Diocese of Chikwawa

His Lordship Peter Musikuwa Bishop of theDiocese of Chikwawa, earlier today, Sunday, 27th september 2026, presided over a colorful Eucharistic celebration to mark the official closing of the Month of the Bible at Mzimu Woyera, Nkhate Parish. During the same mass, the Bishop also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 54 candidates, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journeys. The celebration was held under the inspiring theme: “The Word of God: The Foundation of 125 Years of Evangelization and Forming Missionary Disciples.” Delivering his homily based on the Gospel of Matthew 21:28-32, Bishop Musikuwa emphasized that the Word of God has the ultimate power to transform human lives. Reflecting on the Church’s history, His Lordship noted that the 125 years of Catholic evangelization in Malawi have yielded abundant fruit precisely because people opened their hearts to receive the Gospel message. For the sustenance of the Church, the Bishop insisted that Scripture must remain the true foundation of Christian life across all levels—within individual families, Small Christian Communities (SCCs), and the wider Church. He strongly encouraged the faithful to look beyond the designated Month of the Bible, making daily Scripture reading and active Christian living a permanent habit. Furthermore, he reminded every Christian and family of the fundamental need to own a personal copy of the Bible and read it regularly. Addressing the day’s pastoral responsibilities, the Bishop challenged the 54 newly confirmed candidates to stand firm in their Catholic faith and act as authentic witnesses of God’s Word in society. Bishop Musikuwa also rallied the entire congregation to support the Church’s ongoing missionary work through generous offerings, drawing inspiration from the sacrificial giving of the early Christians. Amidst the day’s celebrations, the liturgy took a solemn turn as Bishop Musikuwa invited the congregation to pray for the eternal repose of the soul of Mr Yohane Kayuni. The deceased was the father of Nkhate’s Parish Priest, Father Samson Kayuni, and sadly passed away on Sunday in Blantyre. Speaking toward the end of the Mass, Father Alexious Lipenga expressed profound gratitude to the Bishop for his empowering pastoral presence and for selecting Nkhate Parish to host the Diocesan closing ceremony. Parish Chairperson Paul Lufasi echoed these sentiments, thanking His Lordship for approving the highly anticipated Convent project for the Religious Sisters at Nkhate. Lufasi also lauded the Bishop’s recent clergy placements—specifically the appointment of Father Kayuni as the new Pastoral Secretary of the Diocese, and the assignment of Father Lipenga to shepherd Nkhate Parish. Turning to local development, the Parish Chairperson concluded with an appeal to the faithful and well-wishers for financial and material support to advance three crucial infrastructure projects:The urgent renovation of Mpino Outstation Church, the ongoing construction of Nkokachombwe Outstation Church and, the final completion of Mpingasa Outstation Church.    

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) in the Catholic Diocese of Chikwawa has successfully concluded its annual spiritual retreat and formation program, drawing members closer to their core mission of charity and spiritual renewal. The intensive two-day gathering commenced on the evening of Friday, September 25, and wrapped up on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the St. Michael’s Cathedral in Chikwawa. Facilitated by the Diocesan Chaplain for SVP, Rev. Fr. Peter Gift Ntayamanja, the event brought together both parish conference officers and ordinary members from across the Diocese. The main objective of the retreat was twofold: to deepen the individual and collective spirituality of the members, and to clarify the specific roles and duties of officers and every Vincentian within their respective Parish Conferences, strictly in line with the Rule of the Society. Speaking during the formation sessions, Rev. Fr. Peter Gift Ntayamanja reminded the participants of the core identity of a Vincentian, emphasizing that true service requires both a deep spiritual foundation and a humble heart. “As Vincentians, our charity must never be a mere distribution of goods, but a reflection of Christ’s love,” said Fr. Ntayamanja. “This retreat is a timely reminder for all of us to align our service with the Rule of the Society. When we understand our roles clearly and serve with deep humility, our home visitations transform from simple social visits into profound encounters of grace and hope for the poor.” Participants expressed immense joy and a sense of spiritual rejuvenation following the event. Moving forward, the members have resolved to actively strengthen their home visitations and to live out true, humble charity within their communities.  

Trinity College of Health Sciences under the Diocese of Chikwawa, based in Fatima, Nsanje, has introduced a Certificate in Pharmacy programme, bringing the number of its accredited programmes to three. The college, is therefore, inviting applications from eligible candidates for enrolment commencing in November 2026. Speaking to the Diocese of Chikwawa Communications Department, College Principal Chifundo Chipondeponde said the new programme will help produce skilled pharmacy technicians who can support health service delivery across the country in line with the mission of the Catholic Church. He added that the introduction of the Certificate in Pharmacy marks an important step in expanding training opportunities for young people interested in the health sector while remaining faithful to the Church’s call to serve the sick and the vulnerable. Chipondeponde further said all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply so that they can be enrolled and contribute to the growing demand for qualified health professionals guided by Christian values of compassion and service. The Certificate in Pharmacy adds to the college’s existing Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery Technician and Diploma in Public Health, programs. All applicants must be aged between 16 and 45 years. Candidates for the Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery require an MSCE with four credits that include English, Biology, Chemistry or Physics plus any other science subject. Those applying for the Diploma in Public Health need an MSCE with four credits including English and any two science subjects. Entry to the Certificate in Pharmacy demands an MSCE with six credits covering English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry. Tuition fees are MK600, 000 per semester for the Nursing and Midwifery Diploma and the Certificate in Pharmacy, while the Public Health Diploma costs MK550, 000 per semester, and boarding with lodging is charged at MK180, 000 for every four weeks across all programs. Qualified applicants must complete the application form and deposit a non-refundable fee of MK15, 000 into the designated college bank account before submitting their documents by 2 October 2026.