Success Story: Benedict Nyondo’s Spiritual Journey with VLCFF
By Benedict Reshas Nyondo*
I enrolled with the Virtue Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF), offered by the University of Dayton in collaboration with the Diocese of Karonga, by the grace of God. My name together with others had been submitted to the diocese. I realized most of the people on the list were teachers from both primary and secondary schools. There were also Catechetical Methodology Advisors for the Catholic schools in the diocese. We were soon invited for orientation since it was the first time for most of us to take online courses.
I remember very well the first five-week course in Images of Jesus started on 28th May, 2017. Since that time VLCFF has not only changed my lifestyle but has transformed my way of living. The studies, reflection writing and the discussions on the board with fellow students from various dioceses have been very helpful to my spiritual formation. The beginning looked so humble that I could hardly realize that I could reach this far. The Images of Jesus, however, gave me hope that the journey would bear fruits.
Some of the courses covered like The Sacraments were practical in nature such that I would, in most of the times, use them either for my daily activities or use them for my students’ lessons. I honestly found some courses quite enriching. For instance, the Introduction to Prayer course was very touching.
I liked the mode of online lesson delivery with very effective and reliable facilitators. There is no time wasted when one gets enrolled with VLCFF. The courses were so motivating that one felt like going on with learning. As a teacher, I found the courses quite helpful. The courses added more information to my old catechism classes to the extent that I was more knowledgeable than before.
As a catechist, there is one particular learning experience that I gained most, lesson planning. I must accept that as a teacher, I am quite aware how important a lesson plan is for the effective delivery of the lesson in class. But to plan for a catechism class, it was like a taboo. I used to have only short notes for the lesson. After going through this course, I appreciate the importance of the lesson plan for the class. It is through the planning that a teacher discovers what resources may be required in the course of lesson delivery. The lesson plan is, therefore, instrumental in soliciting the right materials or resources for teaching.
On discussion boards, I learned a variety of experiences from other ethnic groups but with one Catholic faith. I remember very well to have enjoyed learning from the dioceses that allow their parishioners to kneel when receiving the Eucharist. I liked it because it shows our deep respect for Jesus Christ, who is present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Time management is another area of achievement that I attribute to VLCFF. Being a secondary school teacher with other responsibilities attached to the profession; it was not easy to meet the due dates for the assignments. As if that was not enough, black outs were the order of the day. Above all these challenges, I had to make sure time was respected. There were times when things went beyond my control. These are times facilitators came to my rescue with their proper guidance and encouragement.
My success for my spiritual growth with VLCFF is evident in many ways. My performance as a school catechist is from nothing but VLCFF. The skills gained in planning the lessons help me in delivering catechesis as well as conducting Sunday services in communities outside the school campus during holidays. VLCFF has made it possible that I should reach out the communities. Reaching out such communities is in agreement with the diocese’s motto: “We shall go to them”.
*Benedict Reshas Nyondo was installed Reader on 13th November, 2021. This is one of the two ministries one is supposed to receive before receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders. He will be ordained Permanent Deacon in July, 2022.
Karonga Diocese Has One New Priest
By Benjamin Msowoya
Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga on Saturday ordained Deacon Erick Nyondo to priesthood during a solemn Eucharistic celebration which took place at St Joseph the Worker Cathedral.
The celebration attracted Catholic faithful and people of goodwill from within and outside the diocese. Following his ordination, Father Erick Nyondo brings the number of Diocesan Priests to twenty. Father Erick Nyondo will begin his priestly ministry as a Curate at St Ignatius Parish (Nthalire).
During the same celebration, the Bishop admitted Mr Benedict Nyondo, of Immaculate Heart of Mary (Chisankhwa) Parish, to the Ministry of Reader (Lector), on his journey to becoming a Permanent Deacon next year. This is the first of the two ministries one has to receive on the journey to receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Mr Nyondo completes this journey in July, 2022, and will become the first ever Permanent Deacon in Malawi.During the same event, Bishop Mtumbuka also blessed the cassock of Novice Jeremias Villalba of the Society of St Elijah (a Missionary Society that complements well the Diocese’s Ad Gentes missionary activities) and are working in Chisenga in the Diocese of Karonga.
THE YOUTH OF KARONGA DEANERY CHALLENGED TO SERIOUSLY TAKE UP CHURCH LEADERSHIP ROLES NOW
Done by Benjamin
As a way of developing leadership skills and increasing participation among the youth in the life and mission of the Church, the Youth from Karonga Deanery have been asked to seriously take up the leadership roles that are given to them now in the Diocese. This call was made by the Deanery Youth Chaplain, Fr Joseph Mkinga, at St Joseph the Worker Cathedral,during the closing Mass of the Karonga Deanery Youth Rally on 31 October 2021.
The Youth and their Chaplain after Closing Mass of their Rally at St Joseph the Worker Cathedral
Over 267 youths from the Deanery of Karonga gathered at St Joseph the Worker Cathedral from 29 October to 31 October 2021 for a rally. Karonga Deanery is made up of 4 parishes (St Stevens, St Martin De Pores, St Mary’s and St Joseph the Worker) and St Thomas More Sub-Parish. There are over 3,177 youths in all these 4 parishes and 1 sub-parish. But due to restrictions, representatives among the youth were selected to attend the rally and hold elections for the Deanery Youth Executive Committee.
Part of the youth who attended the rally
During the rally, the youth were involved in the following activities:
- Elections of their Karonga Deanery Youth Executive Committee
- They prayed the rosary together to close the month of the rosary (October)
- They had lessons and presentations on Courtship and Marriage Preparation, Vocations, Drug and Substance Abuse
- They held singing sessions and in-door games.
During the closing mass on Sunday, 31 October, Fr Joseph Mkinga challenged the youth that their time to seriously take up church leadership roles is now rather than later. He urged them to continue reflecting on their career and vocation as this will ensure that they make right choices and lead in one way or another. He also asked them to be the youth that love to pray in order to be good leaders.
Fr Mkinga, the Deanery Youth Chaplain, during Closing Mass of the Rally
Also present during the Deanery Rally and taking various roles were Sr Amelie, Sr Prudence, Mr Paul Mwandira (Catechetical Methodology Advisor for Karonga Deanery), Catechist Abraham Mwakiyale (of Mpata Zone), Assistant Catechist Francis Munthali (of Mpata Zone),and Catechist James Gondwe(of St Joseph the Worker Zone).
Welcome to the Karonga Diocese Official Website
The Catholic Diocese of Karonga is found in the Northern part of Malawi. Malawi is a landlocked country found in South Eastern Africa with a size of about 118,000km². It is bordered by Tanzania to North East, Zambia to the North West and Mozambique to the South East and South West.
The Diocese is fairly new, created on 21st July 2010 by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. Read more about us here: ABOUT US
Small Christian Community Urged to Be Charitable Like Their Patron Saint
By Benjamin Msowoya
The Parish Priest of St Mathias Mulumba Parish of the Diocese of Karonga, Fr Atupele Kuyokwa, has urged the members of St Martin de Porres Small Christian Community (SCC/ Uzengezgani) to follow the example of their Patron Saint (St Martin De Porres). Fr Kuyokwa made these remarks on 3rd November 2021, when he presided over the Mass at St Martin De Porres SCC/ Uzengezgani at the Parish Centre (Chibanji), in Mughese Zone.
Members of St Martin De Porres Uzengezgani organised a special celebration on their Patron Saint’s Day in order to show unity and purpose of their SCC. Over 25 adult members attended the celebrations which included Mass and luncheon where they shared food, drinks and had more interaction as members of one Uzengezgani. They met at Mr and Mrs Andrew Chabinga’s house, one of the members of their Uzengezgani.
During Mass, Fr Kuyokwa encouraged them to follow the example of St Martin De Porres so that they are also known as charitable people. He reminded them that this call is even more relevant this year (2021) because the Diocese is being guided by the theme: “Year of Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy”. He challenged them to reflect on how many works of charity they have fulfilled as an Uzengezgani and as individuals during this special year.
St Martin De Porres Small Christian Community is one of the 77 Small Christian Communities in St Mathias Mulumba Parish and one of the 715 Small Christian Communities in the whole Diocese of Karonga. Small Christian Communities are a small grouping of Catholics within a prayer centre, usually made up of 15-20 families, for pastoral and administrative purposes.
Bishop Leads Curia Officers in Commemorating All Souls Day
Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga has urged officers who work at the Diocesan Curia Offices to pray and do everything within their power to be found worth of paradise at the hour of their death.
The Bishop made this call on 2nd November, 2021, when he presided over Holy Mass commemorating All Souls Day at the Curia Offices which was a departure from the tradition of celebrating the day at Diocese level. This year, Christians celebrated this day in their respective parishes and not at Chaminade Chapel or nearby parishes of St Mary’s and St Joseph the Worker Cathedral.
In his homily, the Bishop observed that the custom of praying for the dead is common in many religions. The Bishop said in the Catholic Church, there are two adjacent days which focus on the dead.
“On All Saints Day, celebrated on 1st November, the Church celebrates people who were triumphant in this life and are now with God as saints. On All Souls Say, the Church prays for the souls of all people who may have died without mortal sin but still in need purification before they are ushered into the presence of the All-Perfect and Holy God.
The Bishop further said that according to what the Church teaches, there is nothing that we can do about those that died in mortal sin and are in hell saying “no number of prayers can redeem them.” He, therefore, urged all officers gathered to pray for their friends and relatives who died because they may need their prayers if they are in the purification process, in Purgatory.
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka presided over the Mass, with Fr Joseph Sikwese (Bishop’s and Pastoral Secretary) and Fr Alick Sikwese (Director of Finance, Investment and Administration) as con-celebrants.
About 50 members of staff, Catholics and non-Catholics, working in various departments at the Bishop’s Offices (Curia) and those from Tuntufye FM Radio attended this commemoration of the souls of the faithful departed. Various members of staff presented names of their departed friends and relatives to be prayed for during the Eucharistic Celebration.
St John Paul II Parish Launches Youth Competitions for Ibanda Zone
By Benjamin Msowoya*
On 30th October 2021, St John Paul II Parish launched Catechism quiz and sports competitions for the youth of Ibanda Zone. The official launch was done at Chipalanje Outstation by the Parish Priest, Fr Lorent Dziko, in the presence of parents, Church leaders and the youth from Chendo, Chipalanje and Ibanda Outstations.
The competitions are part of the parish’s effort to improve attendance of the youth during their faith formation sessions and other interactive activities that unite the youth and improve their participation in the Church.
The youth of Ibanda Zone gathered at Chipalanje from Friday, 29 October to Sunday, 31 October. On Saturday, before the actual launch of the competitions later in the day, the youth organised several activities to mark their day at Chipalanje. They had a lesson on the Synod of Bishops (2021-2023) and they also gave their voice during the consultations on synodality (journeying together) as they experience it in the Diocese. They freely shared on how they see various groups ‘journeying together’ better than others in the Diocese. They also brought forward recommendations that touch on several areas of the Church’s life and mission on how to improve the communion, participation and missionary spirit in the Diocese.
The youth were also involved in the acts of charity. They visited three needy families, cheered them up, prayed with them and shared with them some items (such as soap, maize flour and money). The people chosen for these acts of charity were all old and frail living within the vicinity of Chipalanje Outstation.
The youth also participated in a quiz competition. Three teams (each with ten members) from Chendo Outstation, Chipalanje Outstation and Ibanda Outstation) contested in the quiz. Chipalanje Outstation came first with 17 points (of 20 points), Ibanda Outstation were runners up with 15 points (of 20), while Chendo came third with 14 points (of 20). Many youths were eager to participate in the quiz competitions. Out of the 83 youths (38 male, 45 female) that gathered for this event, 30 participated in the quiz as contestants.
Later on, all the youth joyfully participated in the football and net ball competitions that followed later in the afternoon. Also present during this day were the Diocese’s Sunday School Programme Coordinator (Mr Benjamin Msowoya), the Catechetical Methodology Advisor for Kapoka Deanery (Mr Paul Sesa), Catechist for Ibanda Zone (Mr Andrew Mbale) and Assistant Catechist for Ibanda Zone (Mr Gabriel Simwera).
Karonga Diocese Begins 2023 Synod Consultations among the Clergy and Religious
By Benjamin Msowoya
As part of preparations for the Synod of Bishops in 2023, the Diocese of Karonga has started collecting views on synodality among the clergy, the religious men and women. Karonga Diocese organised its first sessions of consultations among the clergy and religious on 26th October 2021.
All priests (diocesan and religious) and religious sisters working in Chitipa and Kapoka Deaneries of the Diocese met at St Michaels Parish; while all priests, religious brothers and sisters working in Karonga and Chilumba Deaneries of the Diocese met at St Mary’s Parish for their deliberations.
In their deliberations, they appraised the current status of the Church’s ‘journeying together’ as it is happening today in the Diocese. They were also forward-looking on what needs to be done in order to make this ‘journeying together’ better in the Diocese.
The product of their deliberations (their assessment and recommendations) will be consolidated in a report together with the views of the various groups of the laity across the Diocese; men, women, members of various lay movements and devotional groups, members of Small Christian Communities, the youth, children, members of other faiths that collaborate with the Diocese, officers working in various institutions of the Diocese.
With these first consultations done among the clergy and religious, the Diocese has a clear plan on how to engage further, the various members in the Diocese on similar consultations between October 2021 and March 2022. Before these first consultative meetings started, the Diocese formed a 9-member Diocesan Committee on Synod; appointed by Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka on 21st September 2021. The Diocese also launched the Synod on 23rd October 2021 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced that the Synod of Bishops will take place from October 2021 to October 2023. The theme of the Synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”
Ambassador Impressed with the Impact of Women Empowerment Program
By Memory Moyo
Women Empowerment Programme beneficiaries from T/A Wasambo in Karonga District have requested the Government of Norway through Ambassador Stainer Hagil to continue funding the program since it has increased participation of women in decision making.
This has been said today during a field visit by the Ambassador of Norway at Hangalawe Primary School in the area of T/A Wasambo where he was appreciating what has been done by The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Diocese of Karonga in collaboration with United Nations Women and Karonga District Council.
Speaking during the function, one the beneficiaries, Ward Councillor for Nyungwe Ward Ethel Mwanza, said she managed to attain this position through the teachings from this programme.
“Through the Women Empowerment Program, I am able to stand before men to contribute development ideas for my ward. It is my wish that this program should continue as it may increase participation of women in the 2025 Tripartite Elections Mwanza,” Mwanza said.
Responding to Mwanza’s plea, the Norwegian Ambassador Stainer Hagil said they are engaging UN women on the way forward of this project.
“I am so impressed with the impact the programme has had on the women of Karonga. This is why we have to discuss with these organization on what can be done to continue helping women from the current 29 % participation of women in politics to around 65%,” Hagen explained.
CCJP implemented the programme with financial support from Royal Norwegian Embassy through UN Women. CCJP implemented the programme in partnership with Karonga District Council with the aim of increasing meaningful participation of women in leadership positions, gender responsive planning and budgeting at national and local levels. The programme which started in 2017 and is ending this year covered all the traditional authorities of Karonga.
Chaplains Crucial to the Creation of Vibrant Parish Scout Groups
By Princess Temwa Kamanga
The Catholic Scout Chaplain of the Diocese of Karonga has called for closer collaboration and greater connection between priests who are serving as parish Scout chaplains and members of the grouping as one way of creating vibrant groups at parish level.
The call was made on Friday by the Diocesan Scout Chaplain, Father Joseph Mkinga, during a day-long orientation session Scout Chaplains from all the parishes in the Diocese of Karonga at Bambo Zutu House in Karonga. The orientation session was held to enlighten chaplains on their role in supporting the activities of the Catholic Scouts at parish level.
In his remarks, Father Mkinga said the orientation session was organized to bridge the gap, between scouts and their chaplains, which was observed in some parishes. He expressed optimism that the chaplains will now assume their rightful role of providing leadership and guidance to the grouping.
“We expect to see change after these lessons. We expect greater accompaniment of the scouts by their chaplains in all activities. Catholic Scouts are always vigilant and ready to perform any task they are commanded to do by their leadership. We expect greater participation of the scouts in the life of the Church,” said Father Mkinga.
Speaking after the orientation session, Catholic Scout Chaplain for St John Paul II Parish, Father Thomas Gondwe, said the lessons have improved his understanding about the scout and will assist him to work better with scouts under his parish.
“Without proper understanding, it was hard for me to work with the scouts under St. John Paul II, now with the coming of these lessons my skills have been sharpened and I will work with scout members at the parish without any problem,” Fr. Gondwe explained.
Catholic Scouts was officially inaugurated in the Diocese of Karonga by Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka on 19th October, 2019. At the moment, the scouts are present in all the parishes of the Diocese of Karonga with over 700 registered members.
The Scouts are under the direct command of the Bishop. Among others, they are entrusted with the roles of promoting peaceful coexistence in their communities, facilitating relief distribution, monitoring compliance to Covid-19 measures in all prayer centres and providing ushering services during all functions where the Bishop is the main celebrant.