St Patrick’s relaunches K1 billion church

Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe head Archbishop Desmond Tambala has advised the faithful to maintain peace and unity if the church is to fulfil its mandate.

The cleric was speaking on Sunday when he relaunched St Patrick’s Church in Area 18, Lilongwe, which the parishioners have given a K925.5 million facelift.

“What the parishioners have done symbolises the power of unity because they have managed to raise all that money within two years and complete the renovations,” said Tambala.

The renovation project started in November 2021 at an estimated cost of K694 million, but by the time of completion in January 2024, the cost had swelled to K925.5 million.

According to the parish council vice-chairperson Mathews Mtumbuka, the cost increased as a result of the kwacha devaluation.

“This was the major obstacle which we encountered but because the parishioners are understanding and united, they responded well when we appealed for more contributions,” he said.

Mtumbuka said when the church was opened in 1986, it had the a 1 000 capacity, but the renovations, which have seen a number of changes, have also increased the capacity to 1 300.

The major factors which led to the renovation project included poor ventilation, poor lighting, roof leakages and noise during rainfall.

During the relaunch, the church also launched a strategic plan which Tambala said is well laid-out to guide the operations of the church.