Tag: Mzuzu

“Fumu Yane na Chiuta Wane (My Lord and My God) Jn. 20-28.” This particular sentence of St. Thomas the Apostle in the Gospel according to St. John moved all the Christians of Mzuzu diocese with happiness as they received the new born baby St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.

Two Bishops Rt. Rev. Joseph Mkasa Zuza the chair of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi who hails from Mzuzu Diocese and Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka the Bishop of Karonga were vividly present to launch the new St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. The Sector superior of Malawi sector Fr. Bill Turnbull was present to witness launch and supported the confreres in various ways. Many Christian faithful from different Christian denomination were actively present for the launching liturgical celebration for the feast agape. Various Christian denominations made contribution in cash and kind to support the new parish.

The official Launch of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish was the special event for all the Christians of Mzuzu Diocese that is why there were representatives from various parishes, the mother cathedral parish St. Peter was extremely happy because the new St. Thomas the Apostle parish is her begotten child. All the Christians from St. Peter’s parish came to support us. It is the sign of great UNITY of all the parishes in Mzuzu Diocese.

The City Council of Mzuzu, The Defence Army, Malawi Police and various media (Malawi T.V. and Radio) were present to give the good example of solidarity and unity. We thank God Almighty with sincerity of heart for giving us the great gift of new parish.

: Piet van Hulten, Richard Deschênes, Filiyanus Ekka, Michael Mawelera, Bill Turnbull, Michel Côté and Dery Richard Abobopuo.

: Michael Mawelera surounded by Ngoni warriors

: Rt. Rev. Martin Mtumbuka and Rt. Rev. Joseph Mkasa Zuza

: Filiyanus Ekka

: Richard Deschênes and Bishop Zuza

: Filiyanus Ekka and Richard Deschênes

Radio Tigabane: pastoral and social programmes for northern Malawi

By Missionaries of Africa - Southern Africa Province (SAP)

On May 11, 2013

In Malawi Sector, News, Publications

Moved by the Love of Christ – serving the suffering Christ

Aid to the Church in Need is an international charity of and for the Catholic Church. We give a voice and render relief to Catholics persecuted and oppressed for their Faith. We firmly believe the world needs a living Faith in God. Through our work we nurture a family of benefactors and project partners united in prayer and solidarity.

Robert Lalonde, Head of information, Aid to the Church in Need

Radio Tigabane: pastoral and social programmes for northern Malawi

by Reinhard Backes, Aid to the Church in Need (CAN) International / Amanda Bridget Griffin, Canada

Malawi is one of the world’s poorest countries. On the United Nations Development Programme’s 2011 human development index, this south-east African state ranks 171 out of 187. In addition Malawi is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries. More than 80 per cent of Malawians are Christians, including about one quarter Catholics. According to statistics the proportion of Muslims is 13 per cent.

The diocese of Mzuzu in northern Malawi is the fastest growing Catholic diocese in the country, according to its own figures. A letter from the diocese to the international Catholic pastoral charity “Aid to the Church in Need” states: “Every year more than 6,000 adults are taken into the Catholic Church. Most are converts from other Christian denominations.” To reach as many of the faithful as possible, the diocese maintains its own broadcasting station, “Radio Tigabane”. The name comes from the local Tumbuka language and means “share”.

The programmes on “Radio Tigabane” are, according to the director, Father Eugene W. Ngoma, geared to the needs of the population in this rural area: “Alongside the weekly religious programmes – broadcast of the Sunday mass, prayers and the rosary – we offer programmes on health, education, justice and peace as well as on socio-economic development. In doing this we are adhering to an ecumenical principle because our listeners include not only Catholics, but also Christians of other denominations and Muslims.”

And according to Father Ngoma other beneficiaries are the Diocesan Commissions for Education, Development, Health, Justice and Peace as well as Pastoral Work, who address primarily socially disadvantaged groups through a wide range of initiatives.