Tribute by Clement Stambuli
The St. Kizito, Chigoneka Parish family bids a deep and grateful farewell to our dedicated shepherd, Fr. Francis Taylor, an Irish Missionary of the St. Patrick’s Society, as he leaves Malawi for a new assignment in Zambia.
For an extraordinary 40 years, Fr. Taylor dedicated his life to service across the Chikwawa Diocese and the Lilongwe Archdiocese, leaving behind not just a spiritual legacy, but also a physical and humanitarian one.
A Visionary Builder and Developer
Fr. Taylor will be remembered by many not only for his powerful pastoral ministry but also for his significant developmental work. He was instrumental in the construction of Churches and other real estate structures that serve to strengthen the Church’s income and stability across his areas of service.
A key example of this legacy in Lilongwe is Maria Mthandizi. Fr. Taylor was instrumental in its construction when it was an outstation of Chigoneka, where he served for over a quarter of his time in Malawi. Due to the solid foundation he laid, Maria Mthandizi was rightly elevated to a full Parish status in 2023.
Recently, the new Parish Priest’s house at Maria Mthandizi was blessed by His Grace Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, who commended Fr. Taylor for the “good foundational work” that led to the Church’s elevation.
Champion of Youth and Education
Beyond buildings, Fr. Taylor built people. He was a tireless advocate for the youth, ensuring that school-going boys and girls should not fail because of financial challenges. We are proud of the countless young people, across the religious divide, whose education and future he personally assisted. His impact in developing many into reliable citizens is immeasurable.
Permanent Appreciation
During the recent blessing ceremony at Maria Mthandizi, Archbishop Tambala officially commended St. Kizito Chigoneka Parish for naming our gathering place the Fr. Francis Taylor Hall, a fitting permanent expression of gratitude for the good work he did here and throughout Malawi.
Fr. Francis Taylor, you are leaving Malawi, having left an indelible mark. You have helped your flock spiritually, developed communities through construction, and fostered countless futures through education. Your dedication to reaching out to people in need will remain in our memory.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
May God grant you peace, joy, and strength in your new mission in Zambia!
Zikomo Kwambiri, Father! Go well!