Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu – Page 5

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

Pastoral

Mzuzu Diocese Celebrates Feast of Corpus Christi

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.

Roman Catholics worldwide, including all Diocese in Malawi, celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi (The Body and Blood of Christ) on June 22.
In the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, the main event 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 society, the gap between the rich and the poor is huge, "he said.
All parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu celebrated the feast in a very colourful way. Radio Tigabane also engaged with St Martins Parish Chizani in the Southern deanery, St Peter's Cathedral, and St Albert parish the great parish in Mzuzu the central deanery
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 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
One Christian at St Denis Parish Antonio Madise, said the celebration reminded him to maintain a close relationship with Jesus Christ through the Eucharist.
As per tradition, after mass celebration there was a procession, Benediction and adoration of the blessed sacrament around outside the churches honoring the Holy Eucharist and the real presence of Jesus Christ. Different parish sectors gave their prayer intentions during the procession. — *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

Pastoral

Kafulu-fulu Outstation Urged to Support the Growth of their Parish

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.

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,”.

Pastoral

The Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu has a new Bishop

By Susan Moyo

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.

News

Mzuzu Diocese in a K30 million Hunger Response Initiative

Erratic weather patterns, exacerbated by rising costs of agricultural inputs, have rocked the 2023-2024 farming season in Malawi, forcing many families to grapple with the harsh realities of hunger.

The devastating effects of climate change have led to poor harvests, leaving vulnerable households struggling to put food on the table.

In the Mzuzu Diocese, the situation has become dire, with many families—particularly those headed by women or caring for the elderly and disabled—facing acute food insecurity.

The rising prices of fertilizers and seeds further compound their struggles, pushing many into despair as they watch their loved ones go hungry.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) of the Diocese has moved swiftly to launch a K30 million relief initiative aimed at providing much-needed support to the most affected households.

Over the past year, CADECOM has also implemented several food assistance projects in the Mzuzu Diocese, focusing on emergency food distribution and cash transfers to support vulnerable families.

On December 2, 2024, an official distribution of material and financial aid took place at St. Bernadette Parish in Chibavi, Mzuzu City, marking the beginning of a crucial cash transfer and food distribution exercise.

The Director for Social Development of the Diocese, Fr. Austin Ndowera, who represented Bishop John Ryan at the event, expressed gratitude to Caritas Korea, Caritas Italiana, and Caritas Internationalis for their timely assistance through the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

Fr. Ndowera stated, “This initiative will serve food to the starving people in our Diocese,” acknowledging the critical role that these partnerships play in addressing hunger.

He highlighted that the Diocese has been severely impacted by low farm yields due to drought and unpredictable rainfall patterns, urging community members to engage in environmental restoration efforts, such as tree planting, as a means to combat these challenges.

Fr. Ndowera with one of the cash beneficiaries.

St. Bernadette Parish priest Fr. Toney Mfune, echoed these sentiments, expressing his gratitude for the support extended to vulnerable households in his parish.

“The hunger situation here has led to decreased attendance at Sunday services, as many struggle with acute food shortages. We are calling on the government to stabilize the economy and make agricultural inputs more affordable, emphasizing that Malawi is blessed with fertile land that could yield abundant harvests if properly utilized.”

The elderly are some of the cash beneficiaries

Dan Zimba, CADECOM-Mzuzu Diocese Coordinator, announced at the launch that each identified household would receive MK100, 000.00 in cash transfers and 15 kg of soya corn flour.

This assistance will benefit a total of 430 households across five parishes within the Diocese, including St. Albert the Great Parish-Mzuzu, St. Michael’s Pro-Parish Ekwendeni, St. Cecilia Parish-Mpherembe, and St. Paul’s Parish-Mzimba.

The need for continued support is immense, as nearly all 22 parishes in the Diocese are grappling with hunger, Zimba added.

“There are many more needy families in our Diocese,” Zimba stated. “While we are grateful for this assistance, it only reaches a fraction of those in need and serves as a short-term solution.”

Among the beneficiaries is Juliana Ngwira, a widow from Salisbury Lines in St. Bernadette Parish. After enduring three days without food for herself and her grandchildren, she expressed profound relief and gratitude upon receiving food assistance.

“I am so thankful to God for this help,” she said, her heart filled with hope.

As CADECOM Mzuzu Diocese continues its efforts to alleviate hunger in the Diocese, it remains committed to seeking additional support to address the ongoing needs of its communities and ensure that no one goes hungry.

Ends

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