Pope Appoints New Bishop Of Mzuzu Diocese

Rev. Fr. John Alphonsus Ryan 

His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father John Alphonsus Ryan of the Missionary Society of St. Patrick as Bishop of Mzuzu-the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has announced.

A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Henry Saindi Secretary General of  ECM dated April 26, 2016 has indicated that His Excellency Archbishop Julio Murat, Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia relayed the news to Malawi this Tuesday after the news of the appointment was published in the Vatican on same day at Noon time in the Vatican City.

"The Reverend Mons. Michael A. Muwowo, Diocesan Administrator of Mzuzu, remains in charge of the Diocese until the new Bishop will take possession of the Episcopal See of Mzuzu" reads part of the statement

The office of the bishop for Mzuzu Diocese fell vacant on January 15, 2015 following the sudden passing of His Lordship Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza who was involved in an accident.

His tragic death was great loss to Church and faithful in Malawi as apart from being bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, late Zuza was also the Chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop For Zomba Diocese: Fr. George Tambala

Pope Francis has on Thursday appointed father George Desmund Tambala as Bishop who will take charge of Zomba diocese.
 

“The Apostolic Nunciature in Malawi informs that the Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Father George Desmund Tambala, O.C.D., as bishop of Zomba” reads announcement from Episcopal Conference of Malawi

The statement indicates that the announcement was made Thursday 15^th of October 2015 in the Vatican City.

“His Grace Most Reverend Thomas Msusa, Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the Diocese of Zomba, remains in charge of Diocese until the new Bishop will take possession of the Episcopal See of Zomba.” Reads the statement

Born on 11 November 1968 in Zomba, Rev. Father George Desmund Tambala was ordained priest on 13 April 1996 at Chiphaso Parish in Kasungu district in the Arch Diocese of Lilongwe after his theological studies at Tangaza College in Nairobi.

Among others held several positions including; Parochial Vicar in Kapiri- Arch Diocese of Lilongwe (1996-1998); Postulants Master in Balaka and teacher of Spirituality (2000-2002); and Superior of the House of Spirituality of Nyungwe- Blantyre.

From 2009 until his appointment he is Definitor General in charge of Africa and Madagascar and the Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Since 21 November 2013 when His Holiness Pope Francis appointed the Right Reverend Thomas Luke Msusa Archbishop of Blantyre, transferring him from the Episcopal See of Zomba., the Diocese had no bishop.