Updates – Page 6 – Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu

Pastoral , Updates

SECAM`s 20th Plenary Assembly Concludes in Kigali

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

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 in Kigali Rwanda — *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.

Updates

2025 National Children Congress Resolutions

The first ever National Children Congress happened at Don Bosco Parish Lilongwe Archdiocese- Malawi from the 30th of July to the 3rd of August 2025. The delegates were Children between the age of 8 to 14 and their animators. The numbers of delegates per diocese were as follows; Lilongwe 463, Dedza 228, Blantyre 332, Mangochi 183, Chikwawa 44, Karonga 163, Zomba 183, Mzuzu 32. The total number of delegates was 1628.

Children at the National Children's Congress- St Don Bosco Lilongwe — *Children at the National Children’s Congress- St Don Bosco Lilongwe*

A) The Main Aim Of the Children Congress

To allow children to meet in one place, know one another and share knowledge.
To give children a chance to discuss issues that affect their spirituality and their day-to-day lives.
To give children a chance to give views to leaders on how best they want to participate in church and nation.
To prepare children to be good leaders for the church and nation.

B) What Was Discussed

How parents take care of their children following how Joseph and Mary took care of Jesus Christ Child abuse.
Child labor and child trafficking.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

C) The Following Were Some Key Lessons

That everyone was created in the image of God and that everyone needs to be respected and children are also created in the image of God Genesis 1: 26-27.
Life is a gift from God co from God and therefore no one has freedom to take away his or the life of another person We are all one family, and we should do things together (Solidarity).
We children should do things for the good of our fellow children (Common good) Everyone should be allowed to do his or her part (Subsidiarity).
We should help our fellow children who are lacking (preferential option for the poor) Our responsibility is to care for the environment (Genesis 1:28).
That mass is the highest prayer in the church, sacraments and liturgy and that We children should love the sacraments of the Eucharist and penance.
How to have good thoughts (Mental Health) Eat proper, enough and healthy food Having adequate time to sleep (10 hours).
Avoid bad behaviors of smoking Chamba and alcohol drinking Avoid excessive use of technology and watching inappropriate things.
Malawi 2063 which is the vision for this country. Malawi wants to be an inclusive wealthy and self-reliant nation by the year 2063.
What causes climate change, the problems that come with it and how we can prevent climate change and what we children, and the church can do with it list.

D) Resolutions

Parents and the church should take an effort to protect children from their children’s abuse, child trafficking and what disturbs the mental health of children and so they should not allow us children to excessively use modern technology.
Parents should help us to be close to Jesus Christ, teach us how to pray and read the word of God and send us for mass, parents should desist from leaving us home while they go for mass.
The lessons should be taught in dioceses and parishes to benefit more children.
The lessons should also go to parents who are key in taking care of children.
We are wanting to ask various church leaders, priests and sisters that they should love us children.
The church should strengthen its efforts in taking care of the creation and fight climate change; all parishes should find places where they can grow trees every year.
The church and the government should give equal access to education so that we can be able to achieve Malawi 2063.
The church should establish peer groups at the diocese and parish where children can be able to report various abuses.
The safeguarding policy which the church established should be taught and be utilized.
The church should establish groups to help children that are lacking most.
Priests and Sisters should take an active role in PMS activities more especially the Holy Childhood. and that during Epiphany Day parishes should organize food so that children can interact this will foster unity and togetherness.
There should be good coordination between bishops, priests and sisters in efforts on taking care of children.
In various children’s gatherings there should be role models in vocation and other key figures in society to motivate children.

Pastoral , Updates

The National Children`s Congress Concludes with a Renewed Catholic Faith in Children

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

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 of Mzuzu Diocese — *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 31^st July – 4^th 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

Pastoral , Updates

Mzuzu Diocese Ordains Four Diocesan Priests

By Temwa Teresa Mhango

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-candidates lying prostrate calling out the communion of saints for their strength and support — *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 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 — *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.

Updates

The Vicar General and the College of Consultors Take an Oath of office

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.

Updates

Malawi Catholic Bishops Held the Second Annual Plenary

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 Malawi Catholic Bishops

Updates

Caritas Malawi Donates Assorted Items to Mzuzu Prison

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.

Caritas Malawi donating to Mzuzu Prison — *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,”.

News , Updates

Vatican Hosts Comprehensive Formation Course for Auxiliary Bishop Yohane Nyirenda and Others.

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.

News , Uncategorized , Updates

Transform Program Revolutionize Farming in Rumphi

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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