TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH OF THE PROVINCE OF MALAWI IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR FOUNDERS

The first phase of Malawi Provincial chapter started on 22^nd February 2024 at the Brothers FIC cottage in Mangochi. The delegates prepared themselves physically as well as psychologically.

 The Provincial Superior, welcomed the facilitator and all the delegates. He referred this Provincial Chapter as time of evaluating how far the province has gone in the tenure set for the Provincial Council by Provincial Chapter 2018.

He urged the chapter delegates not to lose sight of how we have tried to build our province and the direction we want to take as we explore ways and opportunities before us in our efforts to transform this province. 

The Provincial superior asked the brothers to discuss the Provincial Council 2018-2024 report as report that everyone has contributed and not as works of individual council members.

He also urged the chapter delegates to take the time of chapter serious as it is an opportune time to look back where we were in 2018 and where we are now and where we want to go. In short what he emphasized most is about transformation and growth of our province in the spirit of our founders.

The delegates expressed their expectations. For instance; to discuss on areas that affect the province and how to move forward in rectifying or minimizing them. In this case members were very open on the issues that affect the province and suggest ways to overcome some of the factors.

Delegates expected also that there will be trust amongst them that will help to grow in solidarity with one another whilst evaluating points raised with consideration. This will help to examine spiritual motivation of brothers through apostolates and life in general.

Individual commitment to the growth and transformation of the province, to be real and authentic, to be united as brothers, good communication in the tenure of 2018-2024 Council was experienced, these were some of the expectations and Joys of the delegates.

During this phase, several areas were discussed. To begin, members of the provincial council shared their joys as well as worries during their tenure as provincial superior, vice provincial superior as well as councilors.  During our discussions, most of the issues that concern our life as brothers were discussed. For example, the issues concerning apostolates, spiritual life of brothers, finances, initial formation as well as on going formation, FIC land/property ownership, FIC journey to spiritual enrichment, Communication, as well as some proposals that had been presented.

Finally, the Provincial chapter delegates had opportunities to elect General Chapter delegates. The provincial chapter delegates gathered in groups and produced a list of the qualities of the brothers they may wish to elect as a delegate to the General Chapter. Two brothers namely brother Trustful Mwachande and brother Lawrence Nkonde were elected as our delegates. We concluded the chapter with the celebration of Eucharistic celebration.

Bro. Mike Mbato.