By Yamikani Sabola

Mzuzu, May 3, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has asked the Roman Catholic Church faithful in the diocese of Mzuzu to give spiritual and moral support to Rev. Fr Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda who has been consecrated as the new bishop for the diocese.

President Chakwera made the remarks during the installation of Rev Fr Nyirenda as bishop for the diocese, succeeding Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan who has retired recently after serving as bishop for the Mzuzu Diocese since 2016.

He said Rev Fr Nyirenda is the rightful person to lead the diocese because he has been chosen by God who looks at a person’s capability and suitability before choosing him or her.

“When God chooses someone to lead, he does so after careful consideration of that person because he knows everyone’s past and future. He chooses differently from human beings who consider less important characteristics such as tribal belonging,” Chakwera said.

He encouraged the new Bishop to remain a man of prayer, living his faith and fostering hope in the communities that would be looking up to him for their spiritual needs.

Chakwera also called for unity, saying the country stands to benefit more when its people are united than when they are divided and fighting one another.

In his message after consecration, Rev. Fr Nyirenda said he was grateful for the support of the clergy and the church, which he received while serving as auxiliary bishop for the diocese and asked for continued support.

He further invited the faithful to support and collaborate with other church leaders in the proclamation of the Gospel.

“Know how to work in collaboration with the local clergy. Listen to and dialogue with priests, close collaborators, catechists and all God’s people,”

Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Most Rev. Gian Luca Perici welcomed Rev. Fr Nyirenda as the new bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and pledged to support him in his pastoral work.

He asked him to be diligent in his work so that he could meet the spiritual and social needs of the Roman Catholic Church faithful in the diocese.

“Men and women are waiting to receive from you the word of God to increase the life of God within them,” Most Rev. Perici said.

Born on June 20, 1976, in Mzimba, Rev Fr Nyirenda studied Philosophy at Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji and Theology at St Peters Major Seminary in Zomba.

He also holds a Diploma in Ecclesiastical Canon Law, awarded by the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya and a Diploma in Religious Formation and Spirituality obtained from Lumen Christi Institute in Arusha, Tanzania.

Rev. Fr Nyirenda was ordained as deacon on May 19, 2007, and later in 2008, he was ordained as a priest at St Paul’s Parish in Mzimba.

He has served in various positions at national and diocesan levels including as Director of Kasina Formation Center, Director and Formator at Christ the King Formation Center in Rumphi; parish priest at St Augustine Parish and Vocational Director in Mzuzu Diocese.

Until his appointment as bishop, Rev. Fr Nyirenda has been serving as auxiliary bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.