The Church, in Lilongwe and Dedza Diocese, has celebrated the life of Sr. Tekla Dziko who has been laid to rest at Mlare Teresian Sisters’ Cemetery.
Born on 16 January, 1919, thus 11 years after the official opening of Our Lady of Victory-Mtakataka Parish and 10 years before Teresian Sisters’ Congregation was found, Sr. T. Dziko hailed from Dziko Outstation, Mtakataka Parish in Dedza Diocese. She has served the Lord and His people through the Teresian Community for 80 or 81 years and gone to rest with the Father at the age of 106. No one has ever reached that age in Teresian Congregation as per the memory of some Sisters including the incumbent Mother General.
On 10/10/24 Dziko Church, at the request of Mr. Mark Dziko and other family members, celebrated Thanksgiving Mass for Sr. T. Dziko in her presence. During that even,t she portrayed that she was a beacon of hope. At lunch she could ask anybody greeting her if at all she had received something to eat -making sure that everyone is fed.
In his introductory remark during the Requiem Mass today, 06/02/25 His Grace G. Tambala described the ceremony as similar to that of 2 February (Presentation of the Lord), Simeon in the Temple, “…Ambuye tsopano mundilore ndipite…”.Just like Anna, indeed the Sister’s life was consecrated to the Lord and radiated hope to the masses. She liked staying closer to the Lord throughout her life and serving people as a Primary School Teacher and in various capacities including being an Assistant Mother General at a particular time.
According to Mr. Peter F. Chando, a representative of the bereaved family, Sr. T. Dziko was very prayerful, dedicated, hardworking, resilient and cheerful.
The Local Ordinary of Dedza Diocese, Rt. Rev. P. Chifukwa in his eulogy described Sr. T. Dziko as “a flower in the Church” and a visible sign or beacon of how to live Christianity and catholicism. She was also an inspiration to many people including the Friends of Dedza Diocese living in the ‘diaspora’ but originally from Dziko/Mtakataka.
May the soul of Sr. T. Dziko, through the mercy of Yahweh, rest in eternal peace.