German-Founded Religious Order Opens Formation House in Lilongwe Parish
The St. Benedict Nanthomba parish location, established in 2022, represents the order's second community in Malawi.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Archbishop George Desmond Tambala blessed a new formation house at St. Benedict Nanthomba parish Sunday, marking an expansion of the Franciscan Daughters of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (FCJM) in Malawi, writes Jonathan Mzumazi.
The ceremony drew German dignitaries including Paderborn Auxiliary Bishop Matthias Koenig and German Ambassador Ute Koenig, highlighting the congregation's German roots.
"When supporting pastoral agents like fathers, they should also support the sisters," Archbishop Tambala said, emphasising community support for religious vocations.
"The sisters should not be buying food from outside when every Sunday we offer our food."
The formation house aims to nurture religious vocations among local girls.
"We are excited as girls aspiring to become sisters," said Mwai Wathu Chikhasu, a parish member.
"All this time we did not have role models to motivate us."
FCJM, founded in 1860 in Olpe, Germany, by Mother M. Clara Pfander, established its Malawi presence in 1984.
The congregation operates two communities in the country, focusing on education, orphanage services, and pastoral work.
The St. Benedict Nanthomba parish location, established in 2022, represents the order's second community in Malawi.
The sisters manage a kindergarten, primary school, and orphanage while providing pastoral and social services.