MALAWI: Rise of Covid-19 Cases Pushes Dedza Diocese’s Episcopal Ordination to August
Msgr. Peter Adrian Chifukwa Bishop-elect of Dedza Diocese- Malawi
Luke Bisani
Following the rising cases of Covid-19 in Malawi, the administration of Diocese of Dedza administration and Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) have announced postponement of the episcopal ordination of Very. Rev. Peter Adrian Chifukwa as bishop of Dedza Diocese.
In a letter, signed by the Diocesan Administration Very. Rev. Fr. John Chithonje, the consecration that was scheduled on 31st July, 2021 has been pushed to 28th August, 2021 following the rising of numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country.
“Looking at the current situation, the Diocese of Dedza in conjunction with the Episcopal Conference of Malawi and the Cerebration Committee would like to inform you all about the postponement of the Holy Mass for the consecration of our new Bishop” reads part of the letter.
The letter further discloses that the consecration Mass will still be celebrated at Bembeke Cathedral Parish in Dedza.
On May 8, the Holy Father appointed Rev. Peter Chifukwa, of the clergy of Dedza, currently Judicial Vicar and Rector of St. Kizito Minor Seminary as bishop of the Diocese of Dedza.
Fr. Chifukwa was born on August 27, 1974 in Salima, in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lilongwe. After completing secondary education in the Diocese’s minor seminary, he went to do philosophical studies at St. Anthony’s Major Seminary (Kachebere) in Mchinji, after which he did theological studies at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba.
He was ordained a priest on June 12, 2004 for the Diocese of Dedza and subsequently served as parish priest in Ganya, vocational promoter (2004-2007); administrator of Kanyama Health Unit (2004-2005); Bishop’s Secretary (2010-2011).
From 2007 to 2010 he joined the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) where he obtained a Master’s degree in Canon Law.
