Archives March 2026

21 March, 2026 was a colorful day at St Patrick , Kaviwale Outstation of St Albert the Great parish as they remembered and celebrated the life of their church patron Saint Patrick.

The day started with the holy mass which was led by the bishop of Mzuzu Diocese Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda.

The bishop encouraged the act of remembering and celebrating the lives of patron saints who are offering guidance and inspiration to Catholic churches and individuals.

The bishop also advised the faithful of St Patrick’s Outstation to learn and follow the footsteps of their patron who until his life of faith, dedication in prayers even when he was a slave before becoming a priest, zeal for team work in achieving pastoral work and love for the people are a reminder of the virtues to strive for and the power of devotion in overcoming life’s challenges.

The parish priest of St Albert the Great parish Father Yotam Msumba explained that St Patrick’s Outstation was established in 2015 and it accommodates Catholics of Kaviwale, area 4 and part of the Sonda area.

Father Msumba also described the faithful of Kaviwale Outstation as hardworking and dedicated to their faith and church developments as on their own they are able to contribute generously to the construction of their church.

The patron saint day organizing chairperson, Steven Msukwa expressed gratitude for the bishop’s words of encouragement and blessings, stating that they have been empowered to stand still and endure the life challenges as St Patrick did.

Saint Patrick is originally the patron saint of Ireland and all who are called by this name, he is best known for introducing Christianity to the Irish people. Legend has it that he used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. His feast day, March 17th, has become a global celebration of Irish culture and Christian faith.

By: Staff Reporter

Rumphi, Malawi – March 12, 2026 – In a solemn ceremony held at St. Patrick’s Health Centre, the facility proudly inaugurated a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine (USG) and advanced laboratory equipment. This significant event, attended by distinguished ecclesiastical and medical dignitaries, represents a pivotal advancement in healthcare delivery for the Rumphi district and its environs.

The inauguration was graciously performed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Yohane Nyirenda, Bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese, who also presided over the blessing rites under auspices of Dr. Arnold Jumbe, Director of Rumphi District Hospital. Also in attendance was Rt. Rev. Bishop John A. Ryan, Bishop Emeritus of the Mzuzu Diocese, whose presence lent spiritual gravitas to the proceedings.

Bishop Nyirenda offered heartfelt blessings, stating:
“These machines are more than medical tools; they are instruments of God’s mercy, extending healing hands to the vulnerable in our community. May they serve with precision and compassion for years to come.”

Significance of the new equipment

Dr. Jumbe echoed this sentiment during the commissioning:
“This ultrasound and lab equipment will transform diagnostics at St. Patrick’s, reducing referrals and enabling timely interventions. We commend the donors for their visionary support in strengthening our district’s health infrastructure.”

The newly installed USG machine and laboratory apparatus will markedly enhance the centre’s capacity to provide comprehensive outpatient services. Equipped for high-resolution imaging and precise testing, these tools address critical needs in maternal health, infectious disease management, and routine diagnostics—areas of pressing demand in rural Malawi. This upgrade aligns with broader diocesan efforts to uphold the Catholic Church’s mission of integral human development, ensuring accessible, quality care for all, regardless of ability to pay.

Pictorial focus

Post-ceremony Fellowship

The formalities concluded with a luncheon hosted in the convent, where guests partook in a meal symbolizing communal unity and thanksgiving. This gathering provided an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on sustaining healthcare advancements.

Gracious acknowledgments

The acquisition of this equipment was made possible through the benevolence of the Provincial Superior and the 1974 MBBS batch mates of Sr. Dr. Lissy Jose, whose collective generosity exemplifies selfless stewardship. St. Patrick’s Health Centre extends profound gratitude to these benefactors, whose contributions will undoubtedly save and improve countless lives.

For further information or to support ongoing initiatives, please contact the Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and the Sisters at St. Patrick’s Health Centre, Rumphi.

---

On 13 March 2026, St John of God Hospitaller Services celebrated their Patron Saint, a ceremony which took place in Mzuzu

The ceremony was graced by Mzuzu Diocese Vicar General Very Reverend Fr Isaac John Katumbi who before leading the Mass, he started with touring the facility departments and service offer at St John of God in Mzuzu.

During the tour, Father Katumbi said the brothers and the co-workers are doing a great job and he encouraged them to expand their services and reach out to many people in the country.

Father Katumbi also urged the brothers and workers to take from the life of St John of God who dedicated his life to serving the poor, the sick and marginalized with compassion.

Brother Mitterrand Ndambun on behalf of the brothers of St John of God, said it was a wonderful celebration and they will continue working hard offering different services the institution offers.

St John of God Chief Executive officer Dr. Charles Masulani appreciated the mutual partnership with Mzuzu Diocese and all the support the institution is receiving from the diocese.

On expansion, Dr Masulani further said, they have plans to expand the services the facility offers to reach the whole diocese of Mzuzu and expand to Karonga Diocese.

One of the areas the Vicar General visited is the Child Development Centre (CDC), where the coordinator Moster Chirambo said the center focuses on supporting children’s development especially those with special needs, aiming to make a positive impact on young lives.

Saint John of God provides community-based mental health services, and services for children with a disability and special needs, it also runs St John of God University of Health Sciences.