My recent visit to Bembeke for the consecration of the new bishop of the Diocese of Dedza offered an unexpected artistic reward: the beautiful religious fresco paintings that adorn the interior of the Bembeke Cathedral of the Holy Family.
Bembeke is located northeast of Dedza boma and has a number of Catholic Diocese of Dedza establishments. These include the Bembeke Cathedral of the Holy Family, a teachers training college, and a primary school.
With a few minutes before my return journey to Lilongwe, I stepped inside the Cathedral, eager to see the paintings that distinguish this sacred space.
The Bembeke Cathedral of the Holy Family was built between 1915 and 1919 by White Fathers missionary Fr Jean-Louis Lesueur. The White Fathers had originally set up a sanatorium at the site in the early 1900s, and later it turned into a mission station.
The inside of the cathedral is adorned with beautiful fresco paintings of traditional religious scenes with African protagonists. Local artist Michael Kapalamula tells bible stories through the painted frescoes.
The artist excellently transformed familiar biblical narratives, like the Nativity and the Last Supper, into visuals that help the community connect wth the Bible’s timeless messages.
A few months later, I attended the commemoration of the life of Bishop Cornelio Chitsulo, the first black bishop of the Diocese of Dedza.
The beauty of the religious fresco paintings in Bembeke Cathedral is undeniable, but it was the experience of the Eucharistic Mass – the joyful songs and dance, and the vibrant clothing of the faithful – that truly illuminated their purpose.
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