Mzuzu Diocese Welcomes the New Shepherd

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