MCP, UDF mourn Bishop Zuza: Requiem Mass set for Monday

Tributes have continued, with Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Democratic Front (UDF)  adding their voices following the death of one of its former MP Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza of Mzuzu Diocese of the influential Catholic Church, who died in a car crash on Thursday at the age of 59.

MCP president and leader of opposition Dr Lazarus Chakwera said he was saddened with the tragic death of the Catholic cleric.

“Bishop Zuza with whom I interacted in my life as a Church Minister and even after I joined politics was a warm and joyful minister of the gospel. He touched so many people with his courage, simplicity and openness,” said Chakwera.

He continued in his tribute:  “I speak on my own behalf and on behalf of all members of the Malawi Congress Party as I say that his early passing to the house of God leaves a vast number of us mourning.”

Chakwera said Bishop Zuza did not only contribute greatly to the nation as Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi  but also generally in ensuring that democracy and good governance are entrenched in this country.

“I assure all the Catholic Bishops in Malawi and brethren of the Roman Catholic Church of our sympathy, our solidarity and our prayers at this moment of his passing,” said Chakwera.

UDF through its spokesman Ken Ndanga also express sorrow to the death of the Bishop

“The UDF party will remember the late Bishop Zuza as a man of high integrity, fearless and gallant freedom fighter who stood with the people in time of need,” Ndanga told Nyasa Times.

His said UDF sends “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the family of Zuza, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, the Mzuzu Diocese and the entire Catholic church for this untimely loss of a great shephered.

Meanwhile,  Catholic church has organised a Requiem mass to be held on Monday, 19th January 2015, at St Peters Cathedral in Mzuzu, starting from 10.00 AM.

The Most Reverend Archbishop Julio Murat, the Apostolic Nuncio for Malawi and Zambia will preside the Requiem mass.

According to the communications secretary Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) which Zuza chaired,  Fr. Andrew Kaufa, the bishop was driving himself along the Chikangawa-Nthungwa road, returning to Mzuzu, and his car rolled several times.

He was rushed to the hospital in Mzuzu, where he died.

Zuza will be laid to rest at Katoto, near the bishop’s house.