Archives December 2024

Mzuzu Diocese in a K30 million Hunger Response Initiative

Erratic weather patterns, exacerbated by rising costs of agricultural inputs, have rocked the 2023-2024 farming season in Malawi, forcing many families to grapple with the harsh realities of hunger.

The devastating effects of climate change have led to poor harvests, leaving vulnerable households struggling to put food on the table.

In the Mzuzu Diocese, the situation has become dire, with many families—particularly those headed by women or caring for the elderly and disabled—facing acute food insecurity.

The rising prices of fertilizers and seeds further compound their struggles, pushing many into despair as they watch their loved ones go hungry.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) of the Diocese has moved swiftly to launch a K30 million relief initiative aimed at providing much-needed support to the most affected households.

Over the past year, CADECOM has also implemented several food assistance projects in the Mzuzu Diocese, focusing on emergency food distribution and cash transfers to support vulnerable families.

On December 2, 2024, an official distribution of material and financial aid took place at St. Bernadette Parish in Chibavi, Mzuzu City, marking the beginning of a crucial cash transfer and food distribution exercise.

The Director for Social Development of the Diocese, Fr. Austin Ndowera, who represented Bishop John Ryan at the event, expressed gratitude to Caritas Korea, Caritas Italiana, and Caritas Internationalis for their timely assistance through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

Fr. Ndowera stated, “This initiative will serve food to the starving people in our Diocese,” acknowledging the critical role that these partnerships play in addressing hunger.

He highlighted that the Diocese has been severely impacted by low farm yields due to drought and unpredictable rainfall patterns, urging community members to engage in environmental restoration efforts, such as tree planting, as a means to combat these challenges.

Fr. Ndowera with one of the cash beneficiaries.

St. Bernadette Parish priest Fr. Toney Mfune, echoed these sentiments, expressing his gratitude for the support extended to vulnerable households in his parish.

“The hunger situation here has led to decreased attendance at Sunday services, as many struggle with acute food shortages. We are calling on the government to stabilize the economy and make agricultural inputs more affordable, emphasizing that Malawi is blessed with fertile land that could yield abundant harvests if properly utilized.”

The elderly are some of the cash beneficiaries

Dan Zimba, CADECOM-Mzuzu Diocese Coordinator, announced at the launch that each identified household would receive MK100, 000.00 in cash transfers and 15 kg of soya corn flour.

This assistance will benefit a total of 430 households across five parishes within the Diocese, including St. Albert the Great Parish-Mzuzu, St. Michael’s Pro-Parish Ekwendeni, St. Cecilia Parish-Mpherembe, and St. Paul’s Parish-Mzimba.

The need for continued support is immense, as nearly all 22 parishes in the Diocese are grappling with hunger, Zimba added.

“There are many more needy families in our Diocese,” Zimba stated. “While we are grateful for this assistance, it only reaches a fraction of those in need and serves as a short-term solution.”

Among the beneficiaries is Juliana Ngwira, a widow from Salisbury Lines in St. Bernadette Parish. After enduring three days without food for herself and her grandchildren, she expressed profound relief and gratitude upon receiving food assistance.

“I am so thankful to God for this help,” she said, her heart filled with hope.

As CADECOM Mzuzu Diocese continues its efforts to alleviate hunger in the Diocese, it remains committed to seeking additional support to address the ongoing needs of its communities and ensure that no one goes hungry.

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Mzuzu Diocese begins preparations for the 2025 Epiphany Celebration.

The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu has officially launched its preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 Epiphany celebration, scheduled to take place on January 5, 2025, at St. Cecelia Parish in Mpherembe, Mzimba District.

This year’s launch coincided with the first Sunday of Advent, marking a spiritually significant time for the community.

The launch event was held during a Eucharist celebration at St. Cecelia Parish, where Fr. Thomas Gondwe, the Director of the Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS) for the Diocese, addressed the congregation.

In his sermon, Fr. Gondwe emphasized the importance of obedience and respect among children, urging them to embrace prayer and education as foundational pillars for their future roles in both the church and society.

“If children are obedient and respectful to parents and other elders, they will grow in wisdom and become reliable leaders of the Catholic Church and the country in future,” he explained.

Fr. Gondwe also took the opportunity to encourage parishioners to maintain hope during challenging times.

He reminded them that the Advent season serves as a beacon of light, illustrating that Jesus is present to help carry their burdens.

The Parish Priest of St. Cecelia, Fr. Abishai Chirambo, expressed his gratitude for hosting the launch event and assured attendees that the parish would diligently work towards ensuring a successful celebration.

Said he, “we will prepare well so that Mzuzu Diocese can have a successful celebration next year; we will prioritize prayers in our preparations.”

Angela Ngulube, a dedicated Sunday school teacher at St. Cecelia Parish, called upon parents to actively support their children in the lead-up to the Epiphany celebrations.

“We are asking parents and guardians to help their children prepare well for the celebration by sending them to practices and rehearsal meetings, and providing them what the Epiphany day will demand,” she explained.

In a show of unity among the youth, Charles Mkandawire, representing his peers in the parish, encouraged fellow children to attend scheduled rehearsals to ensure a vibrant and colorful celebration.

“Let’s all come together and participate in the activities planned for this important day,” he urged.

Leading up to the Epiphany celebration, children will engage in various activities including charity work aimed at supporting needy children and quiz competitions designed to educate them about their roles within the church and society.

This year’s theme, “Children are Missionaries of Hope,” underscores the significance of nurturing a sense of responsibility among young members of the congregation.

The Epiphany celebration is not only a time of festivity but also serves as an educational platform for children within the Catholic Church, highlighting their vital contributions to both local and global communities.

As preparations unfold, the Diocese looks forward to a memorable event that embodies faith, hope, and community spirit.

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