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Thu
8
May 2025
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful and the world invoking peace and pledging to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and to the Gospel. Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world with the words “Peace be with all of you” at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter’s Basilica: In His maiden address as the new Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV exclaimed; Peace be with you! “Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you. This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarming and humble and preserving peace. It comes from God. God, who loves all of us, without any limits or conditions. Let us keep in our ears the weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis, who blessed Rome – the Pope who blessed Rome and the world that day on the morning of Easter. Allow me to continue that same blessing. God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.” He said. He thanked Pope Francis, His Cardinal brothers who chose him to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with all the members as a united Church searching all together for peace and justice, working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ without fear, proclaiming Christ, to be missionaries, faithful to the gospel. The Holy Father continued in His speech; “I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together towards that homeland that God has prepared for us. To the Church of Rome, a special greeting: We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love.” He found space to mention the people of Peru and especially to those of His Diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, a loyal, faithful people accompanying the bishop and helping the bishop. He concluded his speech by addressing all the faithful, brothers and sisters of Rome, Italy, of all the world, calling on them to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering. “Today is the day of the Supplicatio [Plea] to Our Lady of Pompei. Our blessed mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close to us, she always wants to help us with her intercession and her love. So let us pray together for this mission, and for all of the Church, and for peace in the world.” He said He concluded by commending all into the hands of Mary, our Mother. As the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has become the spiritual leader of the worldwide Catholic Church at the age of 69. Notably, he is the first American Pope in the history of the Holy Catholic Church. The new Pope’s appearance and blessing mark the beginning of his papacy, bringing joy and hope to Catholics globally.
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Thu
8
May 2025
White smoke! The 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will appear soon at the central window of St Peter’s Basilica. In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney today, signaling the successful election of a new Pope. The conclave, which began earlier this week, saw 133 cardinal-electors gather to choose the next leader of the Church. After ballots, the cardinals reached the required two-thirds majority, electing a new Pope. Details about the new Pope’s identity, including his name and background, will be announced shortly from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the 267th Pope.
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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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