MZUZU DIOCESE CALLED TO BE ONE IN CHRIST, UNITED IN MISSION
Reflecting on the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,” he stressed that “in order to be united in mission, we must first be united in Christ.”
Priests, religious men and women, and lay apostolate members in the Diocese of Mzuzu have been encouraged to renew their missionary spirit and work together in proclaiming the Gospel.
The call was made during an Animation and Formation Course held at St. John of God University on 5 October 2026 under the theme, “Priests, Sisters, Brothers and Lay Apostolate Members: Be One in Christ, United in Mission.” The Guest of Honour was Monsignor Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen, Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union.
Opening the gathering, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda welcomed the participants and Monsignor Nguyen to the Diocese. He highlighted the growth of the Diocese and the contribution of missionaries to its development, while encouraging continued commitment to the mission of the Church.
The National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Fr. Peter Ephraim Madeya, explained that the purpose of the gathering was to deepen understanding of the Holy Father's message for World Mission Sunday and to renew the missionary commitment of all the baptized.
In his presentation, Monsignor Nguyen emphasized that the Church is missionary by her very nature and that every baptized Christian shares in the mission of Christ. Reflecting on the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,” he stressed that “in order to be united in mission, we must first be united in Christ.”
He encouraged participants to strengthen their prayer life, especially prayer for evangelization, and reminded them that missionary activity flows from communion with Christ. He also highlighted the missionary witness of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Patroness of the Missions, whose prayer and sacrifice supported the spread of the Gospel.
Monsignor Nguyen further called for greater collaboration among priests, religious and lay faithful, stressing that mission is a shared responsibility. He encouraged stronger support for the Missionary Solidarity Fund and proposed the establishment of PMS animation teams at parish level to strengthen missionary awareness.
Participants also had an opportunity to ask questions about PMS membership, missionary projects, formation, reaching non-Catholics and the participation of religious and lay faithful in missionary work.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Madeya thanked Bishop Nyirenda, Monsignor Nguyen and all participants for their contribution. He encouraged the faithful to actively participate in the forthcoming World Mission Sunday celebration on 18 October 2026 and to continue supporting the missionary work of the Church.
Bishop Nyirenda thanked Monsignor Nguyen for his visit and missionary animation and encouraged the Diocese to remain actively involved in the mission of the universal Church.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to prayer, collaboration and missionary service, centred on the message:
