The Unyielding Spirit of St. Bernadette’s Parish in Chitula, Malawi

Imagine going to Mass every Sunday several hours early, to secure space under the shade of a tree to protect yourself from the 90-degree heat and torrential downpours during the rainy season. 

Seriously. Close your eyes for a minute, and try to picture yourself, having walked for miles to attend Mass in a parish that your community long outgrew, for a beautiful, hours-long outdoor service, that will begin two hours too late because the priest is delayed. 

This is how some 1,500 parishioners live the sacrifice of the Mass in St. Bernadette’s Parish in Chitula, on the outskirts of Lilongwe, Malawi. Despite arriving nearly two hours late, the scene that greeted a team from The Pontifical Mission Societies during a recent visit was nothing short of astonishing: seemingly unaffected by the heat and tardiness, their faces radiated warmth and anticipation. The women, adorned in vibrant blue wraps from the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO), encircled the arriving van, singing a joyous welcome as they stepped out. The CWO, a cornerstone of this thriving community, offers not only companionship and support to parishioners but also steadfast assistance to the priests who serve this growing parish. 

St. Bernadette’s, once an outstation of a parish closer to Lilongwe – Malawi’s capital – has flourished into a substantial community of nearly 12,000 parishioners spread across 20-25 outstations. Recognizing its growth, the archdiocese declared it a separate parish, with the government granting a large plot of land for the eventual construction of a school, clinic, and a more spacious church. However, the journey toward realizing this vision has been fraught with challenges. 

Three years ago, the community embarked on the construction of a new church building—a structure that would finally be large enough to accommodate the growing congregation. The brick outer walls were raised, standing as a testament to the community’s determination and hard work. Yet, as the global financial crisis of 2023 unfolded, bringing with it an alarming 76% inflation rate in just eight months, the cost of materials skyrocketed. The project, once full of promise, came to a sudden halt, leaving the unfinished church exposed to the elements, without a roof or interior. A ghost of what should have been, and a promise of what is yet to come. 

In the meantime, a modest brick structure next to the old church serves as the current place of worship: a small shed with three walls is the sanctuary where the sacrifice of the Mass happens, while the rest of the land serves as the nave of the church, with an aisle and arch crafted from tree limbs. The simplicity of this man-made structure belies the vibrant faith of those who gather here. 

As the choir sang hymns and the congregation processed forward to give their offerings, our team was struck by the profound generosity on display. Despite the visible signs of poverty, nearly every person stepped forward to contribute what they could, embodying the very essence of Christian charity. It was a humbling experience, witnessing the selflessness of those who, despite having so little, gave so much. 

And that is what’s going to happen in St. Bernadette’s parish this World Mission Sunday, October 20th. People who have no material possessions will give what little they have so that others can share in their biggest wealth: their faith. 

Following Communion, the local priest spoke words of gratitude and acknowledgment. A young girl from the Missionary Childhood Association expressed her thanks, while three catechists were recognized for their tireless work in bringing the Gospel to the outstations when the pastor could not be present. These moments underscored the deep sense of community and shared responsibility that defines St. Bernadette’s.

Despite the challenges they face—the stalled construction of their new church, the financial hardships, and the simplicity of their current place of worship—their hope remains unshaken. They dream of the day when their parish grounds will flourish with a beautiful church, a thriving school, and a much-needed clinic. It is this unwavering faith and optimism that we will carry with us as we continue to support the missions. 

Here, it is easy to remember why the Mass is both the sacrificial memorial of the cross and a sacred banquet. And it is the resilience of this beacon of hope that we chose to portray in one of our World Mission Sunday posters, being hung in every parish in the United States. Because St. Bernadette’s Parish in Chitula is a reminder of the vital importance of our collective mission—to support, to give, and to believe in the transformative power of God’s love.