Karonga Diocese Donates Assorted Items to Mpherembe Parish
By Liberty Alex Mwangosi
In solidarity with the newly established St Cecilia Mpherembe Parish, Catholic Christians of Karonga Diocese have donated assorted start-up items. This followed the appeal by Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Diocese of Karonga, to Catholic Christians to donate generously towards the parish.
Following the Bishop’s call, various parishes dedicated First Sunday of Advent collections to the aid of the new parish.
Father Steven Bulambo PhD, Judicial Vicar Designate, led a delegation from Karonga Diocese to Mpherembe to handover the gifts from Karonga. Among the gifts delivered were kitchen utensils, bicycles, catechism book, food stuffs, and other items and a cheque worth K430,500.
Speaking on behalf of Bishop Mtumbuka at the function, Father Bulambo said that giving does not mean you have plenty, but the heart of the Christians. He stated that they are aware on a number of challenges that come when a parish has just been established.
“We know quite well the challenges that newly established parishes face. That is why the Bishop Martin Mtumbuka and the entire community of Karonga Diocese thought of helping St. Cecilia Parish.” Said Father Bulambo.
Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the Christians of St. Cecilia Parish, the Parish Priest Father Isaiah Nyirenda, said he least expected help from the Diocese of Karonga, being a baby diocese of Mzuzu.
“The Diocese of Karonga is teaching us that no one has a lot to share and there is no one who has nothing to give.” Said Father Nyirenda.
Right Reverend John Ryan, Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, established St. Cecilia Mpherembe Parish from St. John Mzambazi in Easter 2017.
Karonga Diocese Commemorates the Life of Bishop Zuza
By Moses Raymond Kamanga
Before the 15th of January 2015, all Malawian nationals celebrated the brave life of Rev. John Chilembe. Thereafter, one more reason was attached to the date: celebrating another extraordinary brave life of Rt. Rev. Joseph Mukasa Zuza.
Leading the Catholic Christians of the Diocese of Karonga in Eucharistic celebration commemorating the life of Late Bishop Zuza on Monday, 15th January, 2018, Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka highlighted the life of Bishop Zuza centering on his “servant” character.
“When gathered as Bishops at ECM plenary, usually members of Catholic Women Organisation served us during meal time. But Late Bishop Zuza would join the ladies to serve us his fellow Bishops. This is a rare character that Bishop Zuza had.” Stated Bishop Mtumbuka as he introduced the memorial Mass which he offered in the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral.
He also reminded Christians from all corners of the Diocese, who gathered in the Cathedral, that before Karonga was a diocese, Bishop Zuza pastored this whole area and most Christians knew Bishop Zuza except very little children: hence the reason to set aside 15th January as a day of reflection and prayer for the fallen Hero; Bishop Zuza.
Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza died on the 15th of January, 2015 in a road accident at Nthungwa on Mzuzu – Mzimba road as he was driving to Mzuzu from his home. He was laid to rest on 19 January, 2015 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Mzuzu.
He hailed from Mhlafuta Village, Malembo area in Mzimba District. Until the time of his death, he was the Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi.
Bishop Zuza is fondly remembered by Catholics and all people as a cheerful and bold leader. He fearlessly pointed out the wrongs, even those committed by government.
May His Soul Continue Resting In Peace!
Bishop Mtumbuka Ordains Edward Kamanga to Diaconate
Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese on Saturday 23rd December 2017 ordained Edward Kamanga to diaconate as a transitory step towards priesthood. The ceremony will go into the annals of the Diocese as it is the first time for St Joseph the Worker Cathedral to host an ordination since its inauguration in November, 2016.
In his homily, which centred on the theme of ‘Centrality of Salvation of Souls’ to the mission of the Church, Bishop Mtumbuka stressed that the number one priority of the Church is to help people to know God, to be saved, and to grow in holiness and faith. He further stressed that the Church is there to prepare people and sanctify them to stand in the presence of God.
“We cannot be a Diocese if we stop at delivering on charity work and social development. As a Diocese we are doing a lot to alleviate the suffering of the people through charity work, education and health services. But if you stop at initiating development work, then you are turning a holy ministry into mere social work. And that is not acceptable. As priests we are supposed to pray and bless Christians who are placed into our care. ” Said Bishop Mtumbuka.
The Bishop further exhorted priests to grow in the spirit of service since they are servants of God and instruments of the Church. He reminded them that they are meant to serve the Christians entrusted to their care and not to be served. The Bishop said problems arise between Christians and priests when priests have forgotten that they are servants.
“The understanding of a priest as a servant does not undermine his leadership role. He has to lead and guide Christians and not to be led. There is a tendency among some Christians to take over the responsibility of priests and take themselves superior of priests.” The Bishop further advised.
In his address to the newly ordained, Bishop Mtumbuka urged him to be modest and faithful and grow in prayer. He stressed that the first step of Holy Orders, Diaconate, is meant to help the deacon to grow in service. He urged him to pray always citing there is no important engagement for a priest than prayer.
The occasion was graced by people from all walks of life including priests, religious sisters and brothers and among them was Right Honourable Richard Msowoya, Speaker of the National Assembly of Malawi.
Deacon Edward Kamanga’s is expected to be ordained priest in July. He hails from Ehehleni, TA Mzukuola in Mzimba District. He is undergoing formation at St Augustine’s Peramiho Major Seminary in Tanzania.
Karonga Diocese Donates Maize and Farm Inputs to Victims of Internal Displacement in Mpata
By Wezi Mwangonde
The Catholic Diocese of Karonga has donated maize and farm inputs to residents of Mwenitete, Mwawembe and Mwankenja Mwangonde villages in Mpata in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga district.
The donation follows the return of the internally displaced, Mwankenja Mwangonde villagers, who left their land in February as a result of a protracted land dispute which turned violent. The returnees had lost their means of livelihood and could not prepare for farming this year hence the donation of farm inputs.
During the exercise, each of the 69 households from Mwankenja Mwangonde received a 50 kilogram bag of maize for food, two bags of fertilizer (Urea and NPK) and a 10 kilograms package of maize seeds including a 50 kilogram bag of maize for household consumption.
The donation was extended to 120 other equally vulnerable villagers from Mwabwembe and Mwenitete villages received a 50 kilogram bag of maize each to carry them through the lean period.
Speaking on behalf of Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, Father Joseph Moloka Sikwese the Bishop’s and Pastoral Secretary, said this goodwill gesture follows the resolution of a long standing land disputes that led to the displacement of Mwankenja Mwangonde villagers.
“Diocese is very impressed with the three villages for reconciling on the long time feud through the initiative of the CCJP in conjunction with the District Peace Committee under Karonga District Council.” Said Father Sikwese.
He further pledged that through the Justice and Peace Desk, Karonga Diocese will continue fighting for Justice and peace in the area. He urged the people to utilize the village tribunals being championed by Justice and Peace Desk as one way of making Karonga free from wrangles.
Concurring with the Bishop’s secretary, the representative of the Principle Group Village Headman Kalambo said the area is behind in terms of development due to prolonged violent conflicts.