Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu

Archives 2026

Women Commend Mzuzu Diocese CCJP Land Rights Project in Rumphi District.

Malawi Rumphi –Women in areas of Mzokoto and Mphompha have commended the CCJP- Mzuzu Diocese Land Rights for Women Project for supporting to secure land tenure for organic farming, which has led to an enhanced economic empowerment, improved household food security, and greater self-reliance.

The women expressed these sentiments on 14thJanuary 2025 during the issuance of customary Land titles to the 73 women (project beneficiaries) at Mzokoto T/A Mwankhunikila.

CCJP- Mzuzu Diocese Coordinator, Felix Manda explained the project focuses on securing customary land titles for the marginalized women (divorced widows, single mothers and unmarried girls). Manda added that in Rumphi the project targets to support 100 more women in addition to the 73 women who have already secured their land.

Land Certificate
The Land Certificate

The project also empowers women to apply agro-ecological and organic farming methods to realize their rights to food and social economic development.

Northern Region Deputy Director for Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Lands, Ruth Banda appreciated the efforts of CCJP in Mzuzu diocese for helping the government to implement a new Customary Land Act that empowers citizens to secure their land hence protecting it from being sold to strangers.

The Director of Social Development, who is also the Vicar general of Mzuzu Diocese, Fr Isaac John Katumbi complemented the development saying that the Diocese is pleased with the outcome of the project and its impact as this transformation of women’s lives is within the Mzuzu Diocese goal of achieving a holistic evangelization of both spiritual and social- economic development of people in the diocese.

The DSD Fr Isaac Katumbi and CCJP Coordinator
The DSD Fr Isaac John Katumbi, CCJP Coordinator Felix Manda, Chiefs and women holding Land Certificates

Cecilia Nyasulu who got divorced and returned to her parents’ home is one of the beneficiaries of the project. Her life has greatly transformed as she is able to farm a variety of crops and sale some. From the profit realized through sale of extra produce, Nyasulu is able to pay school fees for her secondary school child.

Project beneficiaries
Project beneficiaries full of smile at last the own a secured land

Land Rights for women project implemented in Mzuzu diocese is funded by Misereor in Germany, aims at empowering women specifically widows and divorced to have access land to Land for organic farming, breaking the northern region’s cultural belief that ownership of land belongs to men.

Mzuzu Diocese to Host Malawi`s WORLD MISSION SUNDAY 100 Years Celebrations.

Mzuzu Diocese Malawi -The Catholic Church in Malawi in October this year is expected to celebrate a significant milestone of 100 years (Centenary) of World Mission Sunday (1926-2026) and 110 years of Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU) (1916-2026).

Preparations for this day have been launched on 10th January 2026 in the Catholic diocese of Mzuzu which will be the hosting diocese.

Speaking in an interview Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) National Director Father Peter Madeya, said this early planning will ensure a colorful celebration.

“Starting preparations at an early stage will help us have a successful and colorful celebration,” he said.

Fr Madeya
Fr Peter Madeya explaining about the centenary celebration in Mzuzu diocese

Father Madeya further said World Mission Sunday has really helped the Catholic church in the country in establishing different institutions in the dioceses.

Mzuzu Diocese PMS Director Father Thomas Gondwe said his office will work together with the Pastoral Office in order to have a wonderful celebration. Fr Gondwe further said during the preparations the main organizing committee of Mzuzu Diocese will be looking on liturgy, accommodation, transport, food, health, decoration, security, fundraising, protocol and publicity.

Mzuzu Diocese main organizing committee during the launch of preparations for the centenary celebration.
Mzuzu Diocese main organizing committee during the launch of preparations for the centenary celebration.

The national event is expected to attract a large nationwide audience from all dioceses and will be witnessed by the Pope’s Delegate from Rome and the PMS International Secretary.