Fr. Fidele Malanga, MIC

Marian Scholasticate, Washington D.C.

First Vows: 8/15/2019
Final Vows: 8/12/2024
Priestly Ordination: 8/10/1986

Primary Assignment:
Airport Ministry, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). 

Do you have a devotion to a particular Saint?
First, my patron saint, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577–1622). I went three years to ago to visit his Shrine in Germany. It was my long-time dream, and one day, God gave me the chance to go visit the place of my patron saint.

Some of my other favorite saints include St. Faustina and our Renovator, Bl. George Matulaitis. When we went on pilgrimage as novices to Poland, I got the chance to preside the Mass at the shrine of Bl. George and wear his chasuble. It was a good blessing for me. 

What is unique about your ministry in the airport?
It is the chance for people to practice their faith in the airport. My part is to bring God to others, especially people who are moving to new places. People who work in the airport don’t get to enjoy Mass every Sunday. I found this ministry was important to hundreds of people. 

I celebrate Mass, listen to Confessions, and offer a Divine Mercy prayer card to people beginning their travel journey. For me, the mission is to spread Divine Mercy all over the world, to Americans but also visitors from other countries. When I give a prayer card, people say, "Thank you, Father, we feel secure and good with this prayer." I’m so happy to hear that.

On Ash Wednesday, I stayed there after noon Mass until 4:30 p.m. to give ashes. The people were so happy. 

Pray for us, there is currently no chaplain at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) currently. I am working with Fr. David Smith to make this possible. It is a big airport, and Baltimore was the first Catholic diocese in the United States. We invite all of you to pray for us. 

His story:
I’m celebrating 40 years as a priest this year, but seven years as a Marian. I was a diocesan priest in my country, Congo, and I moved here and worked for the Archdiocese of Washington for 8 years. I joined the Marians because of their motto, Pro Christo Et Eccesia (“For Christ and the Church”). 

I went to Steubenville, Ohio, with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, for a conference to learn about the Marians, applied, and they accepted me. I began my novitiate with Fr. Jim McCormack, MIC, and others. My co-novices included Fr. Stephen Castellano, MIC.  We came together to receive our final vows two years ago.

I love the Marians because of the Divine Mercy message. Even before joining the Congregation, I was spreading Divine Mercy on my own. When I said that I would join the Marians, Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek, MIC, told me, "Father, what you did is preparation to become really recognized as a member of this congregation." I said, "Yes, that’s true. That prepared me."

I love Divine Mercy. It’s a part of my life. I’m doing the work of Jesus in this Congregation. God sent me to the Marians, providentially, to continue to preach the truth.

More on Fr. Fidele:
Our favorite week of the year: "Marian Week"
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Five Profess First Vows