By Steve Chirombo & Lawrence Chilomo
Chikwawa, April 30, Mana: Some Catholic faithful on Wednesday gathered at Chikwawa Cathedral to pay their last respect to Monsignor Father Professor Joseph Chaphadzuka Chakanza who died on Sunday after succumbing to diabetes.
Chakanza died at the age of 77 having served in priesthood for 51 years. He was until his death residing at Mzimu Woyera Minor Seminary as a Spiritual Director having served at Fatima and Chikwawa parishes, Chancellor College and Catholic University.
He was appointed Monsignor in June 2019 by Pope Francis and later celebrated 50 years anniversary of priesthood in August.
In his speech, a representative of the bereaved family, Joseph Mphonda said the family has lost a pillar. “Last year (2019), we were here at this same place celebrating 50 years anniversary of priesthood for Professor Chakanza.”
“We didn’t expect that today at this hour we would see him lying in state in front of us. We would like to condole with Bishop Peter Musikuwa and the whole Catholic Church for the loss,” said Mphonda.
Mphonda, however, said the family is thankful to God for the life of Fr. Chakanza.
“We thank Bishop Musikuwa and other bishops and the whole church for accepting him to serve as a priest,” he added.
Chairperson for the Association of Diocesan Clergy of Malawi (ADCOM), Father Chris Muhero said Chakanza was intelligent and highly educated but humble as he always interacted with all and sundry regardless of status in society.
“Such is an example we all must emulate,” Muhero said.
Bishop Musikuwa of Chikwawa Diocese thanked the faithful and all well-wishers for providing the fallen Monsignor Chakanza a befitting farewell considering his enormous contribution to the church and the nation.
Musikuwa added that priest formation is the responsibility of the church and the community at large.
“We are heartbroken for the departure of our dear priest. This clearly shows that we have a gap which we will find hard to replace,” Musikuwa said. “Let’s all continue praying for his soul so that he rests in peace.”
Among others, Msgr. Chakanza is well known for composing hymns in the Catholic Hymn Book, number 2, 27 as well as 200 on top of producing a book titled: ‘Wisdom of the people’ which contains over 2,000 Chinyanja idioms.
The burial ceremony was attended by Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre, Bishop Montfort Stima of Mangochi Diocese, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi Fr. Henry Saindi, priests and many other people.
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