the Head of Blantyre Archdiocese applauded the clergy and the laity for being proactive in ensuring that the church continues to spread the word far and wide.

Archbishop Msusa said despite the Corona Virus pandemic, Catholics stood their ground and made sure that Mission Month comes to fruition.

“Our priests, sisters, and the church at large in the country played a critical role in all 8 dioceses of the Catholic Church in the country to make sure that the word of God is spread. Christians stood ground in prayer and contribution and I am quite sure that whatever has been contributed will help in the spread of the word of God. It is my prayer that the unity expressed this year should be instilled in our Christians’ hearts now and forever” said Archbishop Msusa

On the current events that are affecting the country which includes rape and defilement and murder of the elderly, Bishop Chairman of ECM called on Catholics and Malawians at large not to waver in prayers, citing the teachings in the Mission Month of October should be a guiding tool in daily lives of the Christians.

“What has been portrayed in the country pertaining to persecuting the elderly and a surge in rape cases is a sign of secularism. We can only defeat this through prayer and nothing else. Let's unite and make sure we defeat the evil thoughts that are hovering in Malawi” said Archbishop Msusa.

PMS National Director Fr Vincent Mwakhwawa said despite the global pandemic impacting people’s daily lives, the Missionary month gave an opportunity for people to show love.

“The world has been struggling with Coronavirus. While we were putting on masks which were hiding our smiles, our hearts should be opened and we tried to give to those in need and the church for further preaching of the gospel” said Fr Mwakhwawa

World Mission Sunday was first established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI. This year’s theme is "Here I am Send Me", adapted from Isaiah 6 verse 8.

Malawi has over 4 million Catholics from 8 Dioceses.