Once in a year, priests of every Catholic diocese gather around with their bishops to celebrate their priesthood symbolizing the unity of the local church.

The priests also renew their ordination vows.

During the Chrism Mass, there is a blessing of the holy oils or chrism that is used in the various sacraments during the year.

And in the Lilongwe Archdiocese of Lilongwe, priests, sisters and the lay faithful gathered at Our Lady of Africa Maula Cathedral Church of Archdiocese of Lilongwe for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025.

Speaking at the Mass, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the nation ahead of the September 16th elections.

Archbishop Tambala said the faithful should also pray that the general election is peaceful, free and fair and God help Malawians chose a rightful leader

He said it is only God that can guide people’s choice in the polls.

“The Bible says Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. The house that we are building is Malawi. We have to fight corruption, build various aspects of social economic development. For that to happen, let us put God first. Let God help us in choosing a leader that will lead His people” said Archbishop Tambala

Chairperson of Laity in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe Patrick Liphava urged the faithful to continue fostering peace and national unity as Malawi approaches its general elections in few months.

“Despite our political differences, we pray and socialise together. Malawi is a God fearing nation. It is important that we co-exist and maintain peace as we head to the polls,” said Liphava

The Mass was attended by all priests from 50 Catholic Parishes of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.