MALAWI: Monsignor Suzgo Yohane Nyirenda Consecrated Auxiliary Bishop for Mzuzu Diocese
Fr. Francis Demaseke
Saturday, August 5, was a day of joy for the family of God in the Diocese of Mzuzu as Very Reverend Yohane Nyirenda was consecrated auxiliary bishop. The Church in Malawi thanks God and the Holy Father, Pope Francis for this great blessing of the Auxiliary bishop of Mzuzu Diocese.
The Ordinary of Mzuzu Diocese, Bishop John Ryan, was the principal consecrator in the Eucharistic celebration where other concelebrants included Archbishop George Desmond Tambala the Archbishop of Lilongwe Archdiocese and Chairman of Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese, Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka who preached at the function, Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa, Bishop Peter Adrian Chifukwa of Dedza, Bishop George Lungu of Chipata and His auxiliary Bishop Gabriel Msipu, the Very Rev Fr. Alfred Chaima Bishop-elect of Zomba, Mgr. Abel Toglo Secretary to the Nunciature of Malawi and Zambia.
The occasion was also graced by the state president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima, Former Vice president Khumbo Kachali and many politicians from both government and opposition sides, chiefs and government officials just to mention but a few.
Pope Francis had on Friday, May 5, 2023, appointment Fr Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu in Malawi. As Auxiliary Bishop, Rev. Fr Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda will serve as an assistant to the Ordinary of the Diocese Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan in giving pastoral care to the people of God and meeting the administrative needs of Mzuzu Diocese.
Born on 20th June 1976, Rev. Fr Yohane Nyirenda hails from Wozi in Mzimba District and was ordained a priest of Mzuzu Diocese on 19th July 2008.
Apart from the priestly studies which he did from the year 2000 to 2008, the Bishop-elect is a holder of a Diploma in Ecclesiastical studies (Canon Law from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa) as well as a Diploma in Religious formation and Spirituality.
Rev. Fr Nyirenda has served in various positions at national and diocesan levels including Director of Kasina Formation Centre from 2019 to 2023; Director and Formator at Christ the King Formation Centre in Rumphi; Parish Priest of Saint Augustine Parish and Vocations Directors in Mzuzu Diocese.
Auxiliary bishops are appointed by the Pope at the request of the diocesan bishop “when pastoral needs require” their presence, according to the Code of Canon Law (Can. 403, §1), and is assigned to assist the Diocesan Bishop in meeting the pastoral and administrative needs of the diocese.
The particular duties of an auxiliary bishop are given by the diocesan bishop and can vary widely depending on the auxiliary bishop, the ordinary, and the needs of the Diocese. Canon law requires that the diocesan bishop appoint each Auxiliary Bishop as vicar general or Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese.
