Mzuzu diocese Malawi -Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 Day’s journey of Lent of fasting, praying, repenting and arm giving in the Catholic church.
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026 different parishes and outstations across Mzuzu diocese and beyond observed this day in their large numbers, a symbol of the spiritual growth and the surrendering spirit of people to God, asking for God’s mercy and compassion.
The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu Rt Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, prayed at St Nicholas outstation Chikangawa under St Paul’s Parish in Mzimba.
Speaking in an interview Bishop Nyirenda said during this period Christians are encouraged to pray frequently and also to help those in need.
“We are encouraged to pray, a prayer that is accompanied with fasting and also to open our hearts and hands to help the needy by doing works of charity,” said bishop Nyirenda.
Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda at the Ash Wednesday – Chikangawa
Bishop Nyirenda also called on the Christians to reflect on their lives, avoid sins and pray more because through prayers everything is possible.
Faithful at St Nicholus- Chikangawa
On this same day the Vicar General of Mzuzu Diocese father Isaac John Katumbi led the Ash Wednesday mass at Peters Jenda Outstation under St Theresa Parish.
In his homily Father also emphasized self-discipline from the earthly desires and pleasures like drinking alcohol and smoking. The Vicar further encouraged the practicing of genuine prayer life and fasting of not showing off to others saying people cannot be called a true Christians if they don’t pray and control their bodies desires that lead to sins.
“Prayer is very important to the Christians, you cannot call yourself a Christian if you do not pray and it’s the prayers that can help to control our lives.” Said Father Isaac John Katumbi.
The Vicar General- Fr Isaac John Katumbi at St Peters Jenda Outstation- Ash Wednesday
St Theresa Parish Priest Father Sam Ng’oma said he will encourage the Christians to observe the Lenten season with dedication.
St Peters Jenda Outstation
During the Lenten season, Christians are encouraged to do charity work, self-reflection, fasting as they remembering the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) Right Reverend Martin Anwel Mtumbuka has urged the Catholic youths in Malawi to be strong in their faith and keep soldiering on amidst their different challenges.
Bishop Mtumbuka made the remarks during the closing mass of the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference at St Peter’s Cathedral in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.
Bishop Mtumbuka said regardless of the many challenges youths encounter, they must move on, relying on Jesus Christ, in the intersession of the blessed Virgin Mary and on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
” In times of unemployment keep walking, in times of broken homes and families keep walking, in lack of school fees keep walking, in times of poverty keep walking our God is with you and also us your church leaders, we are assuring you of our support , we will not leave you alone, ” said Bishop Mtumbuka.
Bishop Anwel Mtumbuka President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops- encouraging the youths to keep walking.
The bishop also advised young boys and girls not to rush into temporal or unblessed marriages but rather take time in searching for their partners and follow properly all the church marriage procedures.
The conference was parked with different lessons by excellent facilitators. On day two, the youths went through the Recollection Lesson by Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Mental Health Resilience by Brother Samuel Mithi of St John of God and Catholic Social Teachings by Bishop Alfred Chaima of Zomba Diocese. On day three the youths were reminded of the Sacrament of Penance as preparation for the Eucharist by Fr Robert Songa of Karonga Diocese, Vocation by Fr Raymond Mwale, Pastoral Director of Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, and Environmental Stewardship by Isaac Thindwa of Ungwelu organization. On day four the youths learnt about Renewing and deepening the Eucharistic Faith by Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, Youth Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship by Rex Chapota of National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCM) and the last lesson was Digital Space and Cyber security by Hatchson Mkwapatila of Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).
Bishop Nyirenda of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu with other bishops, priests, facilitators and the youths after the opening mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference
National Catholic Youth Chaplain Father Patrick Kamba asked the youths to put into practice the lessons they have learnt during the conference.
Mzuzu Diocese Youth Chairperson Aaron Mkandawire thanked the bishops for organizing the conference with such deep and enlightening lessons, which he said has strengthened and deepened their catholic faith.
After the lessons on day four, the youths participated in the tree planting exercise around Mary Mount Secondary School as one way of implementing environmental conservation strategies the learnt.
Bishop Alfred Chaima leading the youths in tree planting exercise at Mary Mount Secondary School
The conference was held from 13-17 August 2025, and it brought together over 250 youths from all the eight catholic dioceses of Malawi.
At the conclusion of the closing mass, the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu has handed over a Cross and a Candle to Dedza Diocese the host of 2026 National Catholic Youth Conference.
Dedza Diocese youths celebrating after receiving the cross and the candle from Mzuzu diocese accepting the responsibility of hosting the 2026 National Catholic Youth Conference
5TH to 9THAUGUST 2025 was indeed a time of profound grace and an opportunity to rekindle missionary thirst for the Catholic Christians in Malawi as the they celebrated the first ever National Eucharist Congress in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
The congress started with a solemn declaration message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV which was led by the Pope`s envoy to Malawi and Zambia, His Excellency Archbishop Gian Luca Perici soon before he presided over the congress opening Mass.
“Standing here today, in the heart of the Church in Malawi, I bring you the paternal greetings and apostolic blessings of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Holy Father is spiritually united with us at this sacred hour and prays that this Congress may be a moment of profound grace for the entire Church in this land,” part of the message from Pope read by the Nucio.
The Nucio continued saying that the Pope`s wish was for the congress to be a true moment of renewal, evangelization, and unity expressing pope`s spiritual solidarity to the Malawi Catholic Church.
“May it be a moment to deepen the love for the Most Holy Eucharist, strengthen the bonds of communion among the people of God and inspire a renewed missionary zeal in every diocese, parish and family,” the Holy Father pleaded in his message.
His Excellency Archbishop Gian Luca Perici the Nicio foe Malawi and Zambia reading the message from the Popeduring the Eucharist Congress opening
After the opening Mass the first day ended with the Eucharist adoration and benediction which was led the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu His Lordship Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda.
His Lordship Bishop Yohane Nyirenda leading the Eucharist adoration and benediction during the evening of the first day of the National Eucharist Congress.
Subsequently, each day had sessions on various topics including Christ’s presence in the Church, especially in liturgical celebrations; Renewing and deepening our Eucharistic faith; Centrality of the Eucharist in families and Small Christian Communities; Centrality of the Eucharist in Consecrated Life; Sacrament of penance and reconciliation in preparation for the Eucharist; Eucharist Testimonies; Mass and the Eucharistic procession which concluded the fourth day.
The Eucharist Procession brought the congress to the climax of adoring the blessed sacrament as all groups of people (the bishops, priest, nuns the elderly, the sick, the physically challenged, men, women and children) from all the 8 dioceses in Malawi journeyed with Jesus in the blessed sacrament a 5.2 Kilometers distance from Maula parish to St Patrick’s parish.
The Eucharist Procession from Maula parish to St Patrick’s Parish
All these Eucharistic activities were aimed at having a renewed faith, ecclesial communion, and a deeper understanding of the Eucharist’s significance in the Church’s life and mission among all the Bishops, Clergy, religious, and the lay faithful in the country.
His Lordship Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda applauded the congress as it has reminded the catholic Christians the importance of the Eucharist. The bishop also said the Eucharist is the pillar for the catholic faith therefore Christians should always have hunger for the eucharist and encouraged those outside the sacraments to be re-administered.
Bishop Nyirenda and other Bishops during the National Eucharist Congress Closing Mass
The congress concluded with Catholic Bishops of Malawi committed to spreading the reflections and fruits of the Congress to all the faithful at every level of the Church, to promote deeper devotion and reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, to encourage ongoing reflections and catechesis on the mystery of the Blessed Sacrament all these aiming ensuring the successful implementation of the Eucharist Resolutions made.
The 2025 Eucharist Congress, themed “Eucharist: Source and Summit of Pilgrims of Hope,” aligns with the 2025 Jubilee Year theme and aims to deepen the faithful’s understanding of the Eucharist.
The purpose of the National Eucharistic Congress was to study and prayerfully reflect on the centrality of the Blessed Sacrament in the lives of the Pilgrims of Hope in this Year of the Jubilee of Hope 2025.
1. During this Congress the following contributors inspired the proceedings:
a. The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV as he imparted his Papal Blessing through the Secretary of State in Vatican, His Eminence Pietro Cardinal Parolin, assured the Congress through the President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, Rt. Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka that the Universal Church was united in spirit with the Catholic Church in Malawi during this momentous spiritual exercise.
b. The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, in his official declaration of the Congress underscored that what is most important is not what we do with the Eucharist but what we are with the Eucharist.
c. Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, emphasized that the centrality of the Eucharist in a Christian’s life is not an option nor a personal choice, but a direct mandate from Jesus Christ Himself.
Adoring the blessed sacrament
2. During the Eucharistic Congress there were six presentations:
a. Christ’s Presence in the Church, Especially in Liturgical Celebrations,
b. Renewing and Deepening Our Eucharistic Faith,
c. The Centrality of the Eucharist in the Families and Small Christian Communities,
d. The Centrality of the Eucharist in Consecrated Life,
e. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist (Testimony), and
f. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation as Preparation for Receiving the Eucharist
3. REFLECTION
The Congress highlighted the following key insights:
a. All liturgical rites are ordered towards the Eucharist, which is the source and summit of our faith; therefore, every Christian should be properly disposed to receive the divine graces that flow through the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist.
b. As the Family of God, all Christians are called to embrace a Eucharistic Encounter, Eucharistic Identity, Eucharistic Life and Eucharistic Mission as pathways to renewing and deepening their Eucharistic faith.
c. Christians are invited to offer their lives to God with Christ, in the spirit of Mary’s self-offering at the foot of the Cross.
d. The family and Small Christian Communities are called to mirror the presence of Christ in the life of the Church.
e. The Blessed Sacrament nourishes the lives of those in Consecrated Life, sustaining them in their evangelical counsels, daily living, and mission.
f. As a gift of God’s mercy, the Blessed Sacrament calls us to be agents of charity – strengthened by our devotion to the Eucharist.
g. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a necessary preparation for a fruitful encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
h. The Eucharistic Sacrifice is a gift of the Holy Trinity to the Church and humanity; therefore, Ministers and the faithful are called to celebrate it with fidelity to the rites prescribed by the Church.
4. DECLARATION OF INTENT
The 2025 Eucharistic Congress, through Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, is committed to:
a. Spreading the reflections and fruits of the Congress to all the faithful at every level of the Church.
b. Promoting deeper devotion and reverence to the Blessed Sacrament.
c. Encouraging ongoing reflections and catechesis on the mystery of the Blessed Sacrament.
5. RESOLUTIONS
During the Congress, the delegates made the following resolutions:
a. Promoting reverence to the Blessed Sacrament as the true and real presence of Christ.
b. Priests as Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist should promote reverence to the Eucharist.
c. Having Adoration and Benediction in parishes should not be regarded as a private devotion for groups but an obligation for all Christians in every parish.
d. The format of Adoration as provided in the new Chichewa and Chitumbuka Hymn Books should be made known to all the faithful.
e. Liturgical celebrations should be properly prepared for, and choirs should aim at helping the congregation to actively participate in the liturgy by selecting songs that are well known to the worshipers.
f. Receiving the Eucharist on the tongue is strongly recommended.
g. All pastors’ priorities the dissemination of teachings on the Blessed Sacrament and providing pastoral assistance to Christians who are barred from receiving the sacraments so that they may be reconciled and return to full sacramental participation.
6. With deep gratitude to organizers of the Congress and all participants, we entrust the successful implementation of these resolutions on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Our Lady of Africa.
The Malawi Catholic Bishops and priests committed to implement the Eucharist resolutions
Given to the entire Catholic Church on 9th August 2025 by:
Rt. Rev. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka – MCCB President and Bishop of Karonga
Rt. Rev. Peter Andrian Chifukwa – MCCB Vice President and Bishop of Dedza
Most. Rev. Thomas Luke Msusa – Archbishop of Blantyre
Most Rev. George Desmond Tambala – Archbishop of Lilongwe
Rt. Rev. Peter Musikuwa – Bishop of Chikwawa
Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima – Bishop of Mangochi
Rt. Rev. Alfred Mateyu Chaima – Bishop of Zomba
Rt. Rev. Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda – Bishop of Mzuzu
Rt. Rev. Vincent Frederick Mwakhwawa – Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe
The Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), officially gathered for the 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda from 30th July to 4th August 2025.
According to one of the presentations at the plenary by Archbishop Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle of Cape Coast Ghana, the plenary aimed to confirm why the continental association of Bishops exists and to familiarize the newly installed and younger bishops with SECAM.
20th Plenary Assembly of SECAM facilitators in Kigali -Rwanda
The event brought together over 250 Catholic Bishops representing various episcopal conferences across Africa including Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu who represented the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB).
Speaking in an interview upon arrival from SECAM Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda applauded the plenary as they discussed many issues concerning the Catholic church in Africa, more especially on the situation of war in Sudan, DRC, Mozambique and other countries which is destructing peace in the continent. Bishop Nyirenda then encouraged Christians to avoid fighting but loving one another and exercise dialogue to maintain peace and bring hope in this Jubilee of hope.
“We are encouraging each other in Africa to exercise peace, we should not be divided on small issues even if its grave issues coming up, the only way to cultivate peace is through dialogue, talk, and resolve than fighting and killing each other” said Bishop Nyirenda.
Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda and other bishops from other countries attending the SECAM Plenary Assembly Sessions
The 20th SECAM Plenary Assembly was held under the theme; ‘Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace’’ which deeply reflected that in countries fractured by wars, poverty, forced displacements, and ecological crises, the church turn the gaze to Christ, who is the living source of healing and renewal. It is Jesus who walks with Africa in its wounds, who reconciles divided hearts, and who offers hope where despair threatens. As disciples, Christians are called to become artisans of peace, prophets of hope, and instruments of reconciliation. This is not only a theological conviction but a pastoral urgency. The Church in Africa must be a sign and sacrament of unity, justice, and lasting peace.”
The assembly concluded with the establishment of 12 vision pillars for the church to focus on namely : Evangelization (Catholic Education and theological tradition),A self-reliant Church, Family model of leadership, Formation on missionary discipleship and synodality, Care of creation, The youth and the renewal of the Church, Justice, Peace and Integral human development, Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, Mission in the digital environment, the health of the people of God, Liturgical life of the African Church and Church and politics.
The first ever National Children`s Congress (NCC) concluded on 3rd August 2025 with children returning to their different dioceses more spiritually refreshed, their catholic faith renewed and socially empowered.
President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) Bishop Martin Mtumbuka who was the main celebrant for this historical children’s event opening and closing, described the congress as a success. Mtumbuka also emphasized that the catholic church should continue prioritizing formation of catholic faith in children while they are still young and innocent.
Bishop Mtumbuka further said MCCB is happy that together with the Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS) managed to achieve what they planned for the children. Bringing catholic children from across the dioceses shows unity in the catholic church in Malawi.
“This year`s children congress is a great success, we have achieved what we wanted, we have unified the children from across the country, and we have given them the sense of the catholic church in Malawi,” said bishop Mtumbuka.
Bishop Mtumbuka and Bishop Chaima with the Children from Mzuzu diocese at the National Children`s Congress
Mzuzu Diocese Pontifical Missionary Societies Director Father Thomas Gondwe also supported that it was a great congress, children have learnt more from the lessons and from interactions with other children from other dioceses. Gondwe further said this will build a strong catholic faith in children of Mzuzu diocese hence building a strong future catholic church foundation.
Mzuzu Diocese PMS Director Fr Thomas Gondwe with the Children, animators and safeguarding officer of Mzuzu Diocese
The congress was packed with enriching and entertaining activities including educational animations and discussions on topics such as child trafficking, mental health, environmental conservation, and Catholic teachings.
The children enjoyed participating in different activities such as leading and singing during eucharistic celebrations, sporting activities, tree planting and site visits
Thomas Tchiri from Utatu Utuwa Parish Mzimba commended the congress that it has been a great eye opener as they have learnt many things and they returned home as missionaries of hope, ready to apply spiritually and practically in their families, schools, and communities.
Mzuzu Diocese Children returning to their different parishes from the National Children Congress
2025 National Children`s congress was organized under the theme: Children are missionaries of hope from 31st July – 4th August at St Don Bosco Parish in Lilongwe a total number of 1680 from all 8 dioceses in Malawi together with their animators took part.
The congress was graced by Sister Ines Paulo, Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from the Vatican, Miss Daria Braithwaite, Holy Childhood Coordinator from the Archdiocese of Boston in the United States, National PMS Director from Zimbabwe and other Malawian bishops
July 19th, 2025, will remain a memorable day in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu following the colorful ordination of the four deacons to priesthood by His Lordship Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, the bishop of the Diocese.
The eucharist celebration for this sacramental ceremony took place at St Peters Cathedral in Mzuzu.
The deacons lying prostrate calling out the communion of saints for their strength and support
In delivering the homily of the day, the bishop commended the new priests for choosing to serve God as Catholic priests and he also asked them to practice love referring to as it is preached by Jesus Christ in the gospel of John chapter 4 and he further encouraged them to be attentive to the Christians they will be serving.
” You are going out to an environment different from the seminary setup where programs are implemented according to plan drawn but in parishes or places you will be ministering sometimes things happen at a slow pace, have patience and a listening ear to people before reacting and acting, “ said Bishop Nyirenda.
Bishop Nyirenda presenting certificates to the new ordained priests.
Bishop Nyirenda further asked all the catholic Christians in the diocese to pray and support the new priests in their ministry.
The four new diocesan priests are Father Innocent Nkhambule and Father James Nkhoma both from St Theresa Parish, Father Victor Nkhata from St Micheals Pro Parish and Yohane Mwale from St Martin De Porres Parish.
From Right to Left – Fr Yohane Mwale, Fr Innocent Nkhambule, Fr James Nkhoma, and Fr Victor Nkhata
These new priests have made their promises to pray the liturgy of the holy hours daily (Breviary prayers), to be obedient to their bishop and to live a celibate life, made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
Speaking after the ordination Mass, all the new priests expressed the profound happiness and described their ordination day as God’s unconditional love and plan for them, and they also encouraged the fellow youths in the diocese not to be afraid in responding to God’s calling.
Following this Ordination Mass, the Bishop has sent Father Innocent Nkhambule to serve as curate at St Micheals Pro Parish in Ekwendeni, Father James Nkhoma to serve as curate at St Bernadette Parish- Chibavi in Mzuzu, Father Victor Nkhata to serve as curate at St Joseph Parish in Nkhatabay and Father Yohane Mwale to serve as curate at St John’s Parish in Mzambazi.
Priesthood is one of the sacraments of holy orders along with order of deacons and order of bishops.
Catholics worldwide, including in Malawi, celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi (The Body and Blood of Christ) on 22 June,2025.
In the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, the main celebration took place in the northern deanery at St. Denis Parish in Rumphi, which was led by His Lordship, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda.
During the celebration, Bishop Nyirenda called on Christians to pray for priests and other servants of God who administer the sacrament of the Eucharist, that they may live long and fulfill Jesus Christ’s mission.
Reflecting on the day’s gospel Luke 9:11b-17, the bishop emphasized the importance of generosity and sharing, citing Jesus’ gesture of feeding the hungry with five loaves of bread and two fish.
“Let’s embrace the spirit of sharing amongst us, greed has dominated in our societies, the gap between the rich and the poor is huge, “he said.
St Denis Parish Corpus Christi Procession
All parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu celebrated the feast in a very prayerful and colorful way as revealed in an engaged with St Martins de Porres Parish Chizani in the Southern deanery, St Michaels Parish – Ekwendeni, St Peter’s Cathedral and St Albert parish the great parish in the central deanery.
St Albert the Great Parish Corpus Christi Procession
At St Albert the celebration was led by the Parish Priest Fr Yotam Msumba. In his homily father Msumba emphasized that the sacrament of Eucharist is very important to the Catholic church because it is the real presence of Christ among Christians. Fr Msumba also said the Eucharist is the food for spirit, hence encouraged Christians to always receive the Eucharist.
“Much as the body needs food to survive, the spirit or our souls needs food as well, so the special food for our souls is the Eucharist,” said Fr Msumba.
St Peters Cathedral Corpus Christi procession
St Michael Parish -Ekwendeni Corpus Christi procession
As per tradition, after mass the celebration there was a blessed sacrament procession, benediction and adoration around outside their churches honoring the Holy Eucharist and the real presence of Jesus Christ. Different parish sectors also gave their prayer intentions during the procession.
The Pastoral Director of Mzuzu Diocese at Kafulu-fulu Outstation
By Susan Moyo
The Pastoral Director of Mzuzu Diocese, Father Raymond Mwale, has appealed to Christians at St. Annie’s Kafulu-fulu to support the growth of the newly established Parish, St. Michael’s.
Speaking during the Feast of Pentecost Sunday at St. Annie’s outstation Kafulu-fulu, Father Mwale emphasized the importance of unity among Christians in spearheading the parish’s development.
Father Mwale expressed gratitude for the Christians’ contributions during a recent fundraising event the parish held.
“Even though they are far from the parish center, they constitute the parish, and the mass celebrated at the parish center is meant to strengthen the unity in parishes and all over,” he said.
Solomon Sibande, Chairperson for St. Annie’s outstation, said that with the help of the Holy Spirit, they will take part in growing the parish.
St. Annie’s church Outstation comprises four small Christian communities with over 200 members.
St. Michael’s Pro Parish was established in 2024 by Bishop Emeritus of Mzuzu Diocese, Right Reverend John Ryan.
Several people across the country and abroad on 3rd May,2025, gathered at Mzuzu stadium to witness the episcopal installation of Rt Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda as the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.
The Installation ceremony took place at St Peter’s Cathedral where the Bishop Emeritus Of Mzuzu Diocese Right Reverend John Ryan handed over the authority to Right Reverend Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda the new bishop.
The event was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio of Malawi and Zambia His Excellency Most Reverend Gian Luca Perici.
Few selected individuals witness the ceremony at the Cathedral due to limited space and the Eucharist Celebration took place at Mzuzu stadium.
Speaking at the event the Apostolic Nuncio asked christians to always support the new bishop to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ.
Emeritus bishop of the Catholic diocese of Mzuzu Right Reverend John Ryan said he will continue supporting the church.
The president of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) Right Reverend Martin Anwel Mtumbuka advised Bishop Nyirenda to live a prayerful life to be successful.
On his Part bishop Nyirenda asked the priest and the Laity to be united.
“I am committed to growing the Diocese , this can only be possible if we remain united, as I have accepted the new role I ask the christians to support me,”he said.
On 1 April 2025, Late Pope Francis appointed Right Reverend Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda as the bishop of Mzuzu following the request from Bishop John Ryan who has retired.
Various people including Catholic Bishops from the 8 Dioceses in Malawi, bishops from Zambia and Zimbabwe, Religious Men and Women,president of Malawi Dr Lazarus Chakwera,cabinet ministers, Paramount Chiefs and the clergy attended this historical event.
Right Reverend Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda is the Fourth bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and second Diocesan Priest to be appointed as bishop.
