MALAWI: Pope Francis Honours Rev. Frs. Henry Chinkanda and Patrick Thawale of Malawi as Monsignors
Monsignor Chinkanda
Fr. Francis Damaseke and Sam Kalimba
On this auspicious day, Tuesday the 26th of March 2024, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has recognized Rev. Frs. Henry Chinkanda of the Diocese of Dedza and Patrick Thawale of Lilongwe, and conferred upon them the esteemed title of ‘Monsignor’. This honour has been graciously conferred upon the two priests as an acknowledgment of their exceptional service to the local Church at large and, in particular, to their dioceses of Dedza and the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
The title of ‘monsignor’ is a mark of distinction granted to certain priests in recognition of their selfless contributions, steadfast faith, and years of devoted service. It is not a rank or a separate level of priesthood but rather a title that conveys honour and reverence within the hierarchical structure of the Church. Monsignors may be entrusted with specific responsibilities or roles within the diocese or Church, based on their capabilities and the needs of the Church.
The two parts of the Church of Malawi have all the reasons to celebrate this honour. For Rev. Msgr. Thawale, he follows in the in the footsteps of Rev. Msgr. Charles Maida while Rev. Msgr. Henry Chinkanda follows in the footsteps of Rev. Msgr. Joseph Masandi, who were similarly honoured with this title by the Holy Father at their time.
Catholics from the respective dioceses and all over Malawi and beyond have sent messages of heartfelt congratulations to the two Monsignors Rev. Msgr. Henry Chinkanda and Rev. Msgr. Patrick Thawale, wishing them continued priestly service to the universal Church.
Msgr. Thawale was ordained priest in the Diocese of Lilongwe in 1984. Since his ordination, he has served at parishes, and for many years, he taught in seminaries in Malawi, including Kachebere Major Seminary where he served as a Lecturer and Rector; AMECEA Bakanja Seminary in Kenya where he also served as a Lecturer and Rector; and lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) for over 13 years.
Msgr. Thawale was later appointed Coordinator for the Catholic University of Malawi, Lilongwe campus before he was appointed Vicar General for the Archdiocese by the late Archbishop Ziyaye. The priest later became the caretaker administrator of the Archdiocese during the transition before the installation of the incumbent Prelate.
Fr. Msgr. Chinkanda, he has served not only the Diocese of Dedza but the Church at national level, beginning as lecturer and Rector at the Saint Peters and Saint Anthony Kachebere Major Seminaries respectively. He also served in the Pastoral Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi for years and he is the National Coordinator for the Synodality. He is also the National Chaplain for the Association of Ex-Seminarians. He was ordained priest on 26th August, 1979.
