A Host-Baking Machine for a Convent in Malawi
Most of the hosts, or altar breads, which, during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, become the Body of Christ in the hands of His priests, are in fact manufactured by contemplative religious sisters, working in prayerful silence. This work is not only ideally suited to the contemplative life but, at the same time, represents a vital service to the local church, since every parish needs these hosts in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist – the source and summit of the Church‘s life.
Baking and cutting out the hosts is a task requiring great care and dexterity, since the slender wafers are very fragile and need to have exactly the right consistency. Modern technical equipment is of great assistance here, since the work is otherwise extremely slow and laborious, and it can be a struggle for the sisters to produce the quantity required.
The community of Poor Clares in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe in Malawi in southern Africa are also engaged in this task, which they perform not only as a means of supporting themselves, but also as a contribution for the support of the local church – since the number of Catholics, and hence also of hosts required, is growing constantly. And so they are asking us for help to purchase the necessary technical equipment. Sister Maria Chiara Ng’ambi explains: “Our way of life is entirely contemplative. We live a life of prayer for the Church and for the whole world, and so contemplation and quiet work are at the very heart of the Gospel. In this way, we support ourselves by the work of our hands and entrust our lives to divine providence.“ They also sew liturgical vestments, though of course, these are not required in the same quantity as the hosts, which need to be produced in great quantities on a daily basis.
The sisters live in poverty and share what little they have with the poor who come knocking on the convent door. Malawi is already one of the poorest countries in the world, and prices are rising constantly. Indeed, in October 2025, an ongoing drought obliged the government to declare a state of emergency.
Archbishop George Desmond Tambala fully supports the request of the Poor Clares and writes: “This project is urgently necessary for the support of the sisters. And at the same time, it will also help our archdiocese to have enough hosts for celebrating the Eucharist. I hope and pray that you will be able to help.”
We have promised $32,908 for the specialized equipment required. These sisters are praying for you and for the whole world. Will you help them to help the diocese and, at the same time, provide for their own continuing support with the work of their own hands?
135-06-39