Wisdom’s Presence in Malawi

Malawi, a small picturesque country in East Central Africa, is known as the WARM HEART OF AFRICA.  This name describes the beauty of the country, with its mountains and lakes, tea plantations and maize fields, all of which blend together to form a splendid landscape.  But perhaps this name describes more especially Malawi’s gracious and welcoming people who live in peace and harmony despite their everyday struggles

Since its independence in 1964, Malawi has experienced various levels of expansion.  The most recent administration, that of President Bingu wa Mutharika, has boosted economic development and established a sound infrastructure.  Many roads have either been constructed or greatly improved, making transportation somewhat easier in the rainy seasons.  Health care facilities are more numerous, though not always sufficiently supplied nor staffed.  Schools and training centers of all sorts have increased in number and availability.  On the primary level, education is free and in theory, accessible to all, though its quality varies from district to district. Since poverty abounds, especially in rural areas, many children are malnourished and come to school hungry.  To offset this situation, the government has established an innovative project where each child in primary school receives a bowl of nutritious porridge every day during morning recess. When we asked a little boy who was devouring his porridge if it was good, he replied, while licking his fingers, “It needs more sugar!”

Since the arrival of the Daughters of Wisdom in Malawi in 1904, much has changed. At present, the membership of this Vice-Province is completely Malawian, totally 27 Sisters.  Our Sisters in Malawi serve the mission of the Congregation in primary education in Sitima, Nguludi, Limbe, Mayaka and Lunzu, as well as in two secondary schools, St. Mary’s, a boarding school in Zomba, and Our Lady of Wisdom, a private day school in Limbe.

The joyful face of Malawi’s people! - Tea plantations of Thyolo. - “It needs more sugar!”

In the field of health care, the Daughters of Wisdom serve mostly in poor, rural areas, operating  two large hospitals, one in Lunzu and one in Nguludi, where there is also are well-established school of nursing.  One Sister serves as chaplain in a very large hospital in the city of Blantyre.  The clinic in Mayaka offers high quality compassionate health care in a remote area where any other facility is non-existent.  Their “under-five” clinics and immediate treatment of infants born with the HIV virus have greatly reduced the infant mortality rate. 

The HIV/AIDS pandemic which presently ravishes Africa has left an unprecedented number of orphans who live with other family members already pushed to the limit of their resources.  Our Sisters in Mayaka care for many of these little ones in a small day-care center attached to the parish.  In another parish at the mission of Sitima, a sister is engaged in training women in domestic skills so that what they produce can be sold so as to help support their families.

In visiting these different locations in Malawi, we discovered that perhaps the most striking characteristic of the Sisters is their tireless dedication to mission, especially among those most in need.  Despite some very trying situations where there is neither water nor electricity, the Sisters rarely complain, but rather continue to serve the poor with joy.  Wherever we went it was obvious that there is good collaboration with co-workers and an animation on the spiritual level.  Each day begins with prayer together with the entire staff and a pastoral presence is always offered toward those in need.  Yes – Wisdom is alive in this small country!

We are proud of our Sisters in Malawi who continue the presence of Montfort and Marie-Louise among God’s chosen people.  May they continue to grow in depth and in number!

The Sisters of the General Team

#8 Sr. Olive assists in the finance office of Our Lady of Wisdom Secondary School in Limbe

#9 Sr. Irene with some children from  Sitima Parish.

#6 The Sisters work in the hospital of Nguludi.This newborn has just been delivered by Sr. Julita.

#5 At Mlambe Hospital in Lunzu, Sr. Emma helps to save the life of a child suffering from malnutrition.

#10 The Sisters of Temporary Vows Top row-left to right: Srs. Irene, Dorothy,  Gladys, Daina
Middle row: Srs. Agnes, Rose Bottom row: Srs. Devota, Olive, Margaret

#7 Pre-Novices, Jane Mpando and  Mary Kazembe, are presently extending  this stage of their formation in the Philippines.

End of article (T4)
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