The FCJM Congregation has a new Formation house in Dowa, Malawi, Africa. The formation house was blessed on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Sunday, January 12, 2025. Present at this historic event were Bishop Matthias Koenig, Archdiocese of Paderborn, Germany and Bishop George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe, Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz (General Superior of the FCJM), Sr. Evifania Sinaga (General Councilor), Sr. M. Angela Benoit (FCJM Provincial in German Province), Sr. M. Theodosia Tinambunan (FCJM Provincial in Indonesian Province) and Sr. M. Agnes Tambunan (Council in Indonesian Province).

The blessing of the Formation house began with the welcoming of the honored guests, the two Bishops present, followed by the cutting of the ribbon and the blessing of the Formation house by the Bishop of Lilongwe. From there, all the invited guests proceeded in procession to “St. Benedict the Black Church,” Nanthomba Parish, Dowa for the celebration of the Eucharist.

The Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Matthias Koenig, Archdiocese of Paderborn, Germany and Bishop George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe, accompanied by seven priests as concelebrants.

FCJM Sisters are very grateful for the support of many people, including the Archdiocese of Paderborn. The construction, which took two years, was done with the international collaboration of the FCJM Sisters, especially the German and Indonesian Provinces. It is hoped that the formation house will develop and become a source of services for the FCJM Sisters, especially to offer support in the field of education in Malawi.

Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz as the General Council of FCJM Sisters expressed her deep gratitude because on this day FCJM Sisters from around the worldwere with us all in this special moment.

She also mentioned the deep yearning of the people of Malawi for the presence of the Sisters and a house of formation there. The German and Indonesian Provinces are working together to answer God’s call in love and to respond to the needs of the times wherever they are needed. He also invited all of us to begin this new chapter in the evangelical spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

Sr. M. Magdalena prayed “May God bless and protect us. May the Lord let His face shine upon us and give us peace.”

“May God bless and protect us. May the Lord let His face shine upon us and gives us peace. God turns His face toward us and gives us peace,” said Sr. Magdalena, as wrote by Sr. Evifania by whatsapp on January 12, 2025.

The presence of about 600 people, completed the excitement and happiness of the FCJM Sisters. So many people were excited to support the opening of the FCJM Formation house.

With the presence of the Formation house, FCJM will accept young women to become FCJM candidates.

“May the missionary work here continue to grow, thanks to the support of all, and may the sisters be a sign of the presence of God’s boundless love in the midst of his people,” said Sr. M. Evifania.

Meanwhile, the FCJM sisters who are on mission in Malawi also have hopes that many young people will open their hearts to respond to God’s call to participate in building the Kingdom of God in the world.

Written by: Sr. Angela Siallagan

Edited by: Sr. Fran Glowinski 

Source: Sr. Evifania Sinaga