On Sunday 7th December 2025, eight members of the Catholic Men Association (CMA) of St. Francis Small Christian Community (SCC) embarked on a mission to Likuni Parish to spend the day with the retired priests who have dedicated their lives to the Church.
In November, some members visited the parish beforehand to understand the specific needs of the Fathers. This ensured that when the full team arrived in December, they were equipped with both the supplies requested and a spirit of genuine companionship.
A day of fellowship and giving
The CMA team—led by Chairperson Dr Kizito Tenthani and accompanied by SCC Chairperson Mr Bentry Chaura—was warmly received by Rev. Fr. Kapinga and Rev. Fr. Muwanga. A third resident, Rev. Fr. Zikomankhani, was not present
The members presented a variety of essential items to support the Fathers’ daily lives, including chickens, pork, eggs, Irish potatoes, rice, cooking oil, spaghetti, macaroni, honey, and long-life milk. They also presented the Fathers with gumboots.
Beyond the gifts, the day was defined by deep conversation. The Fathers shared the rich history of Likuni Parish, recounting the arrival of the early White Fathers in Malawi and their own personal journeys through the priesthood.
Understanding the challenges
During a guided tour of the premises, the members observed the living conditions of these faithful servants. While the spirit of the Fathers remains strong, the visit highlighted several pressing needs:
Stalled Renovations: Ongoing work on the kitchen, bedrooms, living room, and a specific chapel has slowed significantly due to a lack of financial and material support.
Daily Comforts: Challenges remain regarding decent accommodation and basic necessities like bedding.
Despite these hurdles, the Fathers offered spiritual guidance to the CMA members, urging them to lead prayerful lives, remain dedicated to their families, and be exemplary Christians through continued charity work.
The visit concluded with a blessing for the CMA members, leaving them spiritually enriched and motivated to do more. The group has agreed to meet at the SCC level to discuss further support and will share their findings with the St. Kizito Parish leadership to see how other SCCs might join the cause.
Visit report: St Francis CMA visit to Likuni Retirement House