A Call to Be Missionaries in Spirit
This summer, our Diocese will welcome over 40 missionaries who will visit our various parishes. Alongside our own diocesan mission in Bánica, these visitors bring with them powerful stories of the tremendous work being done for others across the globe. Pope Leo XVI speaks frequently of our universal call to be missionaries.
Having served as a missionary himself, he holds a special place in his heart for those working on the front lines of faith. While not all of us are called to travel to far-off lands, the Holy Father reminds us that every time we pray for the missions and share our resources, we become “missionaries in spirit.”
From Vision to Reality: The St. Kizito Success Story
A wonderful example of how the generosity of our Diocese changes lives is the recently completed outstation church in Malawi.
The parish of St. Michael’s is one of 16 parishes in the Diocese of Karonga. As a relatively young Diocese established 2010, its parishes are also new. In 2021, St. Michael’s and its pastor, Fr. Bernard Silungwe, set out with a bold vision: to build a permanent church at the St. Kizito Outstation Prayer Center.
Building a house of worship in Malawi presents unique challenges. With only 25% of the national population being Catholic, local fundraising can only go so far. An initial donation from a German charity and the contributions of local parishioners got the project started, but it was not enough to bring the structure to completion.
Seeking the final resources needed for this vital project, Fr. Silungwe reached out to several Dioceses around the world. His prayers were answered through the Diocese of Arlington. Thanks to the funds raised during previous mission appeals and other targeted donations from our parishioners, the necessary funds were available.
Combining these funds with additional local donations and the tireless “sweat equity” of the Malawi community, the project reached a successful conclusion. The result is a sturdy, spacious, and beautiful church.
Today, the 3,140 members of the community finally have a dedicated worship space that inspires both them and their neighbors to give thanks to God.
The culmination of this journey took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Bishop Martin Mtumbuka visited St. Michael’s to officially bless the new church, the congregation in attendance, and all those who will find a spiritual home there in the years to come. During the ceremony, a special blessing was also offered for all the donors whose generosity made the construction possible.
Join the Missions
This is how we are missionaries. The generosity of this Diocese made a vision a reality for the people in St. Kizito, Malawi. Every time we pray for the missions we are missionaries. When the missionaries visit our parishes this summer, we will join with them and the people they serve and be missionaries too.