Diocese of Chikwawa

Members of the Young Christian Workers from St Michael’s Cathedral paid a fraternal visit today to their fellow members at St Augustine Church in Dyeratu. The visit sought to foster spiritual growth and strengthen the bonds of communion among young people of the same parish. It took place during the Chikwawa Parish YCW Intersection Meeting. Andrew Tembo, Diocesan President of the Young Christian Workers, said such encounters are of great pastoral value. “Visits of this kind help young people to know one another better and to support each other in the works of the apostolate for the building up of the Church,” Tembo said. He noted that the movement is progressing well compared with previous years, though some sections still need greater attention. Tembo reported that the YCW has now reached all deaneries, with young people showing renewed commitment, and cited Molere Deanery as an example of improved activity. He called for further efforts in deaneries such as Chikwawa and Nsanje, and announced a major assembly in November at Fatima Deanery to review the past year and plan ahead. Tembo invited young people aged 18 to 35 or 40 to join the movement. Angela Anthony Tembo, President of the YCW at St Michael’s Cathedral, described the visit as spiritually fruitful, saying it enabled the youth to grow in mutual knowledge and collaborate in service. Francis Khungwa, President of the YCW at St Augustine Church, expressed gratitude for the visitors and said the encounter would help the groups walk more closely together. The programme included social enquiries on mental health, aimed at accompanying young people experiencing anxiety or distress with support rooted in faith and fraternal care.

Catholic Traditional leaders from within the Diocese of Chikwawa have been urged to establish good relationship with the communities they serve and also with the Church. The call was made today 13th September, at Mzimu Woyera(Nkhate) parish, where the leaders gathered to mark the beginning of their journey to form a grouping of catholic chiefs in the Diocese. Celebrated under the theme “ Be strong and show yourself a man; and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and keeping His commandments … that you may prosper in all that you do” (1Kg2:2-3), the celebration was led by Bishop Peter Musikuwa. In his speech to the leaders, Bishop Musikuwa called on the leaders to execute their duties as a God given mission to serve His people. He therefore, called on all chiefs to have good relations with both the communities they serve and the Church. The celebration was marked by two main parts, Eucharistic celebration with the chiefs together with the faithful of Nkhate parish, and then later an interface between the Bishop and the chiefs. The meeting resolved that every parish must have a functioning executive by December 2026. So far, three parishes, namely Nkhate, Molere and Konzalendo have already been registered.

The Diocese of Chikwawa joined Mustard Seed Communities Malawi for an Open Day, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, at Mpotadzingwe Village, Traditional Authority Kasisi, Chikwawa. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter Musikuwa was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. Priests, Brothers, Sisters, members of the Laity Council, the faithful, partners from Zimbabwe Mustard Seed Communities, government officers, companies and well-wishers attended. Bishop Musikuwa thanked the Parish Priest, Parish Council and Christians of Chikwawa for organizing the day. He expressed gratitude to the District Social Welfare Office for identifying vulnerable children and welcomed the Zimbabwe delegates as a sign of oneness. The Bishop also thanked the Friends of Mustard Seed Communities, companies such as PEP Stores, Centenary Bank, COFO and many individuals for their support. He noted that Mustard Seed Communities arrived in Malawi on 1 October 2016 and is marking its tenth year of service. Bishop Musikuwa encouraged the Church to celebrate this anniversary every year and called for quick repairs to the poor road leading to the center. Village Headman Mpotadzingwe thanked Mustard Seed Communities for the development it has brought and appealed for improvement of the road, which becomes impassable in the rainy season. District Social Welfare Officer Aaron Macheka thanked the centre for its partnership in caring for vulnerable children in line with the Child Care, Protection and Justice Act. He welcomed the plan to introduce vocational skills training. Father Francis Mpatsa, Vice Board Chairperson of Mustard Seed Communities Malawi, thanked all present for their support. Companies and individuals who attended shared various gifts with the children. A luncheon followed the Mass, guided tour and speeches. The Diocese looks forward to continued collaboration with Mustard Seed Communities in caring for the most vulnerable.