SHIRÈ. - It is the region comprising the southern part of the British protectorate of Nyasaland.
Until May 1952, the apostolic vicariate of S. encompassed the entire region of the same name. This territory was detached on 3 Dec. 1903 from the apostolic vicariate of Nyassa and raised to an apostolic vicariate on 14 Apr. 1908. On 15 May 1952 it was divided into two apostolic vicariates: Zomba in the north and Blantyre in the south (the civil districts of Blantyre, central S., Mlanje, Cholo, Cikwawa, and Lower-River, otherwise known as Port Herald). The two vicariates are entrusted to the Fathers of the Company of Mary (Montfortians), who arrived in the area in 1901 as auxiliaries to the White Fathers. At present, the apostolic vicariate of Blantyre is entrusted to the fathers of the Dutch Province of the said Company.
The apostolic vicariate of Blantyre has an area of approximately 21,840 sq. km., a population of approximately 700,000 inhabitants, and more than 116,000 Catholics. It has 13 principal mission stations and 40 foreign priests.