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We call for donations to help refugees that are settled in camps in Nsanje district.
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Wed
7
May 2025
The world attention is on the Vatican City where the Conclave of cardinals has started a meeting to chose a new Pope. After proclaiming “extra omners “ meaning “everyone out” the doors of the Sistine chapel were closed and remain so with no one entering or leaving, ensuring that there is no interference with outsiders. Cardinal Raiero Cantalamessa invited the Cardinals into a space of prayer before voting for the next Pope after the late Pope Francis. The crowd eagerly waited for the smoke which will reveal the results of the first conclave ballot. The next Pope to be elected will be a 267th pope after Pope Francis and from St Peter the apostle who is recognized as the first Bishop of Rome. After hours of waiting, black smoke has been spotted at the Sistine Chapels chimney indicating no new Pope has been elected by the 133 Cardinals, after the first round of voting. With this, the conclave continues until a new pope is elected. The Cardinals will vote again tomorrow at 10:30 am.
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Wed
7
May 2025
Ex-seminarians from Mzimu Woyera Seminary in Chikwawa Diocese have emphasized the importance of unity and collective contribution to the church. According to Emmanuel Rice, chairperson of the ex-seminarians grouping, coming together allows them to share ideas, support one another, and make meaningful contributions to the service of the church. The group’s initiatives done so far include purchasing books, building a sanitation block at Mzimu Woyera Seminary, and livestock production. By working together, ex-seminarians can shed positive change impact to the Diocese and the church itself. As Emmanuel Rice noted, “it is important for ex- seminarians to assemble together and shared the ideas helping each one of us and in fact by doing so we try to look at the welfare of each one of us and assist and share what ever we have to each other as a family.” He said. Chikwawa chapter comprises of Nsanje and Chikwawa district and also there are Blantyre, Lilongwe and Zomba chapters as well. Mzimu Woyera seminary was officially opened in 1981.
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Wed
7
May 2025
The Conclave of the Cardinals to elect a new Pope has officially began as of May 7, 2025, taking place in the Sistine Chapel. It has been announced that two cardinals, Antonio Cañizares Llovera from Spain and Cardinal John Njue from Kenya, will not be participating in the conclave due to health issues. This change brings the total number of cardinals eligible to vote down to 133, instead of the previously anticipated 135. The conclave has issued strict guidelines prohibiting cellphones, reading newspapers, using computers, and watching television. This is so to avoid interference with the outside world during the voting for the next Pope. The conclave is expected to elect the 267th pope after the late Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday 21st April last month.
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Tue
29
Apr 2025
The Vatican has confirmed the conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor will commence on 7 May, initiating a sacred process shrouded in centuries-old tradition and secrecy. With the Pope’s passing, the Catholic Church entered sede vacante (“the vacant seat”), and his papal ring and seal, used to authorize official documents, were ceremonially destroyed. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo (or chamberlain), who formally announced Francis’s death, now serves as the Church’s interim leader. According to Church law and recommendation, only cardinals under 80 years old, meaning 135 out of 252, are eligible to elect the next pontiff. The following numbers represent the voting members: Europe: 53, Asia: 23, North America: 20, Africa: 18, South America: 17 and Oceania: 4. Statistically, Italy leads with the most voting cardinals (17), followed by the U.S. (10) and Brazil (7). The U.K. has three. Behind Closed Doors: How the Conclave Works Derived from the Latin cum clave (“with a key”), the term conclave underscores the cardinals’ complete isolation. Once sequestered within the Vatican, they cannot leave until a new pope is elected. Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel, while cardinals reside at Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse within Vatican City. How Long Does It Take? The duration of the conclave might vary based on different factors. Historically, the shortest conclave lasted a day only, while the longest took three years, (1268–1271). Conclaves that have occurred in recent memory have often been brief. The one that elected Pope Francis (2013) lasted two days and previously, the one that elected John Paul II (1978) in under three days. After an initial ballot, cardinals vote twice daily until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority plus one. Strict secrecy is enforced: no phones, internet, or outside communication is permitted. As the world watches, history will be made behind the Vatican’s locked doors.
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Mon
28
Apr 2025
The National Laity council, a body of catholic lay leaders under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) have held their first meeting since their election. The meeting took place at Andy’s Lodge in Chikwawa from Saturday 26th April to Sunday 27th April 2025. According to Father Peter Madeya, who is the National PMS director and chaplain for the Laity council, the meeting centered on different thematic areas crucial for the lay leaders duties. The meeting dwelt on issues as resource mobilization and organization: Challenges discussed, and a committee was elected to oversee this area. Collaboration: Discussions focused on collaboration between groups and executives, Education and awareness, Leadership representation and youth Involvement; the discussion finally focussed on involvement and their role in decision making. Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Bishop Peter Musikuwa of the Diocese of Chikwawa encouraged the leaders to be proactive in carrying out their duties while involving young people. At the close of the meeting, the national lay leaders proceeded to Namtipwiri Pastoral Centre in the Archdiocese of Blantyre where they are now attending a leaders training organized by the conference of Bishops in the country. In his address at the beginning of the training His Grace archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa, emphasized that the Laity leaders are missionaries of hope and should emulate the life of his holiness, the Late Pope Francis who preached mercy, justice, peace and love among others. The Archbishop also commended the leaders for accepting their respective capacities with nothing promised here on Earth. Bishop Msusa reminded the Laity Leadership that they are serving God. The training is expected to end tomorrow, 29 April in the afternoon. Among the leadership delegation from Chikwawa are Mr John Nyaika – Laity Chairperson, Mr Mugawa – Laity V. Chairperson, Mr George Chiwenga – Laity Secretary, Ropha Shaba – Laity V. Secretary, Mr Yohane Namijingo from Tengani Parish, Mr Sheffield Rauli – Njale Parish Council leader, Mr George Chaziya – Diocesan Laity Council Member, Grace Mello – Laity council Member, Mr Henry Phaundi – Laity Council Member, Miss Martha Theka – Radio Maria, Mr Andrew Tembo – Diocesan YCW President, Mrs Nancy Chilenje – Diocesan CWA Chairperson, Mr Lawrence And Grace Byzakulima – CFM Chair couple, Mr James Mtengaponji – CMA representative, Mr Edwin Moda – Diocesan Choir, Mrs Pakhota – Legion of Mary, Mr Kadethe – ACCR, Mr Duncan Khofi – PMS, and Mr Alex Kadzuwa – Diocesan Youth council.
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Sun
27
Apr 2025
Bishop Peter Musikuwa of the Diocese Chikwawa has called on his flock to emulate the life of Pope Francis who departed to the house of the Father on Monday this week. He was speaking during Requiem Mass held at St Michael Cathedral for the repose of late Pope’s soul On Saturday evening He stressed the need for selfless love and universal love like that of Pope Francis. ” He prioritized his flock, exemplifying a good Shepherds heart.. Bishop Musikuwa also emphasized Pope Francis commitment to inclusivity saying “in his life didn’t want to leave anyone out”. ” Despite also been advised by his doctor’s not to meet with large crowd he defy the advice and bless the crowd on Easter Sunday”. Bishop Musikuwa said. The Pope was buried on Saturday at St Mary Major in the Vatican.
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Thu
24
Apr 2025
The first round of entrance examinations to Catholic secondary schools administered by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops MCCB took place across the Diocese earlier this week. This initiative arrangement is a fruit of an agreement made between the Catholic Church and the Malawian Government, where 40% of the students selected to form one in Catholic schools having sat for a series of examinations. The first round of these tests popularly called pre-test examinations was conducted on Monday 21st April 2025 across different parish centres and the successful candidates will proceed to write the final paper where those who do well are selected into different Catholic secondary schools. A snap survey of the exercise revealed that both candidates and administrators of the examinations were content with the manner in which this was done. Candidates expressed optimism that they will make it to the next round. O tis part education coordinator for the Diocese Geoffrey Mdala hoped that more students will have the opportunity to be selected to different secondary schools. Apart from secondary schools like St Lawrence Girls Catholic Secondary School and Phwadzi Sdcondary School, these candidates are selected to different Catholic Community Day Secondary Schools in the Diocese. The best performing students are selected to Stella Maris, Providence, and St Patricks Secondary School in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
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Thu
24
Apr 2025
The pastoral office for the Diocese of Chikwawa has announced that the Diocese will offer requiem mass for the repose of Pope Francis. The Pontiff died on Easter Monday and is expected to be buried on Saturday 26th April 2025. In view of this, the Diocese has directed that to show solidarity with the whole church and to plead for the salvation of the departed pontiff, all parishes in the Diocese will celebrate requiem mass for the soul of Pope Francis. The main mass will take place at St Michael’s Cathedral in Chikwawa to be led by Bishop Peter Musikuwa. All the masses will start at 4 o’clock in the evening. Consequently, the office of the pastoral Coordinator has announced that the blessing of MCA sisters’ mother house which was scheduled to be done on Saturday 26th April 2025 has been moved to 10th May 2025, with other details of the celebration remaining unchanged. Other announcements made in the statement signed by Fr joseph Gift Chikwapa are; The Epiphany celebrations at St Matthews Nchalo Parish on 27th April 2025 from 9 o’clock in the morning, and also the National Laity Council meeting to be held at Vasco Milinyu Lodge in Chikwawa from the 25th to 27th April 2025.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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