Blantyre Archdiocese Mourns Veteran Clergyman Fr. Bernard Timothy Tiyesi

The Archdiocese of Blantyre is in mourning following the death of one of its most senior and long-serving priests, Reverend Father Bernard Timothy Tiyesi, who passed away on Thursday morning, January 22, 2026.

Fr. Tiyesi died at Blantyre Adventist Hospital while receiving treatment, just eight months shy of his 72nd birthday. His passing was confirmed to the press by the Vicar-General of the Archdiocese, Very Reverend Father Gerald Buleya.

The Archdiocese has announced that the late Fr. Tiyesi will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 24, 2024, at the Limbe Cathedral. The service is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at the Limbe Cathedral Cemetery.

Born on September 11, 1954, in Nguludi, Chiradzulu District, Fr. Tiyesi was a pillar of the Catholic community for over four decades. According to Archdiocese Spokesperson Father Frank Mwinganyama, he was ordained into the priesthood on October 3, 1982, by the late Archbishop James Chiona.

Throughout his 43-year ministry, Fr. Tiyesi served a diverse array of communities and held significant administrative and spiritual roles. He served as a parish priest at Mendulo, Neno, Mwanga, Nthawira, Nyungwe, Bangwe, Gambula, and Ntenje.

He contributed his service to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Special Chaplaincies: He was the dedicated Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and served as the Chaplain of Pilgrimages. At the time of his passing, he was the Parish Priest at Mzedi Parish in Blantyre.

Known for his deep spirituality and steady leadership, Fr. Tiyesi was regarded as one of the “elders” of the Archdiocese. His death marks the end of an era for many parishioners who grew up under his guidance across the numerous parishes he served.

The Catholic faithful and the general public are expected to gather in large numbers this Saturday to pay their final respects to a man whose life was defined by his unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the people of Malawi.

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