On 8th May 2021, Pope Francis appointed Rev Fr. Peter Adrian Chifukwa as the new Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Dedza. His appointment followed the death of Bishop Emmanuel Kanyama on 17th February 2018.
The consecration took place at Bembeke Demonstration Primary School Ground in Dedza, a few hundred metres away from Bembeke Cathedral of the Holy Family. The principal Consecrator was Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa, S.M.M. of Blantyre Archdiocese. The Principal Co-Consecrators were Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese and Bishop George Desmond Tambala, O.C.D. of Zomba Diocese. The Pope was represented by the Apostolic Nuncio of Malawi and Zambia Archbishop Gianfranco Gallone. Also present were the Bishop John Ryan of Mzuzu and Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikwawa, Bishop Diamantino Antunes of Tete Diocese in Mozambique, Bishop emeritus Alessandro Pagani of Mangochi, the Diocesan Administrator of Lilongwe Archdiocese Fr Patrick Thawale and the secretary-general of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi Fr Henry Saindi.
The ceremony was attended by Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera, vice president Saulos Chilima and other top government, political and traditional leaders.
Bishop Chifukwa was ordained a priest on the 12th of June, 2004 and served in various capacities including Bishop’s Secretary, Rector of St Kizito Minor Seminary and Judicial Vicar. He studied canon law at the Catholic University of East Africa in Nairobi. He was consecrated bishop a day after his 48th birthday.
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