By Paschal Norbert
MZUZU, MAY 5, 2025 (CISA) — Rt Rev Yohanne Suzgo Nyirenda, the auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, has been installed as the fifth bishop of the same diocese in an elaborate ceremony held at Mzuzu Stadium, on May 3, 2025. The Episcopal Installation drew thousands of faithful, clergy, and government leaders, including President Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady Monica Chakwera.
The installation Mass was presided over by Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, and concelebrate by a host of bishops of Malawi. The celebration marked the beginning of Bishop Nyirenda’s new ministry. He succeeds Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan SPS, who requested an early retirement from the episcopal office, which was accepted on April 2025 after leading the diocese for almost nine years since 2016.
A papal bull confirming Bishop Nyirenda’s appointment, issued by the late Pope Francis, was formally read and presented to the faithful in both English and Tumbuka by Frs Isaiah Nyirenda and Vincent Banda, respectively.
In his homily, Bishop Emeritus Ryan urged Bishop Nyirenda to embrace his apostolic mission with humility and a heart for the poor. He highlighted the sacred responsibility of a bishop to be a bearer of good news and a shepherd to the vulnerable.
“The Word of God is clear in the scriptures we’ve read today. They confirm and remind us that all, including our newly appointed bishop, have been set apart by God to carry on Christ’s mission, to bring good news to the world, care for the needy, and bring hope to the vulnerable,” stated Bishop Ryan.
“The same Holy Spirit that guided God’s servants after Christ is available to guide you in fulfilling your divine calling,” he added.
Bishop Ryan also encouraged the faithful to lead lives rooted in prayer, reminding them that only through consistent prayer can they remain aligned with the will of Christ.
In his address, President Lazarus Chakwera praised Bishop Nyirenda’s appointment and called on Catholics in Mzuzu to support their new shepherd spiritually and morally.
“When God chooses someone to lead, He does so after careful consideration, because He knows everyone’s past and future,” the president said, adding “He chooses differently from human beings who consider less important characteristics such as tribal belonging.”
President Chakwera urged Bishop Nyirenda to remain a man of prayer and a symbol of unity in a nation that benefits more from peace than division.
“The country stands to gain when its people are united and working together, rather than when divided and fighting one another,” he said.
In his inaugural speech as bishop, Bishop Nyirenda expressed gratitude to the clergy, religious, and faithful for their support during his tenure as auxiliary bishop and asked for continued collaboration as he takes on his new role.
“I ask for your prayers and support as I take on this responsibility,” he said.
He further invited the faithful to support and collaborate with other Church leaders in the proclamation of the Gospel: “Know how to work in collaboration with the local clergy. Listen to and dialogue with priests, close collaborators, catechists, and all God’s people.”
Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, warmly welcomed Bishop Nyirenda as the new shepherd of Mzuzu Diocese and assured him of both his personal support and that of the Vatican in his pastoral ministry.
“Men and women are waiting to receive from you the Word of God to increase the life of God within them,” Archbishop Perici said, charging him to “Be diligent in your work so that you may meet both the spiritual and social needs of the faithful.”
Born on June 20, 1976, in Wozi, Mzimba District, Bishop Nyirenda was ordained a priest in 2008. He studied Philosophy at Kachebere Major Seminary in Mchinji and Theology at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba. He also holds a Diploma in Ecclesiastical Canon Law from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi and a Diploma in Religious Formation and Spirituality from Lumen Christi Institute in Arusha, Tanzania.
Over the years, Bishop Nyirenda has served the Church in various capacities, including Director of Kasina Formation Centre, Formator at Christ the King Formation Centre in Rumphi, Parish Priest at St. Augustine Parish, and Vocation Director for Mzuzu Diocese. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Mzuzu on May 5, 2023.
