Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has appointed Reverend Father Peter Adrian Chifukwa as the new bishop for the Diocese of Dedza.
The pope made the announcement yesterday at the Vatican City in Rome, Italy.
Secretary general for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Reverend Father Henry Saindi, who issued a statement on the appointment of the bishop-elect, has described the development as an indication of “divine providence and the pastoral care of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd”.
“It is a happy occasion to receive a new bishop. We thank God for the bishop-elect, Father Peter Chifukwa,” he said.
Asked when the bishop-elect will be consecrated, Father Saindi said: “The law says consecration of new bishop should take place three months from the day of appointment, and the new bishop and the diocesan leadership can decide. So, in this case, it will be up to the bishop-elect to decide when the consecration will take place.”
The appointment of Father Chifukwa follows the death of Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama, who died on February 18 2018.
Bishop-elect Chifukwa, who was born on August 27 1973, hails from Msampha Village in Traditional Authority Kaphuka, Dedza.
After completing his philosophical and theological studies between 1994 and 2004, he was ordained priest of the Diocese of Dedza on June 12 2004.
Father Chifukwa served in various positions, including as judicial vicar, parish priest for Ganya, secretary to the bishop and rector of St Kizito Minor Seminary and, currently, chaplain for Presentation Sisters
