Everyone was clearly thrilled, as the first group of Malawian natives entered as FCJM postulants, both from the congregation and from the three postulants themselves. The waiting and hoping that’s been going on for a while is finally starting to come to some sort of end. God has been good enough to call the daughters of Malawi, and they’re open to following through. We’re thankful that God is nurturing the charism in the hearts of the people of Malawi. We want to say a special thanks to everyone who’s answered God’s call.

Since October 2025, those interested in becoming Sister have been residing in the formation house in Madisi. Prior to their departure for Dowa, they were graciously granted a two-week vacation to reunite with their families. In January 2026, they departed for Dowa to begin preparing more seriously for entering the Postulant stage. Before entering the postulancy stage, the three aspirants observed a three-day period of prayer (known as a triduum) from January 29, 2026, to February 1, 2026. This period was accompanied by a priest from the parish, Fr. Simon OFM. He is a priest from Malawi. We have faith in his ability to assist the aspirants in gaining a deeper understanding of and living as religious members within the congregation with a Malawian foundation. The aspirants expressed their gratitude for the accompaniment they received, which they found to be particularly beneficial in fostering a deeper understanding of the universal nature of the congregation and promoting unity through mutual love.

On February 2, 2026, a significant event marked a notable day for the Congregation in Malawi. The institution recently granted acceptance to three Malawian women as postulants. The postulancy period constitutes the initial stage in the formal process of becoming a member of a congregation. The Church observes a special occasion on this day, as it celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the temple. For the Diocese of Lilongwe in Malawi, this event is designated as Religious Life Day.

The Eucharistic celebration, which included the acceptance of aspirants as postulants, took place at 10:00 a.m. The event venue was the chapel of the FCJM Sister community in Dowa. It was a relatively simple celebration, with no formal invitation extended to family members. The following individuals were in attendance at the celebration: Sr. M. Angela Benoit, Sr. M. Johanna (as Province Directress and her vice, who received the postulants); two parish priests from Madisi and two from Nathomba Dowa; Fr. Khisi; and eight sisters from Madisi and Dowa communities, along with two aspirants.

Admission procedures for postulants follow the commonly used rite in the Congregation, in English. In his homily, Fr. Sebastian, OFM, underlined the significance of communal living as exemplified by the early Christian community, as depicted in Acts 2:42-47. The early Church community was founded on four pillars: 1) faith in presence of the risen Christ 2) communal prayer, 3) the Eucharist, and 4) charity. Moreover, the Gospel portrays the profound devotion of Mary and Joseph, who humbly presented Jesus in the temple. The Postulancy stage marks the initiation of communal living, wherein one’s life is entrusted to the care of the community.

The ceremony continued with the Provincial officially receiving the three aspirants as Postulants. First, she invited them to come and stand in front of the altar, and asked them what their intentions were. The aspirants expressed their desire to begin the first stage to become a postulant in the Congregation. The Provincial accepted them and presented them with a medal necklace of Our Blessed Mother. This is a symbol that Mary the Virgin, without sin, is a Patroness and guardian for them. We hope that they can be like Mary, a person of faith who lived a pure life and remained committed to Jesus.

They sang lively songs during the Eucharist, such as: I have decided, Here I am, Lord, and Immaculate Mary. It was actually great even without the musical accompaniment.

Following the celebration at the chapel, everyone shared a meal together.  After the meal, the candidates gave a presentation, expressed their gratitude, and gave words of encouragement or advice to the candidates. The ceremony ended, however, the celebration of life will continue, especially for the Sisters in Dowa community, known as Formation House Mother M. Clara Pfaender. Hopefully, the Postulants support each other as they grow deeper in their understanding of their vocation.

Written by Sr. M. Yovita Manalu FCJM

Edited by Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga FCJM