Author: Titus Jata

On May 3, 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu welcomed its new shepherd, Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda, in a ceremony marked by great jubilation and celebration.

The installation ceremony drew people from all walks of life, including political leaders, who gathered to witness the historic event.

The ceremony was witnessed by Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe and other priests who signed to approve and witness the installation of Bishop Nyirenda as the new bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, urged the faithful of the Mzuzu Diocese to pray for their newly installed bishop.

“Always pray for the bishop for his role, not only a day, but each day,” he emphasized.

Archbishop Perici encouraged the faithful to continually pray for their new bishop, that he may be guided and strengthened in his ministry.

His Excellency Perici also extended his best wishes to the retiring Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, Bishop John Ryan, for his future endeavors.

Bishop Ryan thanked the faithful of the diocese for their support during his tenure and encouraged them to work closely with Bishop Nyirenda to ensure the continued growth and development of the diocese.

His Lordship expressed his gratitude for the trust and cooperation he received from the clergy, religious, and lay faithful.

In his speech, President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Bishop Martin Mtumbuka, praised the retiring Bishop Ryan for his dedication and service he rendered to the diocese.

“Bishop Ryan was a strong defender of the environment and always made decisions that considered the less privileged,” he said.

Bishop Mtumbuka also called upon priests to avoid participating in partisan politics.

In his remarks, the newly installed Bishop Yohane Nyirenda thanked Bishop Ryan for his dedication and zeal during his ministry as the bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese.

Bishop Nyirenda also called for collaboration with priests and emphasized the importance of working together in order to develop the diocese of Mzuzu.

His Lordship Nyirenda was ordained priest on July 19, 2008. He was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese on May 5, 2023, and later appointed as the bishop of the diocese by Pope Francis on April 1, 2025.

By Titus Jata Phiri

Christians at Guilleme Parish in Mchinji came together for a profound journey of self-reflection, prayer, and commemoration of the suffering of Jesus Christ during the Way of the Cross.

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish drew Christians from all Outstations under the Parish, who symbolically experienced Christ’s journey to the cross and his ultimate sacrifice.

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish

The spiritual procession, which began at St. Robert Outstation in Tembwe and concluded at Guilleme Parish

As part of the celebration of the Passion of the Lord, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe urged the faithful to use Good Friday as a powerful tool for their spiritual growth and salvation.

The Archbishop, emphasized the significance of the day in Christian life, calling for deep reflection and commitment to faith.

“Today is an important day for Christians in their spiritual life. They should reflect on their faith, examine their conscience, repent for their sins, and engage in intense prayer as we remember that Jesus Christ died for us on the cross,” Archbishop Tambala stated.

Despite the challenges presented by the rainy weather, the faithful remained steadfast in their devotion.

The Archbishop praised the Christians for their unwavering commitment to their Catholic faith and dedication to spiritual renewal.

“I commend the Christians here at Guilleme Parish for their resilience in their faith. They gathered in large numbers, and despite the rain, no one showed any sign of turning away,” he added.

prostration: the abasement of “earthly man,” the grief and sorrow of the Church, and a solemn remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death

The veneration of the cross

The vice-chairperson of the parish committee, Cosmas Phiri, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Archbishop for gracing them with his presence, acknowledging that his visit strengthened their faith and encouraged the Christian community.

The Way of the Cross procession, a solemn reenactment of Jesus Christ’s journey to Calvary, provided an opportunity for reflection and prayer, reinforcing the essence of Good Friday, a day of sacrifice, redemption, and renewed faith.

By Titus Jata Phiri

The Association of Catholic Chiefs at Likuni Parish in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe has been called upon to play a key role in promoting environmental conservation in their communities.

The appeal was made at Parish during a tree-planting exercise organized by the Congregation of Teresian Sisters.

Sister Teresa Mulenga, Project Coordinator for environmental projects, emphasized the importance of involving chiefs in environmental conservation initiatives.

“Chiefs are well-positioned to drive environmental conservation efforts, given their close relationship with their subjects. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, we hope to ensure continuity of the program and promote sustainable environmental practices in our communities.”

Likuni Parish Priest, Father Damiano Chitha, commended the Teresian Sisters for their initiative, saying it would have a significant impact on environmental conservation in the area.

“We appreciate the Teresian Sisters for organizing this initiative at our Parish. As a Parish, we are committed to working with the chiefs to ensure the trees planted are well taken care of,” said Fr. Chitha.

Chairperson of the Chiefs Association at Likuni Parish, Senior Group Mtanga, echoed Sister Mulenga’s sentiments and promised that the chiefs will take a leading role in educating their subjects on the importance of environmental conservation.

“We will use the knowledge shared with us to promote environmental conservation in our areas,” he said.

The initiative aims to empower chiefs to promote environmental conservation in their areas, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and promoting sustainable development.

By Titus Jata Phiri

In Mchinji District. Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapondo, the Carmelite Missionaries Sisters from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Kapiri), are transforming lives through their Eco Women project. This initiative focuses on merging environmental conservation with women’s empowerment, offering skills and hope to rural communities in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Since its launch, the Eco Women project has helped women combat deforestation, soil erosion, and others while fostering economic independence. Women learn tree planting, organic farming, pig farming, and waste management. Additionally, literacy classes teach reading, writing, and numeracy—skills many participants never had before.

Starting with literacy, women advance to vocational training in tailoring, embroidery, and sewing. These skills have sparked micro-enterprises like tailoring business and cooperatives. “We don’t just teach—we walk with them until they can stand on their own,” said Sister Modester Nkhata, the project director.

Group Village Head Bauti praised the program’s success, noting improved incomes, restored lands, and different developments in his area. “Women now run tree nurseries and vegetable farms, bringing dignity and resilience to their communities”

The journey hasn’t been without barriers. Cultural taboos, such as husbands fearing women’s gatherings, still limit participation. The sisters address this through community dialogues, gradually winning support. “When fathers see their children benefiting, mindsets change,” Sister Modester explained.

The Eco Women project has become a lifeline for participants, enabling them to support their families and communities. “I now earn enough to pay my daughter’s school fees,” shared a proud tailor. Around her, seedlings awaited planting—symbols of a greener, more equitable future.

As Sister Modester aptly put it, “When you empower a woman, you nourish a family, protect the Earth, and transform a nation.”

By Titus Jata Phiri

Achinyamata mu Arkidayosizi ya Lilongwe, apemphedwa kuti akuyenera kugwiritsa ntchito mwayi komanso kupanga ziganizo zoyenera pa momwe angatumikire Mulungu kudzera mmayitanidwe awo.

Ambuye George Desmond Tambala a Arkidayosizi ya Lilongwe, ndiomwe apeleka pempholi lero pa 09 March 2025 ku Parish ya St. Mathias (Lumbadzi) pa mwambo wa nsembe ya Misa yotsekulira zochitikachitika za tsiku la Mulungu la mayitanidwe Mpingo (Vocation Sunday).

Ambuye Tambala ati uwu ndimwayi oti achinyamata asinkhesinkhe ndikumva komanso kusankha mayitanidwe omwe Mulungu akuwayitanira, kuti atumikile mpingo waKatolika.

“Pempho langa kwa achinyamata ndiloti asinkhesinkhe za kuyitanidwa kwawo , komanso asankhe osakhala mawa, koma lero, chifukwa achinyamata ambiri amazinamiza kuti ndizasankha mawa pankhani yamayitanidwe awo,” anatero ambuye Tambala.

Mkulu owona za mabungwe a utumiki wa Papa (PMS) mu Arkidayosizi ya Lilongwe, bambo Geoffrey Chikapa, ati ofesi yawo ikhala ikupereka maphunzitso osiyanasiyana kwa achinyamata, ndi cholinga choti athe kumvetsa bwino pankhani ya mayitanidwe pa moyo wawo wachikhristu.

“Ngati ofesi yowona za mabungwe a utumiki wa Papa, tigwira ntchito molumikizana ndi bungwe lomwe limaona za achinyamata, komanso gulu lomwe limayang’anira zamayitanidwe mu Arkidayosizi yathu, tikhala tikuyendera achinyamata kuwalimbikitsa komanso kupereka mauthenga osiyanasiyana okhudzana ndi mayitanidwe.”

Ndipo m’mawu awo, Sister Agness Mwamba achipani cha Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Asis, omweso ndi mlembi ku gulu loyang’anira zamayitanidwe mu Arkidayosizi ya Lilongwe, ati athandizira kupereka maphunzitso osiyanasiyana kwa achinyamata m’maparishi, kuti athe kumvetsa bwino zamayitanidwe pa moyo wawo.

Mutu wa chaka chino wa la Mulungu la mayitanidwe mu Mpingo ndi “Achinyamata Ndi Atumiki Achiyembekezo,” ndipo chakachi chidzachitika pa 10 May 2025.

Wolemba ndi Titus Jata Phiri

Residents of Sombe Village, Traditional Authority Khombeza in Salima district, have expressed their gratitude to the congregation of the Teresian Sisters in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe for their efforts in improving the lives of families in the area.

This appreciation was voiced when the sisters conducted training on how to make laundry and dishwashing soap, as a way to help families start small businesses and become economically self-reliant.

In her remarks, Sister Teresa Mulenga, who conducted the training, mentioned that they decided to provide this training to both men and women in the area as a way to help reduce domestic gender-based violence, which often stems from poverty.

“Last time, our main focus was to empower women. However, we realized that when we are talking about gender-based violence, it is not only women who need empowerment. Our program this time is focusing on empowering both men and women, and we have started here in Traditional Authority Khombeza to train them in dishwashing and laundry soap making.”

Sylvia Zimpita, a resident of the area, thanked the sisters for the training, stating that it would significantly help families improve their economic status.

“The training that we have been offered by the Teresian Sisters will really help us in our families, as now we will be able to start our small businesses based on the soap-making process we have been trained in.”

One of the male participants, Micheal Micheck, also applauded the Teresian Sisters for involving men in the training, saying that it will help many men in the area improve their households and become financially efficient through the soap-making business.

In addition to providing various skills training, the Teresian Sisters in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe are also involved in other activities, such as promoting gender-based violence prevention and educating women on caregiving and environmental conservation.

By Titus Jata Phiri