The Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SBVM) Congregation of the Catholic Church has commenced preparations for its centenary celebrations in Malawi, marking 100 years of service and mission.
The celebrations are being held under the theme, “Rooted in Gratitude, Beaming Christ’s Love in Mission,” with the main commemorations expected to culminate in 2028 at the congregation’s headquarters, Mary View in Nguludi, under the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
Assistant Superior General of the SBVM Congregation, Sister Eneless Chimbali, said the congregation was founded in 1926 by Bishop Louis Jose Marie Auneau and has since grown significantly in both membership and service.
She said the congregation currently has 310 sisters serving in the dioceses of Zomba, Dedza, Karonga, Chikwawa and Mangochi, as well as in the archdioceses of Lilongwe and Blantyre.
According to Sister Chimbali, the congregation has played a vital role in supporting the mission of the Catholic Church through the establishment of schools and health facilities, as well as providing care and support to vulnerable communities.
Despite these achievements, she said the congregation continues to face challenges, including inadequate funding for sisters pursuing professional training and limited resources to assist sick members in accessing quality healthcare.
Sister Chimbali has appealed to Christians, organisations and well-wishers to support the congregation financially to enable it to continue its mission effectively.
“We thank God for what He has done for us throughout all the years we have been serving, and we ask all well-wishers to join us so that we can work together,” she said.
She further called on Christians and the general public to join the congregation in thanking God as it celebrates a century of dedicated service.
