Featured News
We call for donations to help refugees that are settled in camps in Nsanje district.
More News
Wed
23
Apr 2025
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has called on all the Catholic faithful and people of good will to pray for peaceful repose of Pope Francis. In a communication designated as a prayer for the departed pontiff called “Remembering Pope Francis“, the bishops have recalled the uniqueness that marked the papacy of Francis that for many embodied a shift from the more conservative predecessors. Among the many gifts that Pope Francis gave to the Church, the bishops have listed the following: His insistence on the necessity for pastors to be close to the flock of Christ entrusted to their pastoral care. Even as MCCB, this is something we have discussed several times with our close collaborators, namely priests; that we need to do better than we are currently doing. His deep concern for the rampant destruction of the environment. Again, as MCCB, we have written on this in our recent pastoral letters. His repeated warnings against the danger of us pastors, and indeed every person, becoming slaves of material things and taking them as the basis and purpose of our lives. Regarding this matter, he, in fact, reminded us of the lifestyle and teachings of his patron saint, Francis of Assisi. His call for a strong spirit of teamwork in our pastoral services. This is, in fact, something on which our Lord Jesus Christ himself insisted a lot. His relentless call for peace touched the hearts of many people, as there is a tremendous and urgent need for it in many parts of the world. His pastoral zeal for the salvation of souls was impressive and very inspiring. The Bishops however are mindful that like any other person, Pope Francis may have not been perfect. Therefore, the Bishops call on all Catholics and all who love him to plead with our merciful and just judge, Jesus Christ, to judge him mercifully so that this last part of his pilgrimage to our eternal home will be swift and smooth. “And when he is finally in our eternal home, he will pray for us, his brothers and sisters, who are still meandering through this spiritual and moral desert.” Concludes the statement. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday having gone into a comma. Meanwhile the mortal remains of Pope Francis are being taken to St Peters Square where people will pay their last respects. His funeral will be held on Saturday 26th April 2025.
Read More →
Tue
22
Apr 2025
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Vatican time in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. Here are some details of the events leading to the funeral: Public Viewing & Mourning Period The Holy Father’s body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from today, Tuesday, April 22, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects. The Vatican expects millions of mourners. Burial Location Contrary to tradition where most Popes are buried in St. Peter’s grottoes, Pope Francis requested a simple burial in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, a place he often prayed before the icon of Salus Populi Romani. Global Dignitaries Attending Over 100 world leaders are expected; these include: U.S. Vice President JD Vance – leading the American delegation Argentina’s President Javier Milei King Charles III & Prince William French President Emmanuel Macron Brazil’s President Lula da Silva Conclave Timeline The Sistine Chapel conclave to elect a new pope will begin April 28, with 117 cardinals voting.
Read More →
Tue
22
Apr 2025
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has passed on at his residence in the Vatican, Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) announces. Through a written communication dated 21st April, Rt Rev Martin Anwel Mtumbuka, president of the Conference, announced the passing of the Holy Father, hours after news broke out on the death of Pope Francis through different main stream media houses both local and international. “It is with heartfelt sorrow that the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), informs the entire Catholic Church in Malawi of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, which occurred at 7:35 am today, 21st April, 2025” reads the statement. The Bishops have called on all religious men and women to offer prayers and mass for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed Pontiff. Earlier in the day before the official announcement of the late Pope’s death by the MCCB, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis through Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican’s TV channel. “At 7:35 (0535 GMT) this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.” He said. Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in the death certificate, which was released by the Vatican that Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible cardiovascular arrest. It went on to say that the pope had fallen into a coma before he died. Besides his recent lung infection, Arcangeli said Francis had also suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes. As arrangements for his burial are being made, a Vatican spokesman said the pope’s coffin might be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday morning to allow the faithful to pay their respects. No date has yet been given for the funeral, but the Vatican said it would normally be expected to take place sometime between Friday and Sunday. A group of cardinals were due to meet on Tuesday to discuss plans.
Read More →
Tue
15
Apr 2025
Priests in the Diocese of Chikwawa gathered at St Michaels Cathedral on Monday 14th April for the Chrism mass. This celebration takes place every year on Holy Monday where in a show of collegiality, priests recommit themselves to their call by expressing their willingness through their priestly vows. Delivering a homily to priests, religious and lay faithful gathered for the function, Bishop Musikuwa echoed the voice of the prophet Isaiah and reminded priests that they are called and set apart for His purpose. “In fulfilment of the prophecy by Isaiah, Christ came on earth to deliver the message that the people expected. Jesus coming answered the question, who will deliver us from all the troubles of this world? Christ knew that his role was to ease and be the comfort of all who were suffering.” Bishop Musikuwa said. And so the priest is called to take up the role that Christ played when he came on earth. A priest has to bring hope among the people. During the mass, holy oils were blessed for different pastoral purposes as care for this, administering baptisms, confirmations and priestly ordination.
Read More →
Tue
8
Apr 2025
The Diocesan laity council has, with the blessing of the authorities, resolved to construct a hostel in Chikwawa as a way of generating income for its operations. The announcement is contained in a letter authored by Bishop Peter Musikuwa, in which other pastoral announcements have also been made. According to the letter dated 7th April 2025, the laity council has come to this decision having observed that often the council fails to carry out its duties because of lack of funds since its main source of income are contributions from parishes. “In an effort to ease many of their challenges, the lay leaders from all parishes around the Diocese, have unanimously agreed to embark on a project to construct a hostel to be rented out to student nurses that come to Chikwawa for their practicals.” Reads the statement. It is expected that the construction will cost 25 Million Malawi kwacha with expected returns of 7.5 million kwacha in a year. The letter contains other pastoral announcements such as the Eucharistic congress from 5th to 9th August, the Children’s congress from 30th July to 5th August to be held in Lilongwe. Most notably, the Bishop has announced the ordination of Deacon David Billy July from Kalemba parish to priesthood on 19th July 2025 at St Michaels Cathedral in Chikwawa.
Read More →
Mon
7
Apr 2025
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) under the Diocese of Chikwawa, the designated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) service provider for the Shire Valley Transformation Program (SVTP), convened a One Stop Centre (OSC) stakeholders meeting on Friday, 4th April 2025 at Zonse Villa, Chikwawa. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination among key service providers in responding to GBV cases within the SVTP catchment area. In attendance were key stakeholders from the Chikwawa District Health Office (DHO)—including the Director of Health and Social Services, the District Medical Officer, and other key medical personnel. Also present were representatives from the One Stop Centre (OSC), District Gender Office, Social Welfare Department, Malawi Police Service (Victim Support Unit), and the Judiciary. Speaking during the meeting, Fr.Mathews Semba, Director of the Diocese of Chikwawa’s Social Services Directorate and CCJP Team Leader, emphasized the vital role of the One Stop Centre in the fight against GBV—not only within the SVTP scope but also across the entire district. He highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, stressing that effective partnerships are important to expediting case management and ensuring comprehensive survivor support. The meeting provided a platform to review the progress of GBV-related interventions, welcome new OSC personnel, and share updates on planned activities. Key highlights included a presentation of GBV cases handled jointly by CCJP and OSC, introduction of new initiatives such as community sports tournaments, awareness campaigns via radio and billboards, and planned engagements with bar and lodge owners in GBV hotspot areas.
Read More →
Mon
7
Apr 2025
Young catholic boys and girls have been encouraged to spend time and discern their vocations. The call was made on Saturday, 5th April 2025 during the launch of Vocations Sunday by Bishop Musikuwa at Nkhate parish. As he addressed hundreds of young people gathered for the launch, Bishop Musikuwa noted that it is very important for young people to seriously reflect on the kind of calling God has for them. “Take time to reflect and discern your vocations, then prepare by adopting lifestyles and behaviors that sit well with your vocation” Said Bishop Musikuwa. The National Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) announced that different dioceses must launch this years vocation Sunday as a way of preparing for the actual celebration. The launch mainly involved youths from Nkhate parish and will be joined by their counterparts from all parishes in the Diocese during the actual event which will be held at the same parish on 11th May 2025.
Read More →
Sun
6
Apr 2025
The Holy Father Pope Francis ha today made his first public appearance in tow weeks after he was discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Appearing in a wheelchair on which he was rolled into St Peters Square, The Holy Father made a surprise appearance at the occasion of the the jubilee for the sick and health workers, celebrated on 5th and 6th April. In his homily, Pope Francis said that the sickbed can become a holy place, where charity burns away indifference and gratitude nourishes hope. The sermon, which was read aloud by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pope Francis invited the faithful to contemplate the situation of the Israelites in exile: “It seemed that all was lost”, the Pope said. However, he continued, it was precisely in their moment of trial that a new nation was bring born. Pope Francis compared this experience to the woman in the day’s Gospel reading, who had been condemned and ostracized for her sins. Her accusers, ready to cast the first stone, were halted by the quiet authority of Jesus who told her “Go your way. You are free. You are saved”. In comparing the stories, Pope Francis says that God does not wait for our lives to be perfect before he intervenes in them. Rather, said the Pope, “He enters into our wounds. He knocks at our door, not despite our suffering, but because of it”. Turning then to those who are ill and to all those who assist them, the Pope acknowledged the deep suffering that illnesses can bring. “It can make us feel like the people in exile… or like the woman in the Gospel,” he said. But, he continued, it can also be a place of encounter, a “school” in which we learn to love and be loved with humility and grace. Pope Francis then reflected on his own illness, and consequent dependence on others, describing it not as a burden but as a lesson in trust, gratitude and hope. “Let us not push back”, he said, adding: “Let us allow ourselves to be loved”. Pope Francis then turned to the healthcare professionals, thanking them for their work and encouraging them to receive every patient as an opportunity to renew their sense of humanity. “The sickbed can become a holy place,” he said, “where charity burns away indifference and gratitude nourishes hope.” Bringing his address to a close, Pope Francis recalled the words of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, who reminded the Church that “the true measure of humanity is determined in relation to suffering”. A society that turns its back on the weak, he warned, becomes cruel and inhuman. Finally, Pope Francis urged all those present to resist the temptation to marginalize and forget those who are elderly, ill, or weighed down by the hardships of life. “Let us not banish suffering from our surroundings,” he said. “Let us not exclude those who are frail.” Instead, we must allow God’s love – poured into our hearts – to transform even suffering into a space of communion and growth.
Read More →
Wed
2
Apr 2025
Atleast 1816 households in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts will afford a to buy food and other basic needs following a social cash transfer program that the Catholic Development Commission of the Diocese of Chikwawa is implementing. Following the declaration by the State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera of the state of the emergency in the country due to droughts and other natural disasters, the Diocese of Chikwawa through its social and development arm, CADECOM, secured funding to help families that have been affected by hunger. Speaking at the beginning of the exercise, Fr Mathews Semba who is the Director for the Social Services Directorate, thanked the donors who responded positively to the Diocesan request. He further called on the beneficiaries to make the best use of the monetary assistance to ease their problems. CADECOM has assisted the families with funding from the Scottish government through the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF). Each household has been assisted with One Hundred Thousand Malawi Kwacha.
Read More →
Tue
1
Apr 2025
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has today 1st April 2025, announced that Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, the Auxiliary Bishop of Mzuzu, has been appointed as Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese. According to the communication from the Catholic Secretariat in Lilongwe, singed by Very Rev Fr Valeriano Mtseka, Secretary General of the Conference, Pope Francis has made the appointment following Bishop John Ryan’s request to the Holy Father to retire as he has reached the canonical age to do so. Meanwhile, the conference has further communicated that the installation of Rt Rev Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda as bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, will be held on 3rd May 2025 at St Peters Cathedral from 9:00 am. The function will be presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency, Most Rev. GianLuca Peric. Bishop Nyirenda was born on 20th June 1976 in Mzimba District. He was ordained a priest in July 2008. on 5th May 2023, Pope Francis appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese.
Read More →
Thu
27
Mar 2025
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, this week conducted a 4 day training for Gender Champions at Mpemba, Malawi School of Government, bringing together the champions and key stakeholders to strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within the Shire Valley Transformation Program catchment area. The training run from Monday, 24th March to Thursday 27th March 2025. The training aimed to equip Gender Champions with the knowledge and tools to effectively identify, document, and respond to GBV cases in their communities. Addressing the trainees, The Director for the Social Services Directorate for the Diocese of Chikwawa, Fr Mathews Alan Semba emphasized the importance of this refresher training for the Gender Champions and that the knowledge and skills being reinforced must be applied in real life situations to help mitigate GBV in communities affected by the Shire Valley Transformation Project He further stressed that ending GBV in these affected communities starts with the commitment and proactive efforts of the Gender Champions as they are the first responders and advocators in their localities Stakeholders from the Social Welfare Office, Police Victim Support Unit, Judiciary, Gender Office, and Chikwawa Hospital’s One Stop Centre joined the sessions, and shared insights on GBV case management, legal frameworks, and survivor support services. The training was interactive, with practical exercises, case studies, and discussions on the Terms of Reference (TORs), Code of Conduct, self-care for Gender Champions, and action planning for sustained impact.
Read More →
Tue
18
Mar 2025
The Fundraising committee of the Diocese of Chikwawa has held an interface meeting with priests and lay leaders from Mbusa Wabwino Nsanje Parish as they prepare for the upcoming Diocesan fundraiser. The meeting took place on Sunday 16th March 2025 at Nsanje Parish. The purpose of the meeting was for the Diocesan committee to establish cooperation linkage with priests and lay leaders from Nsanje, where it has been earmarked as the place for Diocesan Easter Bash to raise funds meant to pay for major seminarians school fees. Through the Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Ben Ndengunda, the committee unveiled the plan for the bash which included the date and activities that were lined up. As the deliberations went on, it was clear that Nsanje parish felt there was little time for preparations and also considering their hunger situation. At the end of the day, delegates to the meeting agreed that Diocesan Easter bash will take place in August, at a date to be decided later. The delegates estimated a target of 10 million kwacha to be realized from the bash with 3 Million Kwacha as the initial capital. Addressing the delegates, Mr Ndeguma, thanked the parish priest for Nsanje and his parishioners for accepting to host the fundraiser. He called on them to be committed and start preparation immediately and called on the need for them to be of united purpose. The Diocese of Chikwawa constituted the fundraising committee and commissioned them to initiate fundraising activities in order to respond to different needs of the Diocese. The committee successfully held their first fundraiser last year as they conducted dinner and dance and realized 20 million Kwacha.
Read More →