Roman Catholic papal envoy for Malawi and Zambia His Excellency Monsignor Nicola Girasoli yesterday consecrated Fr. Martin Anwel Mtumbuka as the new bishop for newly-created Diocese of Karonga and strongly warned him against “being partisan in political and social matters”.
Girasoli, however, recommended Bishop Mtumbuka to be voice for the voiceless even if his job shall mean colliding with some quarters of the society.
“My dear bishop Martin Mtumbuka, never, never be partisan in political and social matters. We, as a Catholic Church, are only, only, only with the poor. We are only with the voiceless. We always want to be on the side of the voiceless regardless, regardless of their political or religious affiliations,” he said amid ululations and hand-clappings from the people who attended the function.
The nuncio further reminded the gathering that Catholic clergy has never been interested in any political or human authority and that is was unfortunate that some people were misunderstanding their role, especially when the clergy criticizes governments on matters of national interest.
The pronunciation comes a few days after the church issued a pastoral statement, which earned Rev. Reynold M’mangisa’s criticism at a press conference that was duly covered by Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). Blantyre Synod has since apologized to the Catholic family for M’mangisa’s conduct.
But in his homily during the consecration of Bishop Mtumbuka yesterday, Nuncio Girasoli called upon people not to confuse prophetic role of the bishops and priests, which is to “be with the poor and the voiceless”.
“We are not interested in any political or human power. We always want to be the voice of the voiceless. Sometimes this attitude turns to create misunderstanding or friction with public and government authorities. We just always want to be on the side of the voiceless regardless, regardless of their political or religious affiliations,” Girasoli emphasized.
On the creation and establishment of the new diocese, the papal ambassador said Mzuzu Diocese had been split because “it was geographically very large and the growth of the church in this region required a stable and continued presence of the bishop”.
He said Karonga Diocese has been established to promote the well-being of all the people of Malawi, but with much focus on those falling under its jurisdiction.
“The most important aim of creating or establishing this diocese is spiritual well-being of the faithful. This means that the creation and establishment of the dioceses is a sign of the growth of the entire Catholic Church in Malawi,” said Girasoli.
He advised the newly-consecrated bishop to be resolute in his undertaking, saying his ministry in Karonga will be challenging.
“Bishops, priests, religious and the laity speak very highly about you, Monsignor Mtumbuka. Now is the time to practice more your virtues in the spirit of sharing…Dear Martin Mtumbuka, let me remind you that the office of the bishop is not an honour, but a function to serve. Our main concerns at the moment are the necessities of the people, especially those of the poor. My dear Monsignor Mtumbuka, remember that priests are the voice of the voiceless. Make sure you speak for the poor and help them in both their spiritual and social well-being,” said the envoy.
In his remarks, Bishop Mtumbuka pledged he will aim at fulfilling expectations of the church and the faithful at large. He also pledged his loyalty to the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and the whole Catholic Church.
“I will spare you embarrassment,” he promised.
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Reverend Father Martin Anwel Mtumbuka as bishop of the new Diocese of Karonga on 21 July 2010.
The Diocese of Karonga covers Karonga, Chitipa and some parts of Rumphi district. Ecclesiastically, the new diocese covers what was the Northern Deanery of the Diocese of Mzuzu.
Bishop Mtumbuka was born on 5th August, 1957 in Majimbula Village, in Rumphi District and he was ordained priest on 31st July, 1988 at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Mzuzu. He served as Deputy Vice Chancellor at the Catholic University of Malawi until his appointment on July 21 this year.
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