Mzuzu- Malawi Thousands of people gathered at St Peters Cathedral and later at Katoto Cemetery to give their last respect to Father Benjamin Vitumbiko Banda who died on Wednesday 12 November 2025 afternoon during a tragic road accident along Chikangawa M1 road in Mzimba district on his way from his mother’s village Embangweni , in the same district.
Fr Banda`s Requiem mass was held on 15 November 2025 at St Peter’s Cathedral following the vigil mass on 14th November 2025. Speaking to the mourners, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu Right Reverend Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, said the Diocese has lost a young, energetic and dedicated priest.
“His death has shocked many and broken many hearts but as Christians we must find comfort in the lord, let us believe and have faith in God that death is not the end.” the bishop said.
Many people have described the death of Fr Benjamin as a great lost to the diocese, to the family, to the youths and to the diocesan priests’ community.
Speaking of behalf of the Association of Diocesan priests of Malawi in Mzuzu Diocese, Fr Yotum Msumba, said just in four years late Fr Banda has served in the Diocese, he has done a lot, his life summarizes how we need to be living, we thank the Lord for the gift in the ADCOM family.
Diocesan Youth Chairperson Aaron Mkandawire said they learned a lot from Fr Banja and the youths of Mzuzu diocese will miss the leadership of their chaplain. Until his death Father Banda was a parish priest at St Johns Mzambazi Parish and Diocesan Youth Chaplain.
Fr Banda has served for 4 years, was ordained to priesthood on 30 October 2021 at St Theresa Parish by Bishop Emeritus of Mzuzu Diocese Right Reverend John Ryan. On the time of his death, he was serving as a parish priest of St John the Baptist at Mzambazi.
One of the Parishioners of St Johns Mzambazi Parish Laurencia Nkosi said late Fr Banda brought several developments at the parish saying his presence and love for the church will be missed.
Fr Banda was born on 19 January 1994 and hails from Kanyemba village, St Theresa Parish traditional Authority Mabulabo in Mzimba district.
