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.
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.
Vicar General Launches COVID-19 Relief Distribution
By Maureen Pity Soko
Responding to the hunger situation and the hardships people are going through in the country due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Karonga on Tuesday launched Food Relief Distribution at Lughali in the area of Principal Group Village Head Kayuni, under the Traditional Authority (T/A) Kyungu in Karonga District where one hundred (100) households received 3 (50 kilogram) bags of maize and 20 kilograms of beans each.
Speaking during the launch, the Vicar General Monsignor Denis Chitete, said it is the duty and mission of the diocese to always come in and assist the poor and vulnerable especially during difficult times.
“As a diocese, we think it’s our duty, calling and mission to always identify with the poorest of the poor especially in difficult times. In the midst of Covid-19 we deemed it important that we should come up with a project to give food relief mainly to the elderly and vulnerable to protect their lives as well as boosting their immune system.” said the Vicar General.
Monsignor Chitete further condemned the act of killing elderly people on witchcraft allegations. He said the diocese will continue condemning such acts as it is done to people who are poor and less privileged.
“What has been happening in this area is inhuman and discouraging. We said we will stop all projects and activities in such areas but due to the pandemic, the Bishop has decided to help. As diocese we will continue to condemn such acts because the ones to suffer are the less privileged and it is counterproductive,” the Vicar General said.
Receiving the donation, Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson for Lupembe Orwin Ndovi, expressed gratitude as the donation will help the people, especially the elderly, as they were failing to find food for themselves.
“I am thankfulness to the Bishop and the whole Diocese of Karonga for the donation. The Food items will help my people as they struggle to source for themselves, especially the elderly,” Ndovi said.
Catholic Scouts of the Diocese of Karonga are leading the relief distribution exercise after identifying and verifying beneficiaries. A similar exercise will be done in Mpata and Nyungwe respectively.
St Michael’s Parish Receives PPEs to Support COVID-19 Prevention
By Madalitso Chiona*
On Sunday, St Michael’s Parish, in Chitipa, under the Diocese of Karonga received assorted personal protective equipment (PPEs) from well-wishers from Germany to support efforts to prevent COVID-19 pandemic in places of worship.
The donation which included 10 hand washing buckets, tablets of soap and 50 face masks has come from Elisabeth Maasjost and friends through Reverend Father Steven Bulambo of St. Anne’s Parish.
In his remarks, Reverend Father Kondwani Mwenegamba of St Michael’s Parish thanked Elisabeth Maasjost and her friends for the support rendered to the parish saying it will help a lot in the fight against the pandemic as many Christians are unable to secure these PPEs on their own.
“If you walk around the Parish you can see some people are not putting on face masks and in most gathering places, people are not washing hands as it is supposed to be, not because they do not care about contracting the virus but due to lack of PPEs.” Said Father Mwenegamba.
Speaking after handing over the items to the Catechetical Methodology Advisor, Paul Mwandira and COVID-19 Prevention Committee for the Parish, Father Mwenegamba pleaded for proper use and distribution of the same and that the main beneficiaries of the items should be prayer houses that are under the Parish.
Father Mwenegamba further appealed to all people from all walks to borrow a leaf from Maasjost in trying to combat the pandemic.
Speaking on behalf of the COVID-19 Committee and St Michael’s Parish members, Catechetical Methodology Advisor Paul Mwandira also commended Maasjost for support rendered to the Parish.
“Since St Michael’s is one of the major Parishes in the Diocese, 10 buckets, soaps and 50 face masks are not enough for two zones with 20 sub stations hence these buckets and soaps will be distributed first to prayer houses that do not have any,” said Mwandira.
According to Chitipa District COVID-19 Status report released on the 17th of August, the District has so far recorded 52 positive cases of COVID-19 out of which 48 have recovered, three have died and there is only one active case.
*The Author is Parish Communication Agent for St Michael’s Parish
Bishop Mtumbuka Catechises on the Lord’s Prayer
By Benedict Kauteka
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Diocese of Karonga has taken the opportunity of the blessing of St Martin’s (Fulirwa) Catholic Church to deliver catechesis on the Lord’s Prayer.
In his reflection on the prayer, which is commonly referred to as prayer to Our Father, the Bishop said Jesus that in the prayer, Jesus did not only give us the words to use when praying, but also taught us how to pray.
The Bishop then isolated five themes contained in the Lord’s prayer which are; relating to God in an intimate way as Our Father; praying for the will of God to be done always; praying for our needs as represented by “our daily bread”; asking for forgiveness of our sins and finally asking God to deliver us from evil.
According to the Bishop, the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer are about the establishment of our deep and intimate relationship with our God who is our Creator, and giving him the total respect he deserves as God, the source of our being.
In addition, he pointed out that when praying to God we need to ask for the will of God, and not our will, to be done. He said Jesus set a good example on this one as he asked his Father, in prayer, that his will be done; and God’s will was indeed done to Jesus, his Son.
He also indicated that when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we also pray for the food that we need to be taking as we move on towards our destiny as Christians. This food, according to the Bishop, is not limited to bread alone but extends to the Word of God, as it is our spiritual food, which we need to be taking as we journey towards God in heaven.
He also emphasized that in the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us the sins that we commit in our everyday life as imperfect beings and at the same time we ask God to protect us from the evils of this world.
Finally, he said there are so many principles and ideologies in this world that contradict the values of the kingdom of God and so in this prayer we ask God to protect us from such evil ideologies and principles of this world.
Construction of Karonga Diocese Curia Offices Underway
By Emmanuel Mwenibabu
The Diocese of Karonga has embarked on the project of constructing Curia Offices. The Curia Offices are being constructed at Mwenilondo near the Bishops’ House and St Mary’s Karonga Girls Secondary School in Karonga District.
The construction has started with a double storey office block. The foundation excavations started in late February, 2018 while the actual construction started in early April, 2018. The construction of the double storey office block is the first phase of the offices to be built by the Diocese of Karonga on the site. Other office blocks will be built after the completion of the double storey office block.
The double storey building will be the main building of Karonga Diocese offices. The double storey office block will consist of 10 office rooms. The ground floor will comprise of 4 office rooms, 2 store rooms and washrooms. The first floor will comprise of 6 office rooms, 2 store rooms and wash rooms. The office block is being built with concrete standard bricks which will give the general appearance of the double storey office block. Currently, the construction of the double storey office block is near slab level as shown in the picture above.
Once completed, the Curia Offices will ease the challenge of inadequate office space faced by the Diocese of Karonga. The construction of Curia Offices is being undertaken by Chudako Constructors.
Different partners of the Diocese are contributing towards the construction of the project. The Coppel Family of Mexico contributed the initial amount to start the project. Other partners that are co-funding various stages of the project are Church in Need, and Missio Aachen.
Karonga and Dedza Diocese Share Notes on Family Planning Methods
By Benjamin Msowoya and Maureen Soko
On 23rd and 24th March 2018, a team of officials from the Diocese of Karonga visited the Diocese of Dedza. The purpose of the trip was to learn from Dedza Diocese on how they are implementing their interventions in Family Planning Methods among the faithful.
From Karonga Diocese, the team comprised of Fr. Joachim Mwale (the Diocesan Family postulate Chaplain), Fr Joseph Sikwese (the Pastoral Secretary), Mr Vincent Shaba (the Head of Health Desk in the Diocese), Mr Benjamin Msowoya (the Sunday School Project Coordinator), Mr and Mrs Sikanda (Chair-couple for the Family Apostolate), Mr and Mrs Nyondo (Member-couple for the Family Apostolate) and Ms Maureen Soko (of Tuntufye FM Radio).
While in Dedza Diocese, the team from Karonga Diocese was briefed on how Dedza Diocese is implementing a project on Family Planning Methods among the people it serves. The Diocese of Dedza has trained 15 couples in some of its parishes as sensitization agents and service providers on Natural Family Planning Methods. These selected couples first live what they have been taught and then lead others on the same. So far, Dedza Diocese, through such trained couples, has reached to over 9700 people on Family Planning. Of all these, 127 couples (both Catholics and non-Catholics, including Muslims) have chosen to follow Natural Family Planning Methods as recommended by the Church.
The Diocese of Karonga established the Family Apostolate in 2015 in order to serve families in a special way. Under a program on Responsible Parenthood, as funded by the Sunday School Project, the Diocese is implementing several Reproductive Health interventions including popularization of Family Planning Methods among the people it serves. This is done with technical help from the Health Department of the Diocese of Karonga.
Therefore, the trip to Dedza Diocese was a learning visit on how best to popularize and train the laity on Family Planning according to Catholic Ethos; especially on Natural Family Planning Methods. Mr Vincent Shaba (head for the Health Department) said the visit was an eye opener since the Diocese of Karonga has been sensitizing people on Family Planning but lacked some knowledge on best strategies for successful training of the laity. He said that he was glad that the visit to Dedza Diocese, Ntcheu Parish in particular, had provided the team from Karonga Diocese with some of the needed knowledge on this.
He was also quick to add that they were encouraged to see that not all that the Diocese of Karonga was doing in this regard was off point; the strategy to reach out to families with Family Planning issues through the Family Apostolate was hailed by teams from both Dioceses as a good idea in as far as sustainable efforts in this area are concerned.
Having benefited from the trip, the Diocese of Karonga plans to train its own sensitization agents and service providers on Natural Family Planning Methods (NFP) so that the high demand in the Diocese, from people who would like to follow the NFP methods is satisfied with help from the Church.
Karonga Diocese Mourns Ephraim Nyirenda
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese, on Wednesday, led hundreds of mourners who gathered at St Mary’s Parish in Karonga in prayer for the repose of the soul Ephraim Nyirenda, who until his death was Head of Programmes for Tuntufye FM Radio.
Ephraim Nyirenda passed on in a road accident that occurred between Kapoka and Lufita in Chitipa District on Wednesday, 21st March, 2018. Ephraim was in the company of Action Aid officers going to Chitipa for a meeting to discuss ways of achieving equal representation between men and women, 50-50 campaign, as a delegate of Nyika Media Club to which he was an executive member.
Speaking during the requiem mass, the Bishop lamented the gap that has been left by Ephraim also because the accident was caused by reckless driving. In his message, Bishop Mtumbuka described the death of Ephraim as a terrible loss to the Church and his family.
“It is certainly a huge loss to us as Ephraim was not only dedicated to his work but also a fine young man with lots of gifts but very humble. It will be very difficult to find another officer of his gifts and personality,” said Bishop Mtumbuka.
“We are in the season of Lent whose message to us includes that of reminding us that just as the Jews made a 40 year journey to Jerusalem we are also on a journey to a heavenly Jerusalem,” said the Bishop.
After the mass the body of Ephraim was taken to Khosolo in Mzimba District where he has been laid to rest after a requiem mass celebrated by Father Cyprian Ngoma. The funeral ceremony was attended by people from all walks of like including the Secretary General for Livingstonia Synod of CCAP, Reverend Nyondo,
Ephraim Nyirenda was born on 5th January, 1984 and is survived by a wife and a child. He was following an Advanced Diploma Programme in Radio Management offered by Wits Radio Academy a school under Wits University of South Africa. Ephraim had completed the first module last month and was due to go for the second module.
Ephraim was also a regular contributor of articles to Karonga Diocese website.
“Tribute to Ephraim”
Ephraim has a pleasant personality and fitted very well with people from all walks of life. The numbers of people who attended his funeral are enough testimony of a life lived in harmony with everyone and God. Off the walls different people we have these messages:
“He was indeed a talented young man with a bright future in work as a journalist, yet very humble, a talent that cannot be easily replaced at our radio station. We are the people of faith, we leave everything to God, his ways are not his ways, His thoughts are different from ours.” Father Joseph Sikwese, Pastoral Secretary.
“I am heartily sorry for the Loss of Ephraim. He has created a gap for the Radio Tuntufye that will be tough to seal. And for the young family it is indeed a challenge. God himself should guide us and his family.” Father Cecilio Silwamba, DOFIA.
“This is a great loss to Tuntufye Family, the whole Diocese and media fraternity in Malawi. He was best suited for the radio with a good blend of natural media voice, talent, skill and a pleasant personality. He was versatile and fitted very well with people of all class, age and gender. His unique gifts and passion make him a rare gem which is irreplaceable once lost.” Innocent Nazombe, Tuntufye FM Director.
“We have lost a seasoned journalist who loved his job and was humble enough to work with young reporters. As Nyika executive member, he was hard working and always constructive in his constributions.” Mandy Pondani, Nyika Media Club leader.
Pictorial Focus
Ephraim Nyirenda at Work
A man of all people
The Last Office
