MALAWI: Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop for Dedza Diocese

Stella Zulu

Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father Peter Adrian Chifukwa as the new Bishop for Dedza Diocese.

According to the announcement which was made on Saturday May 8, 2021 at Vatican City in Italy, Rev Fr. Chifukwa’s appointment comes after the death of Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama on February 18, 2018.

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) announced the news through a press release issued by the Secretary General Rev Fr. Henry Saindi welcoming and congratulating the new Bishop.

“We have every reason to rejoice and congratulate the Bishop-elect as through his appointment, we witness another indication of Divine Providence and the pastoral care of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd,” reads the statement.

The new Bishop is expected to be consecrated in three months’ time from the day of appointment according to the Canon Law or otherwise, as decided upon by the Diocesan administration.

Rev Fr. Chifukwa was born on 27^th August, 1973. Upon completion of Philosophical and Theological studies in 2001, he was ordained priest on June 12^th, 2004. As a priest, he has served in several capacities such as Parish Priest for Ganya Parish, Bishop’s Secretary, Rector of St. Kizito Minor Seminary, Judicial Vicar and Chaplain to the Presentation Sisters.

Dedza Diocese was erected as Vicariate Apostolic from Zomba Vicariate Apostolic on April 29, 1956 with Rt. Rev. Cornelius Chitsulo as the first Ordinary. Rev. Fr Chifukwa becomes the fifth Ordinary after Bishop Chitsulo, 1956 – 1984; Bishop Gervasio Chisendera, 1984 – 2000; Rt. Remi Rev. Ste Marie, 2000 – 2006; and the late Bishop Kanyama, 2007 – 2018.

Currently, Dedza Diocese is under Lilongwe Archdiocese as the Metropolitan See. The Diocese has a total population of approximately 400,00 0 Catholics; 17 parishes and over 60 priests – diocesan and Religious combined.