New Bishop Pledges to Implement Local Synod Proposals

The new Bishop of Mangochi Diocese, Alessandro Pagani, says his main task is to implement proposals of the diocesan mini-synod which the late Bishop Alessandro Assolari instituted in 2003.

The implementation of the proposals was marred by the death of Bishop Luciano Nervi on March 8, 2005, only 38 days after succeeding Assolari. The implementation was dependent on approval of the suggestions on inculturation of the liturgy by the national bishops' conference.

The new bishop said he would work closely with the local clergy without considering himself the boss. "For me to implement the mini-synod and other projects I need to work with the clergy," Bishop Pagani said after he was enthroned on Saturday at St. John the Baptist Major Seminary.

Pagani, who has worked with the Legion of Mary since 1967, also said he would offer assistance to the association whenever the need arose. During the liturgy, the national coordinator for the legion Jervis Chakumodzi commended the bishop for the spiritual support Pagani has offered to the legion.

President Bingu wa Mutharika was among dignitaries at the ordination. He wished the new bishop well and prayed that peaceful co-existence continues between Muslims and Christians in the Muslim-majority district of Mangochi.

Bishop Pagani was born on January 13, 1937, in Bergamo, Italy. He was ordained a Montfort missionary priest on March 13, 1965. He served in Malawi from 1969 to 1986 before moving to Zambia, 1986 to 1997. He returned to Malawi to serve as regional superior for Montfort Missionaries of Zambia and Malawi. The Pope appointed him bishop on April 3.

Alessandro Assolari served as the first bishop for the Mangochi from 1973 to 2005. Bishop Luciano Nervi succeeded Assolari in 2005. It is expected that Pagani will serve as bishop for five years before he reaches his mandatory retirement age of 75.