The president said this on Saturday during the consecration of the Auxiliary Bishop of Mzuzu Catholic Diocese Yohane Sugzo Nyirenda.

"If we need good roads, we should work very hard. Even leaders have a role in encouraging people to work very hard in ensuring that they get what they deserve,” explained President Chakwera.

Young and old thronged Mzuzu Stadium to witness the consecration ceremony of the first ever auxiliary Bishop of the Mzuzu Diocese.

Catholic church followers, friends, relatives, well-wishers, and government officials including Vice President Saulos Chilima graced the colorful ceremony which earlier was threatened by rainfall experienced in the city and surrounding areas.

In his thanksgiving speech, Auxiliary Bishop Nyirenda asked for everyone to pray for him and the Bishop of the Diocese John Ryan for the growth of the Catholic Church.

Said Auxiliary Bishop Nyirenda: "Thank you very much everyone for your support. Economically things are not ok, but you have made yourself here with various gifts. Pray for me and Bishop John Ryan for the growth of the Mzuzu diocese”.

Bishop Ryan tipped Bishop Nyirenda to remain vigilant and be prayerful, always saying he has carried a heavy load.

"You should always pray for the disadvantaged and the voiceless. God has given you a very big task to save people,” advised Bishop Ryan.

As Auxiliary Bishop, Rev. Fr. Nyirenda will serve as an assistant to the Ordinary of the Diocese Bishop Ryan in giving pastoral care to the people of God and meeting the administrative needs of Mzuzu Diocese.

Born on 20th June 1976, Rev. Fr. Nyirenda, who hails from Mzimba, was ordained a priest of Mzuzu Diocese on 19th July 2008, and on 5th May 2023 Pope Francis appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu.