The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu newly appointed Vicar General Fr Isaac John Katumbi and the appointed college of consultors members have officially taken the oath of office on 15 July 2025 at the Bishop residence -Marcels House.
Fr Isaac John Katumbi taking an Oath of Office
Following his Episcopal Installation as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu on 3rd May 2025, His Lordship Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda appointed Fr Isaac Katumbi as his Vicar General. The Bishop also appointed Fr. Daniel Kamanga, Fr John Benjamin Moyo, Fr Albert Chirambo, Fr Edmond Nyoka, Fr. Vincent Banda and Fr. Cyprian Ngoma as his consultors. He also appointed Fr. Philip Nkunika as the Chancellor of the diocese.
Members of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu college of Consultors
These members will be helping the new bishop in the governance of the diocese as determined by the code of Canon Law.
His Lordship Bishop Yohane thanked all the members and wished them the very best.
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) held the Second Annual Plenary from 23 June to 25 June 2025 at the Catholic secretariat in Lilongwe city.
According to the statement signed by the secretary general of MCCB, Rev. Fr. Valeriano Mtseka, among other things the bishops deliberated reports from the Catholic Secretariate’s Pastoral, Social Development, Finance, Investment and Administration Directorates.
The meeting also received and discussed general progress reports from the Catholic University of Malawi (CUMA), the progress reports on development projects for the Catholic secretariat and other National Institutions and discussed progress and status reports from National Bodies and Associations such as Association of Diocesan Catholic Clergy in Malawi(ADCCOM), Association of Women in Religious Institutes in Malawi (AWRIM), Association of Men in Religious in Malawi (AMRIM), CHAM, PAC, National Laity Council, Catholic Women Association (CWA) and from the Catholic Youth Council
The plenary held in the Jubilee year also led the bishops to reflect on synodality, their ministry and their role as shepherds of hope.
The Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) also known as Caritas- Malawi on Wednesday 04 June 2025 donated assorted items worthy MK3.5 million to Mzuzu Prison.
Before the donation, Caritas held a Eucharist celebration with prisoners which was presided over by His Lordship Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Right Reverend Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda and Bishop Alfred Chaima of Zomba Diocese the president of Caritas Malawi.
Bishop Afred Chaima said the donation was part of the 2025 Jubilee year celebration for the Caritas Malawi scheduled from 3rd- 5th June 2025, in Mzuzu Diocese.
“we cannot celebrate this jubilee without reaching out to people who live in despair and in need of hope, that is why we have come to celebrate the mass together with prisoners and share the little we have managed to source as Caritas Malawi,” said Bishop Chaima.
Bishop Nyirenda & Bishop Chaima donating to Mzuzu Prison
Regional Public Relations officer for Prisons in the North, Austin Mwasangwale, thanked the commission for supporting the inmates and also asked other well-wishers to continue supporting the inmates who are in great need due congestion in the prison and also as the country is experiencing the economic crisis.
The donated items are Cooking oil, Sugar, Salt, Sanitary pads, body lotions, washing and bathing and Soya pieces
Donated items
CADECOM Mzuzu Diocese Coordinator, Dan Zimba appreciated the gesture which he mentioned that it helped them to unite as CADECOM staff from across Malawi and participate in celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope a call for the Catholic church this year.
During the event, CADECOM offices from all eight dioceses in Malawi showcased the projects activities they are implementing, sharing its impact in different communities and the commision concluded the celebration with a call for International and local debt cancellation the Malawi owes.
Caritas Malawi Staff
Caritas Malawi 2025 Jubilee Year celebration was held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,”.
Auxillary Bishop Yohane Nyirenda posing with other Bishop’s in Rome.
In a significant gathering of ecclesiastical leadership, the Vatican is currently hosting a comprehensive formation course for newly consecrated bishops from around the world. Among the participants is Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, the auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, who was consecrated on 5th August, 2023 at the Mzuzu Stadium.
The event, organized by the Dicastery for Bishops, the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, and the Dicastery for Evangelization, aims to equip bishops with essential skills and knowledge to effectively lead their dioceses in a rapidly changing global landscape.
This initiative reflects the Vatican’s commitment to fostering strong leadership within the Church, particularly in regions facing unique challenges.
Bishop Nyirenda, along with fellow Malawian bishops—including Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima of the Catholic Diocese of Zomba and Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe—are participating in discussions that cover a wide range of topics.
These include pastoral care, interfaith dialogue, and the role of bishops in promoting social justice and community development.
The formation course also includes newly consecrated bishops from Eastern Churches, highlighting the Vatican’s inclusive approach to church leadership.
This diversity allows for a rich exchange of ideas and practices that can be adapted to various cultural contexts.
As the course progresses, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their own experiences and develop strategies that can be implemented in their respective dioceses.
The Vatican’s investment in the formation of its bishops underscores its recognition of the critical role they play in nurturing faith and guiding communities amidst contemporary challenges.
The comprehensive formation course is expected to conclude with a series of workshops and discussions aimed at reinforcing the bonds among bishops and enhancing their collaborative efforts in serving the Church and society at large.
Under the vibrant sun of Rumphi, a group of farmers stood proudly at the first Agriculture Show they had ever attended, their produce gleaming like jewels against the backdrop of colorful tents and bustling crowds.
For the farmers of Mlangale Two Incubator, this event organised by Rumphi Agriculture office and its partners Thursday this week in the district was not just an exhibition; it was a celebration of hard work, resilience, and newfound hope.
The Agriculture Show that ended today Friday was a culmination of months of effort, driven by the Transform program which is being implemented by Cadecom, the developmental arm of the Mzuzu Diocese.
Funded by NCA/DCA, this initiative focuses on enhancing agricultural practices in the Mzimba North and South and Rumphi districts, with a particular emphasis on drip irrigation and crop diversification.
Cadecom Commissioner, Dan Zimba thinks with optimism as he spoke about the program’s impact.
“The response is good, and I think at the end of the day, we will all celebrate,” he said.
Zimba’s words echoed the sentiments of many farmers who had begun to see tangible results from their hard work.
Chairperson of Mlangale Two Incubator Moses Msiska, shared his excitement as he surveyed the fairgrounds filled with fellow farmers and potential buyers.
“We started this group with about 15 members, but it has now shrunk to 9 due to various challenges. Yet, we are so excited to be here today,” he said, gesturing toward their vibrant display of tomatoes, okra, and watermelons—crops that had matured within just four months thanks to the techniques they learned through the program.
Cadecom’s initiative is about more than just growing crops; it’s about transforming agriculture into a viable business.
Farmers are grouped into incubators and provided with essential farm inputs: 15 drip kits per group, sprayers, fertilizers, chemicals, and seeds.
The goal is to cultivate not only crops but also a mindset geared towards profitability and sustainability.
Despite facing challenges such as market access and crop diseases, the farmers were optimistic. They relied on extension workers who assured them of market opportunities.
“We want to sustain our project even after the Transform program ends,” Msiska stated, highlighting their commitment to their agricultural journey.
As they showcased their produce at the fair, the farmers engaged with other producers and potential buyers, eager to network and learn from one another.
The initiative has not only increased production but also reduced workloads through efficient farming techniques.
Farmers like Msiska have found renewed purpose in their work—transforming their fields into thriving businesses while nurturing community ties among fellow incubator members.
For these farmers, attending the Agriculture Show marked a pivotal moment in their agricultural journey—a chance to shine in the spotlight and share their stories of resilience and growth.
As they packed up their displays at the end of the day while cool breeze from the famous Chipoka Bawoli and Mayembe hills say bye also, they carried with them not just produce but also a renewed sense of purpose and community spirit.
With support from Cadecom and a commitment to reinvest in their futures, these farmers are not just cultivating crops; they are cultivating dreams—dreams that stretch far beyond the fields of Rumphi into a future filled with promise.
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