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Wed
21
May 2025
In a bid to seek divine guidance and blessings, parishes around the Diocese celebrated mases to pray for standard 8 pupils who will begin their examinations today 21st May 2025. St Michael’s Parish held this celebration at the Cathedral on Monday 19th May 2025. During the Mass, the central message “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom” emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and having faith. Father Maloya said, “You should have faith in God. Put God first, and He will give you blessings. Thank you, teachers, for leading the pupils in the way of righteousness.” As part of the rite, Father Maloya blessed the examination materials such as instruments, pens and other materials that the pupils will use during their exams, seeking divine guidance and favour in their academic. Among primary schools in attendance include; Mitole, Chikwawa, Mthumba, and Gaga. Similar celebrations have been held across the Diocese such as in Nchalo parish where Fr Malikebu commended the young boys and girls in the hands of God as they sit for their examinations. The Standard 8 students across the country are set to sit for their final exams today Wednesday 21st May 2025.
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Sat
10
May 2025
Bishop Peter Musikuwa of the Diocese of Chikwawa has urged Christians to offer themselves and their possessions for the sake of the Gospel. He made the remarks at a beautiful and colorful ceremony where he blessed and opened St Francis convent for the religious sisters of Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted (MCA). The event took place in Mbenderana village where the convent is built which will serve as The Mother House for the congregation. In his homily, Bishop Musikuwa said that the sacrifices by the Francisco family who have built the house, is an exemplification of the life of the apostles after the resurrection. He said just as scripture in 2Cor 3: 4-5 says, this benevolent act echoes scripture that says it is only through Christ that we can do all. Speaking at the beginning of the ceremony, Mr Francisco Zonse, recalled his desire to see religious sisters serve at the Cathedral and the consequent initiative he took to approach the bishop to present to him his request to build a house for the sisters. “I can only thank God that my desire to build a house for the sisters which was my commitment to God, has been fulfilled”. Said Mr Zonse. The house has been built with personal finances from Mr Zonse. Apart from Mr Zonse who erected the house, other families joined in buying other appliances and furniture for the house. Of special mention are the families of Mr and Mrs Matengere, Mr and Mrs Wakudyanaye, Mr and Mrs Chimsale, Mr Valence Chibaka and Mr Amos Katandula. Sisters of Mary Consoler of the Afflicted are a local religious congregation in the Diocese of Chikwawa that was founded by late Bishop Felix Mkhori.
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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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