The Story of God’s
great gift to Malawi
By Gabrielle Gay Russell

We are not quite sure why the Lord has given this magnificent gift to us in Malawi, but we do believe it is a strong call to prayer and penance ... a call to turn back to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Whilst members of the Catholic Church were called to bring this to completion, we are very mindful that the Virgin Mary in her many apparitions has always stated that in God’s eyes there are no divisions of faith — we are all one. We therefore wish to make it known, far and wide, that all are welcome here, and furthermore that all are encouraged to climb this route in prayerful communion with the Lord. We pray this Way of the Cross in reparation for our sins; praying for the sick and the dying; praying that all hearts may come to know the joy of Christ’s love; and praying that peace may always reign in Malawi. Please do come and make your own pilgrimage of prayer.

Directions

To reach the entrance to this Way of the Cross, cars should proceed past Ryalls hotel, past Namiwawa Filling Station and follow the winding Chilomoni Ring Road. At the T-junction turn right and proceed past the Chilomoni Catholic Church which is clearly visible beside the road. From that point there are yellow signs ‘Njira wa Mtanda’ or ‘Way of the Cross’. After the Church, the road turns to the right and signs further on indicate a turn to the left, up a dirt road. Following these signs with one more turn to the right, the entrance will shortly be visible. There is a fenced area where cars may be left under 24 hr guard.

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING THAT WE MAY FAITHFULLY COMPLETE THIS INCREDIBLE GIFT OF GOD TO MALAWI.

Praise be to God!

The following is a full and accurate account of the events that led to the completion of our ‘Krizevac’ in Malawi. For those who wish to publish the story in their local Medjugorje magazines, but find this too long and detailed, we give full permission to reduce it as you will, providing that none of the details is changed.

Lord... I leave it to you

Many people are now aware that there are fifteen ‘Stations’ of the Cross winding up Michiru mountain, with a large Cross on the summit. Groups or individuals can be seen every day quietly making their way up the mountain, stopping at each station and praying before the cross, or meditating the scene depicted on a beautiful bronze plaque beside each cross. Others can be found at the top - sitting at the foot of the main Cross deep in prayer. Yet few people are aware of how it all came about and who initiated this great and beautiful gift to Malawi.

For that reason I have been asked to share my story, which I do in obedience and with deep humility in order that all will understand how this is truly a gift from God. It was initiated by God and not by any human being. God merely used some of us to put his plan into action, and we were all delighted to do our bit. I am therefore happy to explain how it came about….

In September 2000 I was given a ticket to make a pilgrimage to Rome and Medjugorje, together with a dear friend. It had been ten years since my last pilgrimage and I was overwhelmed with the chance to go again. When I was preparing before the Blessed Sacrament I was agonising with Jesus for three days saying, ‘Why me, Lord? Why am I blessed to go again?

What about all the Malawians who can never go?
On the third day, this question was so strong in my heart that I raised my hands and surrendered saying: ‘Lord, I leave it all to you' and I continued with my prayer. When I had finished, about an hour later, I was at home getting ready to go to the office when the phone rang, and a voice, obviously long distance, said to me – “Is that Gay Russell... You don't know me.

My name is Tony Smith. I love Medjugorje and I want to talk to you about this idea I have. “I have this idea that has been developing for some years. Originally I was hoping to build a replica of Krizevac (the big Cross on top of a mountain in Medjugorje) for all the people in England who could not go, but I’ve never managed to find a mountain. Then last night I heard clearly in my heart: ‘Build it in Malawi, for all the Malawians who can never go! Having seen you on a video some time ago, I have spent the morning tracking down your number. Now I am asking if you could find a mountain near Blantyre, on the summit of which we could build the Krizevac Cross and then place the Stations of the Cross up the mountain, just like in Medjugorje. “I hope you don’t think I am crazy, but it could become a Medjugore for the Malawians.”

The full article can be found on pages 34-36 of Vol 3
2007 issue.