The Catholic community in Malawi is united in grief following the passing of Rev. Fr. Francis Damaseke, a dedicated priest of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. Fr. Damaseke passed away on Saturday, 11th April 2026, at the age of 39, following a battle with pneumonia.
A life dedicated to the Altar
Born on 27th September 1986, Fr. Damaseke answered the call to the priesthood and was ordained on 9th July 2016. Though his earthly ministry spanned only a decade, it was marked by profound service across many communities. He served the faithful at Mlale, Chilinde, and St. Patrick’s Parishes before his final appointment as curate at Nathenje Parish. Between 2021 and 2024, he served as the National Communications and Research Coordinator, National Youth Chaplain, and National Family Apostolate Coordinator at the Catholic Secretariat.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Fr Damaseke played an instrumental role in establishing Tilankhuleni Ambuye, a media initiative aimed at reaching the faithful who were unable to attend church services.
At the time of his passing, Fr. Damaseke was preparing to further his mission through studies in the United States.
A farewell fit for a Shepherd
On Tuesday, 14th April, the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Likuni Parish became a place of solemn prayer and remembrance. The Requiem Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa, alongside a significant gathering of the Malawian Episcopacy, including Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa and Bishops from Mangochi, Dedza, Mzuzu, and Zomba.
The clergy and thousands of lay faithful from all Dioceses gathered to witness his final journey. The atmosphere was one of deep gratitude for a priest who balanced administrative brilliance with a shepherd’s heart.
Resting in peace
Following the Mass, Fr. Damaseke was laid to rest at the Likuni Priests’ Cemetery. While he has left us far too soon, his legacy lives on in the youth he mentored, the families he supported, and the communication networks he helped build for the Church in Malawi.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
As a parish family at St. Kizito, we pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort for the many lives he touched.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.