Mulanje Catholic diocese under creation
Consultations are at an advanced stage to divide Blantyre Archdiocese into two.The new diocese to be created from the archdiocese will be Mulanje diocese, church sources have confirmed.
“Yes, it is no more a secret that Blantyre Archdiocese will shortly be divided and we shall have a new diocese called Mulanje diocese. Parishioners are being consulted on the sustainability of the new
diocese and other things,” one of the priests said.
The priest said naturally all priests coming from the new diocese will have to go back to their home and serve there. However, the priests are given choice whether to serve in another diocese.
“But any sensible priest would want to serve in his diocese unless one is a missionary. Those who do not come from the new diocese will also be given an opportunity to choose whether to go to Mulanje diocese or not,” the priest said.
Debate is still going on as to where the Cathedral will be with some proposing Chisitu parish which is along the Blantyre-Muloza Road and others proposing Phalombe (Holy Family) Parish which is believed to be the epicenter of the diocese.
It is not known whether the Auxiliary bishop for Blantyre Archdiocese His Lordship Montfort Stima will be the new bishop for the new diocese.
“The issue of which bishop will head the new diocese is tricky. We cannot know until Vatican appoints one. It could be the auxiliary bishop or a new bishop all together. The church may decide to appoint a priest and consecrate him bishop for the new diocese. It is not automatic that the auxiliary bishop will head Mulanje,” said the priest.
Sources say the new parish will comprise Mulanje and Phalombe. This means that Blantyre diocese will remain with Blantyre, Mwanza, Neno, Chiradzulu and Thyolo. Others say part of Thyolo will go to the new diocese.
Some of the priests that come from the new diocese include Frs. Dr. Boniface Tamani [lecturer Kachebere], David Bello, Charles Manyenje, Dasiano Muhime, Ignatius Gazani, Clement Chimwala [St Peters Seminary rector], Stan Chinguwo, Muhero,
Mzuzu diocese was divided into two creating Karonga diocese headed by Bishop Dr Martin Mtumbuka. Mtumbuka was a priest and was consecrated bishop to head the new diocese.
Reports also indicate that Lilongwe Archdiocese is up for division.
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