Today the studios of Radio Maria Tanzania roared with the voices of praying the Universal Holy Rosary, while they invited people from every group: elders, youth, businessmen, farmers, and other groups, with the concept of living the message of Pope Francis for Mission Sunday 2024 which says; Go and invite everyone to the banquet (Mt 22:9).

In honor of the Virgin Mary, Star of Evangelization, today October 19, 2024, the children of Tanzania raised their voices together through Radio Maria and other radio stations of the Catholic Church joining spiritually with all the children in the world to pray the holy rosary that is prayed every year in October on the Saturday before Mission Sunday. The specific goal of today’s rosary for the children of Tanzania was to pray for peace, unity and the success of the missionary works in the Local Church of Tanzania and the world at large.

Since it has become a formula for the PMS National Office to choose every year 7 dioceses that take turns in leading others in the rosary, this year the leading dioceses were: Dioceses of Musoma (first mystery), Mahenge (second mystery), Archdiocese of Tabora (third mystery), diocese of Lindi (forth mystery), Mafinga (fifth mystery), Moshi (the litany) and the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam which is given a chance every year considering that they are close to radio headquarters and if unexpected communication errors occur in a certain diocese they can support (their leading part was the opening and closing prayers).

By comparing the statistics that the PMS National Office has been taking every year to know the number of children who were praying the rosary on the scheduled day and time, the office admits that this year the number of children has been more surprising than previous years. For instance; archdiocese of Arusha gathered about 4000 children, Bukoba 2500, Bunda 500, Dar es Salaam 5000, Dodoma 3000 children, Ifakara 210, Kayanga 230, Moshi 5000 children, Mbulu 6400, Mbeya 6000, 1500 Kahama, Singida 3200 children, Mahenge 500, Njombe 1500, Songea 1900, Lindi 300 children, Iringa 3200, Mafinga 200, Musoma 300 to name a few. There were also priests (Diocesan PMS Directors), nuns and animators who were leading the children in the event of praying the rosary for each diocese. The PMS national team (Fr Alfred S. Kwene – PMS National Director, Sr Idda J. Mketi – PMS Secretary and Sr Anagladness Mrumah – National Childhood Secretary) joined to pray at the main center, that is, Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima Parish-Msimbazi, where the children of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam gathered. Hence, with this assessment that the office has done, it has clearly shown that missionary work in Tanzania is growing and spreading rapidly like the seeds of the sower that fell on good soil (Ref. Mk 4:3-9)

It was a joy for us in Tanzania that we were able to have two bishops joining the children’s rosary (His Eminence Protase Cardinal Rugambwa and Rt. Rev. Jovitus Mwijage). Correspondingly, before the blessing His Eminence Cardinal Rugambwa was able to talk to the children and encourage them in living their missionary work tirelessly. In a special way, he was able to encourage all believers to live the message of the holy father of Mission Sunday 2024, which encourages all people to go and invite everyone wherever they are, so that they can follow Christ.

From PMS National Office

Enendeni na alikeni kila mtu kwenye Karamu (Rej. Mt. 22:9)

Ndugu wapendwa!

Mada niliyochagua kwa ajili ya Siku ya Misioni Duniani ya mwaka huu inatoka katika mfano wa Injili kuhusu Karamu ya Arusi (Mt 22: 1-14). Baada ya wageni kukataa mwaliko wake, mfalme, mhusika mkuu katika simulizi, anawaambia watumishi wake: “Basi, enendeni hata njia panda za barabara, na wote mwaonao waiteni arusini” (Mt 22:9). Tukitafakari kifungu hiki muhimu katika muktadha wa mfano na maisha ya Yesu mwenyewe, tunaweza kutambua vipengele kadhaa muhimu vya uinjilishaji. Hivi vinaonekana ni muafaka kwetu sote, kama wafuasi wamisionari wa Kristo, katika hatua hii ya mwisho ya safari ya sinodi ambayo, kadiri ya kauli mbiu yake, “Ushirika, Ushiriki na Umisionari” inalenga kulielekeza Kanisa upya katika kazi yake ya msingi, ambayo ni kuhubiri Injili katika ulimwengu wa leo.

1. “Enendeni na alikeni” Utume kama kutoka kusikochosha kwenda kuwaalika wengine kwenye karamu ya Bwana.

Katika amri ya mfalme kwa watumishi wake tunapata maneno mawili yanayoelezea moyo wa utume: kitenzi “kutoka” na “kualika”.

Kama ilivyo kwa ya kwanza, tunapaswa kukumbuka kwamba watumishi walikuwa wametumwa hapo awali kupeleka mwaliko wa mfalme kwa wageni (Mt 22:3-4). Utume, tunaona, ni kwenda bila kuchoka kwa wanaume na wanawake wote, ili kuwaalika kukutana na Mungu na kuingia katika ushirika naye. Bila kuchoka! Mungu, mkuu katika upendo na mwingi wa huruma, mara   kwa mara anaondoka ili kukutana na wanaume na wanawake wote, na kuwaita kwenye furaha ya ufalme wake, hata katika hali ya kutojali au kukataa kwao. Yesu Kristo, Mchungaji Mwema na mjumbe wa Baba, alitoka kwenda kuwatafuta kondoo waliopotea wa watu wa Israeli na akatamani kwenda mbali zaidi, kwa ajili ya kuwafikia hata kondoo wa mbali zaidi. (Yn 10:16). Kabla na baada ya kufufuka kwake, aliwaambia wanafunzi wake “Nendeni”, hivyo kuwahusisha katika utume wake mwenyewe (Lk 10:3; Mk 16:15). Kanisa, kwa upande wake, katika uaminifu katika utume lilioupokea kutoka kwa Bwana, litaendelea kwenda hadi miisho ya dunia, kuanza safari tena na tena, bila kuchoka kamwe wala kukata tamaa mbele ya magumu na vikwazo.

Ninachukua fursa hii kuwashukuru wale wamisionari wote ambao, kwa kuitikia wito wa Kristo, wameacha kila kitu nyuma kwenda mbali na nchi yao ya asili na kuleta Habari Njema mahali ambapo watu bado hawajaipokea, au wameipokea hivi majuzi tu. Wapendwa, kujitolea kwenu kwa ukarimu ni kielelezo dhahiri cha kujitoa kwenu kwa utume ad gentes ambao Yesu aliwakabidhi wanafunzi wake: “Enendeni mkawafanye mataifa yote kuwa wanafunzi” (Mt 28:19). Tunaendelea kusali na tunamshukuru Mungu kwa miito mipya na mingi ya kimisionari kwa ajili ya kazi ya uinjilishaji hadi miisho ya dunia.

Tusisahau kwamba kila Mkristo ameitwa kushiriki katika utume huu wa kiulimwengu, kwa kutoa ushuhuda wake mwenyewe kwa Injili katika kila muktadha, ili Kanisa lote liweze kuendelea mbele na Bwana na Mwalimu wake hadi njia panda za dunia ya leo. “Changamoto ya leo katika Kanisa ni kwamba, Yesu anaendelea kugonga mlango, lakini kutoka ndani, ili tumruhusu atoke! Mara nyingi tunaishia kuwa Kanisa la ‘kifungo’ ambalo halimruhusu Bwana atoke nje, ambalo linamweka kama ‘mali yake’ ilihali, Bwana alikuja kwa ajili ya utume na anatutaka tuwe wamisionari” (Hotuba kwa Washiriki katika Kongamano lililoandaliwa na Dikasteri ya Walei, Familia na Maisha, 18 Februari 2023). Sisi sote tuliobatizwa, na tuwe tayari kuondoka upya, kila mmoja kadiri ya hali yake ya maisha, kuanzisha vuguvugu jipya la kimisionari, kama vile wakati wa mapambazuko ya Ukristo!

Tukirejea katika amri ya mfalme katika mfano huo, watumishi wanaambiwa sio tu “kwenda”, lakini pia “kualika”: “Njoni Arusini!” (Mt 22:4). Hapa tunaweza kuona kipengele kingine, japo si kidogo kwa umuhimu, cha utume toka kwa Mungu. Kama tunavyoweza kufikiria, watumishi waliwasilisha mwaliko wa mfalme kwa uharaka lakini pia kwa heshima kubwa na wema. Vivyo hivyo, utume wa kuleta Injili kwa kila kiumbe lazima uige “mtindo” ule ule wa Yule anayehubiriwa. Katika kuutangazia ulimwengu “uzuri wa upendo wa wokovu wa Mungu uliodhihirishwa katika Yesu Kristo ambaye alikufa na kufufuka kutoka kwa wafu” (Evangelii Gaudium, 36), wanafunzi wamisionari wanapaswa kufanya hivyo kwa furaha, ukuu na ukarimu, ambayo ni matunda ya Roho Mtakatifu ndani yao (Rej. Gal 5:22). Si kwa kushinikiza, kulazimisha au kugeuza watu imani, bali kwa ukaribu, huruma na upole, kwa njia hii kuakisi namna ya Mungu ya kuwa na kutenda.

2. “Kwenda Arusini “. Mwelekeo wa kieskatolojia na Kiekaristi wa Utume wa Kristo na Kanisa

Katika mfano huo, mfalme anawaomba watumishi kupeleka mwaliko kwajili ya Arusi ya mwanae. Karamu hiyo ikiwa ni kiashiria cha Karamu ya kieskatolojia. Ni taswira ya wokovu wa mwisho katika Ufalme wa Mungu, unaotimizwa hata sasa kwa kuja kwa Yesu, Masiha na Mwana wa Mungu, ambaye ametupa uzima tele (Yn 10:10), unaofananishwa na meza iliyowekwa pamoja na vyakula vitamu na kwa divai nzuri, wakati Mungu atapoharibu kifo milele (Isa 25:6-8).

Utume wa Kristo unahusiana na utimilifu wa wakati, kama alivyotangaza mwanzoni mwa mahubiri yake: “Wakati umetimia, na Ufalme wa Mungu umekaribia” (Mk 1:15). Wafuasi wa Kristo wanaitwa kuendeleza utume huu wa Bwana na Mwalimu wao. Hapa tunafikiria fundisho la Mtaguso Mkuu wa Pili wa Vatikani juu ya tabia ya kieskatologia ya msukumo wa kimisionari wa Kanisa: “Wakati wa kazi ya kimisionari unaendelea kati ya ujio wa kwanza wa Bwana na wa pili…, kwa maana Injili lazima ihubiriwe kwa mataifa yote, kabla ya Bwana kuja (Rej. Mk 13:10)” (Ad Gentes, 9).

Tunajua kwamba miongoni mwa Wakristo wa kwanza bidii ya umisionari ilikuwa na mwelekeo wenye nguvu wa kieskatolojia. Waliona uharaka wa kuhubiriwa kwa Injili. Leo pia ni muhimu kudumisha mtazamo huu, kwa kuwa inatusaidia kueneza injili kwa furaha ya wale wanaojua kwamba “Bwana yu karibu” na kwa tumaini la wale wanaosonga mbele kuelekea lengo, wakati sisi sote tutakuwa pamoja na Kristo kwenye karamu yake ya arusi katika ufalme wa Mungu. Wakati ulimwengu unaweka mbele yetu “karamu” mbalimbali za ulaji, kujistarehesha, kujilimbikizia mali na ubinafsi, Injili inamualika kila mtu kwenye karamu ya kimungu, inayopambwa na furaha, ushirikiano, haki na udugu katika ushirika na Mungu na wengine.

Utimilifu wa maisha, ambayo ni zawadi ya Kristo, unatarajiwa hata sasa katika karamu ya Ekaristi, ambayo Kanisa huadhimisha kwa amri ya Bwana kwa kumbukumbu yake. Mwaliko wa karamu ya kieskatolojia tunaotoa kwa kila mtu katika utume wetu wa uinjilishaji unahusishwa kwa kiasi kikubwa na mwaliko kwa meza ya Ekaristi, ambapo Bwana hutulisha kwa Neno lake na kwa Mwili na Damu yake. Kama vile Benedikto XVI alivyofundisha: “Kila adhimisho la Ekaristi linatimiza kisakramenti mkusanyiko wa kieskatolojia wa watu wa Mungu. Kwetu sisi, karamu ya Ekaristi ni mwonjo wa kweli wa awali wa karamu ya mwisho iliyotabiriwa na manabii (Rej. Isa 25: 6-9) na kuelezewa na Agano Jipya kama ‘arusi ya mwanakondoo’ (Ufu. 19:9), itakayoadhimishwa katika furaha ya ushirika wa watakatifu” (Sacramentum Caritatis, 31).

Kwa hiyo, sisi sote tunaitwa kushuhudia kwa uthabiti zaidi kila Adhimisho la Ekaristi, katika nyanja zake zote, na hasa mwelekeo wake wa kieskatolojia na kimisionari. Katika msingi huu, ningerudia kusema kwamba, “Hatuwezi kukaribia meza ya Ekaristi bila kuvutwa katika utume ambao, kwa kuanzia moyoni kabisa mwa Mungu, unakusudiwa kuwafikia watu wote” (Rej. aya 81). Upyaisho wa Ekaristi Takatifu ambao Makanisa mengi mahalia yanautangaza kwa bidii katika enzi ya baada ya UVIKO-19 pia itakuwa muhimu kwa ajili ya kufufua roho ya kimisionari katika kila muamini. Kwa imani kubwa kiasi gani na shauku ya kutoka moyoni tunapaswa kutamka katika kila Misa: “Tunatangaza kifo chako, Ee Bwana, na kutukuza Ufufuko wako, mpaka utakapokuja tena”!

Katika mwaka huu uliotengwa kwa ajili ya sala kwa ajili ya maandalizi ya Jubilei ya 2025, napenda kuwahimiza wote wazidishe majitoleo yao na zaidi sana kushiriki katika maadhimisho ya Misa na kusali kwa ajili ya utume wa Kanisa wa Uinjilishaji. Kwa kulitii agizo la Mwokozi, haliachi kusali, katika kila adhimisho la Ekaristi na liturujia, “Baba Yetu”, kwa kuomba, “Ufalme wako ufike”. Kwa njia hii, sala ya kila siku na Ekaristi kwa namna ya pekee vinatufanya kuwa mahujaji na wamisionari wa matumaini, tukisafiri kuelekea uzima wa milele ndani ya Mungu, kuelekea karamu ya Arusi ambayo Mungu amewaandalia watoto wake wote.

3. “Kila mtu”. Utume wa kiulimwengu wa wafuasi wa Kristo katika Kanisa la kisinodi na la kimisionari katika ukamilifu wake

Tafakari ya tatu na ya mwisho inahusu wapokeaji wa mwaliko wa mfalme: “kila mtu”. Kama nilivyosisitiza, “Huu ndio moyo wa utume: kwamba “wote”, bila kumuacha mtu yeyote. Kila utume wetu, basi, huzaliwa kutoka kwa moyo wa Kristo ili aweze kuwavuta wote kwake” (Hotuba kwa Mkutano Mkuu wa Mashirika Kipapa ya Kimissionari, 3 Juni 2023). Leo, katika ulimwengu uliosambaratishwa na migawanyiko na migogoro, Injili ya Kristo inabakia kuwa sauti ya upole lakini thabiti inayowaita watu binafsi kukutana, kutambua kwamba wao ni kaka na dada, na kufurahi katika utulivu katikati ya tofauti. “Mungu Mwokozi wetu anatamani kila mtu aokolewe na kupata kuujua ukweli” (1Tim 2:4) Basi, tusisahau kamwe kwamba katika shughuli zetu za umisionari tunaombwa kuhubiri Injili kwa watu wote: “Badala ya kuonekana waziwazi kulazimisha majukumu mapya, {sisi} tunapaswa kuonekana kama watu wanaotaka kushirikisha furaha yao, wanaoelekeza kwenye upeo wa uzuri na wanaowaalika wengine kwenye karamu nono” (Evangelii Gaudium, 14).

Wafuasi wamisionari wa Kristo sikuzote wamekuwa wakiguswa kutoka moyoni kwa ajili ya watu wote, haidhuru hali yao ya kijamii au hata kimaadili. Mfano wa Arusi unatuambia kwamba, kwa amri za mfalme, watumishi walikusanyika, “wote waliowaona, wema na wabaya” (Mt 22:10). Zaidi ya hayo, “maskini, viwete, vipofu na viwete” (Lk 14:21), kwa neno moja, kaka na dada zetu walio wadogo kabisa, wale waliotengwa na jamii, ndio wageni maalum wa mfalme.​ Karamu ya arusi ya mwanawe ambayo Mungu ametayarisha inabaki wazi kila wakati kwa wote, kwa kuwa upendo wake kwa kila mmoja wetu ni mkubwa na hauna masharti. “Mungu aliupenda ulimwengu hata akamtoa Mwanawe pekee, ili kila mtu amwaminiye asipotee, bali awe na uzima wa milele” (Yoh 3:16). Kila mtu, kila mwanamume na kila mwanamke, anaalikwa na Mungu kushiriki neema yake, ambayo inabadilisha na kuokoa. Mtu anahitaji tu kusema “ndiyo” kwa zawadi hii ya kimungu isiyo na malipo, akiikubali na kujiruhusu kugeuzwa nayo, na kuivaa kama “joho la arusi” (Rej. Mt 22:12).

Umisionari kwa wote unahitaji uwajibikaji wa wote. Tunahitaji kuendelea na safari yetu kuelekea Kanisa kamili la kisinodi na kimisionari katika huduma ya Injili. Hulka ya Kisinodi (Synodality) kimsingi ni ya kimisionari na, kinyume chake, umisionari daima una hulka ya ki-sinodi. Kwa hiyo, ushirikiano wa karibu wa kimisionari leo ni wa muhimu sana na wa lazima zaidi, katika Kanisa la kiulimwengu na katika Makanisa Mahalia. Katika nyayo za Mtaguso Mkuu wa Pili wa Vatikani na Watangulizi wangu, napendekeza kwa majimbo yote duniani huduma ya Mashirika Kipapa ya Kimissionari. Yanawakilisha nyenzo ya msingi “ambayo kwayo wakatoliki wanalelewa kutoka utotoni kwa mtazamo wa kweli wa kiulimwengu na wa kimisionari na {ni} njia pia ya kuanzisha ukusanyaji mzuri wa fedha kwa ajili ya misioni zote, kila moja kulingana na mahitaji yake (Ad Gentes, 38). Kwa sababu hiyo, michango ya Siku ya Misioni Ulimwenguni katika Makanisa yote mahalia imekusudiwa kwa ukamilifu kwa ajili ya mfuko wa kiulimwengu wa mshikamano ambao Shirika la Kipapa la Uenezaji wa Imani kisha linagawanya kwa jina la Papa kwa ajili ya mahitaji ya utume wote wa Kanisa. Tuombe kwamba Bwana atuongoze na atusaidie kuwa zaidi Kanisa la kisinodi na la kimisionari (Rej. Homilia kwa ajili ya Misa ya Kuhitimisha Mkutano Mkuu wa Kawaida wa Sinodi ya Maaskofu, 29 Oktoba 2023).

Hatimaye, hebu tuinue macho yetu kwa Maria, ambaye alimwomba Yesu afanye muujiza wake wa kwanza tena arusini, huko Kana ya Galilaya (Rej. Yn 2:1-12). Bwana alitoa kwa maarusi wapya na wageni wote divai mpya ya kutosha, kama kielelezo cha karamu ya arusi ambayo Mungu anatayarisha kwa wote mwishoni mwa wakati. Hebu tuombe maombezi yake ya kimama kwa ajili ya utume wa kueneza Injili kwa wafuasi wa Kristo katika nyakati zetu hizi. Kwa furaha na upendo wa mama yetu, kwa nguvu inayotokana na huruma na upendo (Rej. Evangelii Gaudium, 288), tusonge mbele kumpelekea kila mtu mwaliko wa Mfalme, Mwokozi wetu. Maria Mtakatifu, Nyota ya Uinjilishaji, utuombee!

Roma, Mtakatifu Yohane Laterano, 25 Januari 2024, Sikukuu ya Kuongoka kwa Mtakatifu Paulo

FRANSISKO

Through the Children’s Catechism program which is broadcast on Radio Maria Tanzania every Saturday at three o’clock in the morning, on the 14th and 21st of September, some children were appointed to go to the studio with the aim of encouraging their fellow children to pray the universal rosary on the 19th of October 2024. The names of these children are Fransiska Joseph, David Mpoki, Catherine Raphael and Sylivester Barnabas.

This method has been used as one of the ways to make children help their fellow children to understand their evangelistic mission. In another way, to attract other children who are not in the group, to be motivated and thus follow their fellow children who are already in the evangelization system.

As well as more emphasis on this prayer of the rosary was placed by Sr. Anagladness Mrumah, Secretary of Holy Childhood on 12nd October 2024 that this day of the rosary although it was mainly aimed at children, but also parents should join their children in praying it because they also have their own goals based on their families that they should send to the Virgin Mary. Therefore, Sr. Anagladness stressed that even if some parents fail to come to the radio stations that have been organized, they should pray at their homes with other children who appear to have physical challenges and thus fail to come to the respective stations. Moreover, she emphasized that, for those parents who will miss the opportunity to pray in the scheduled time due to unavoidable reasons, they should give this time spiritually in what they will be doing.

From: PMS National Office

Taking account of the truth that, the Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself (Evangelii Nuntiandi n.15), the 177 Catechists from Arusha Metropolitan in Tanzania, willfully decided to live up to this truth by making a Missionary Pilgrimage for their own spiritual and missionary nourishment. Their pilgrimage took place from 7^th to 10^th October, 2024 visiting different religious and historical contexts, which gave them the opportunity to remind themselves more about their call as missionaries. Since this pilgrimage is organized within October, for sure, for them, this was one of ways of giving special attention to the missionary month of October, among other intentions.

The pilgrims visited three important places through which they were able to achieve the expected fruits of their spiritual journey. These places are: Pugu (the place where the Benedictine Missionaries entered for the first time). Another historically important place is Bagamoyo, where the first Mission in East Africa was officially established on June 17, 1868. This area also has a Holy Cross which has been visited by millions of believers for the purpose of praying. This cross was installed by Fr Horner (white Fathers) in 1868. In addition, there is also a Shrine of the Virgin Mary built by zealous missionaries in 1878. The last place that these Catechist Pilgrims visited is Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), where they were able to conclude their pilgrimage by the celebration of the Holy Mass. It is in this Holy Mass, the head of the Catechesis Department Fr Liston Lukoo strongly encouraged them that every catechist should be John the Baptist of today who has been given the responsibility of preparing the way for people to obtain salvation. Subsequently, they were encouraged to be firm and leave aside their defects so that they can be credible witnesses their faith as John the Baptist did when announcing that people should prepare the way of the Lord (Mk 1:3). Similarly, they were encouraged to help priests in justice and truth, while rendering a humble service in the footsteps of John the Baptist who said: “He who comes behind me is great, so I cannot loosen the ties of his shoes (Ref. Jn 1:27, Mt 3:11)

In fact, this pilgrimage was really successful because within the days they had set aside to pray and visit these key areas, they were able to remind themselves in depth about the missionary work, that is, the way the missionaries used great efforts to spread faith that did not exist in Tanzania before. They also reminded themselves about the History of the Tanzania Church, where it came from, what challenges it has faced and how it has managed to overcome those challenges and thus continue to stand strong until today. Therefore, in their position as catechists, they awakened their zeal to evangelize diligently considering that to a great extent, Christianity has already spread in their areas, and so the task before them is to ensure that people, in a special way children – who are the future of the Church, get proper catechetical instructions from them.

Furthermore, the catechists were able to receive various presentations from the officials of the different directorates and departments of TEC, which certainly aimed to encourage them and give them a better understanding of the breadth of their responsibilities in the context of the local Church of Tanzania. In a special way, the PMS National Director (Fr Alfred S. Kwene) had the opportunity to briefly explain the meaning of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) along with its evangelistic responsibilities. In addition, after explaining these Societies, he asked every catechist to be a good ambassador in motivating people to celebrate well this year’s Mission Sunday (20.10.2024) through prayers and offering of material support in favour of the evangelization works of the Holy Father (Solidarity Fund) because they are also the direct beneficiaries of those contributions through the Society of the Propagation of the Faith.

(From PMS National Office – Tanzania)

Once again, the Church in Tanzania has witnessed another important sign of the flourishing of the Missionary Work through the life of one of her local religious congregations, that is, the Sisters of the Congregation of Usambara C.O.L.U. The Usambara Hills – Tanga, exulted during the installation of the Fifth General Superior, whose term of service falls within the time when the Congregation is journeying towards her Diamond Jubilee to be celebrated in the year 2029. The celebration of the Holy Mass has been led by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Rt. Rev. Stephano Musomba, O.S.A

In October 7^th, 2024, the Sisters of the Congregation of Usambara C.O.L.U, have witnessed the event of the installation of Sister Servatrix Joseph Shemaghembe to be their General superior who will lead them for a period of 6 years before another election according to their constitution. Sister Servatrix leads this Congregation as the 5^th Native General Superior, after her they have led: Sr Inviolata Mndeme (1976-1988), Sr Maura Kimario (1988-2000), Sr Leonia Mdoe (2000-2012) and Sr Gaspara Kashamba (2012-2024). The first General Superior before the five mentioned, was Sister Wilbalda Giesbers (CPS) from the Congregation of Precious Blood (the guardians/animators of this congregation) who, after seeing that the members already had the ability to lead themselves, entrusted them with the leadership of the Congregation.

Sr. Servatrix was born on October 17^th, 1969 in the mountains of Usambara, Tanga Region-Tanzania. She starts her journey to lead the Congregation at the age of 55. With her, the leadership team includes: Sr. Vincent Ami, Sr. Gotfrida Marandu, Sr. Focas Mjema and Sr. Evetha Kilamba. Professionally, Sr. Servatrix is ​​a teacher and therefore, in this profession, she has been able to serve at the school (St. Mary’s Mazinde Juu Sec. School) for a long time, and abroad especially in the United States. It is a great hope that with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, she will use her teaching profession to nurture and guide the Congregation following the footsteps of her predecessors, and especially the footsteps of her Divine Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Worth to note is that, the Congregation was founded by the late Bishop Eugene Arthurs Rosminian I.C, who at that time requested the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood to establish C.O.L.U because this area was an Islamic zone, so deep evangelization was needed. It has now a total of 510 members. It was founded in 1954 and therefore this year marks 70 years since it was founded. The mission of this Congregation is Evangelization based on teaching religion (with particular attention to the catechesis of children) and the provision of social services such as education at all levels (kindergartens, primary schools, Secondary’s, Colleges and Universities) as well as healthcare services (in dispensaries, health centers and hospitals). Consequently, to ensure that their evangelization is deep, the members get both the spiritual and secular education to be able to evangelize well the people of God taking into account the signs of the times.

Prepared by Sr Anagladness Mrumah

As a custom at Kipalapala Senior seminary, a day is always set apart for welcoming the new community members in the seminary. On 15^th October 2023, Kipalapala Senior Seminary had a privilege to welcome 65 first year seminarians, 2 second year seminarians and 1 fourth year seminarian and a new formator Rev. Fr. Adrian Mzimwa from the Archdiocese of Dodoma.

In the same festive atmosphere, this day was special for bidding farewell and celebrating the great contribution of the outgoing formators; Rev. Fr. Philip Ntulama from the diocese of Kigoma who has been a formator at Kipalapala for 19 years and a vice-rector for 18 years and Fr. Edward Mayunga from the archdiocese of Tabora who has been a formator at the seminary for 2 years which have been exceptionally very fruitful.

It was a day worthy celebrating and thanking God for all the good gifts that the Lord bestows to mama Kipalapala. The day started by the celebrations of the 28^th Sunday of the Ordinary time of the liturgical year. The Holy Mass was presided by Rev. Fr. Philip Ntulama and the homily was given by Rev. Fr. Edward Mayunga. The day was brightened up by the football match welcoming the first-year seminarians against other seminarians (2^nd years to the 4^th years) which ended with the scores 1 by 1. Finally, the communal dinner which brought up the whole Kipalapala community for the intentions mentioned earlier. It had included also some visitors including Rev. Fr. Josephat Bududu a parttime formator and a parish priest of Kipalapala parish, Rev. Fr. Juvenalis Asantemungu the deputy principal of Archbishop Mihayo University College of Tabora (AMUCTA), Rev. Fr. Joseph Bulili the rector of Itaga Junior Seminary and Benedictine fraters from TMP-Kipalapala.

The good taste of the evening gathering was spiced by many accompanying games, presentations and simple speeches. Some of the monumental and cherished events were those performed by the Kipalapala Music Band who sang and performed the classic Tanzanian dance music famously known as Zilipendwa. Many people were moved by the presentation and the creativity of the KIPALAPALA TV (KIP TV) who brought before the whole community visual broadcast of the news. It seemed like TBC or BBC took over the stage with their News Hour. The day was lightened up.

Good and sentimental words were given from different people depicting their feelings thanking the formators and welcoming the new community members.

The moment proved the saying that “parting time is a great sorrow” for the community will surely miss the great contributions of the outgoing formators. The sorrow and the void are filled with the joy brought by the new community members. The final prayer was then led by Rev. Fr. Leonard Teza.

Prepared by: Frt. Francisco N. Kishumba

On the 6^th of October 2023, the official event which marked the dawning of the new academic and formation year was conducted at St. Paul’s Senior Seminary-Kipalapala. This event came after a five-days annual canonical retreat of the seminarians which was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Novatus Safari of the Archdiocese of Tabora. The inauguration of the academic year 2023-2024 came after this spiritual journey which fuelled up the seminarians spiritually to undergo well all that is planned for the year 2023-2024.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema, the rector of the seminary with the communal intention of dedicating the new academic year to the Lord. At the end of the Holy Mass, the rector ended by inviting “Come one, come all”.  At 10.00 AM the Mihayo Hall was full of seminarians ready to listen to the different speeches from the formators who represent several departments and what was prepared to be shared as official information in the new academic year.

The seminary’s academic committee hosted the event and had Frt. Juvenalis Mwendapole from the Archdiocese of Arusha as the master of the ceremony. After giving the general introduction of the day, the M.C welcomed the General Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Theodatus Maramba who led an opening prayer. Then he welcomed the rector for his speech. As the rector and lecturer, Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema welcomed everyone in this academic year, in a nutshell he said that every time is unique, it may seem like other years but this year is unique in its own way. He went on saying that whatever is worthy doing should be worthy done. He urged everyone to invest all energy and time in the formation. He welcomed the first-year seminarians and welcomed everyone to start preparing for the centenary anniversary (2025) with regard to Special prayer, songs, articles and whatever will make the day colourful.

After his word and announcements, the rector introduced the teaching staff with their roles. He then mentioned the non-teaching staff which is made up of the sisters (5 from the Sisters of our Lady of Kilimanjaro CDNK and 1 from the Sisters of the Daughters of Mary of Tabora CDMT) and other workers (about 40) whom we meet in different walks of life in the seminary.

Speeches were given, very rich in encouragement, inspiration and advice from the formators as per the decree on the priestly formation are competent educators chosen from among the best (O.T no 5). Insistence was put on self-formation while assisted by the formators, cultivation of the culture of silence, reinvigoration of culture of reading books to enrich awareness and befriending ourselves with the library. Also, insistence on proper usage of time and setting of the personal program was emphasized. We were also reminded that the learning system at the seminary is a student-based system which invites the students to put more efforts in learning and researching.

On behalf of the seminarians, the senior seminarian gave a speech thanking the formations and promising cooperation. The final prayer was led by Rev. Fr. Athanasius Mutasingwa preceded by the song “Bind us together Lord” which marked the end of the official gathering at 12:30 P.M.

Prepared by Frt. Francisco Ngirwamungu Kishumba

The Baccalaureate Examination is an examination done by the fourth-year fraters at the end of every particular academic year, to fulfil the minimum requirements for a Degree in Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome to which our seminary is affiliated. The themes for the examination are sent from the pontifical Urbaniana University, and are used in a cycle of three years, after which the themes are changed and the next three years’ cycle will have other themes. The BA examination is normally, both written and oral.

The examination is only on three principal courses which are: Sacred Scripture, Dogmatic Theology and Moral Theology. Candidates do prepare all the theses given and on the examination session, they choose one of the prepared theses, one from Sacred Scripture, one from Moral Theology and one from Dogmatic Theology. This selection is done in only two irreversible chances in case the first choice does not favor, and the question picked is to be attempted by all the candidates sitting for that examination.

After the written BA examination, there follows an Oral Examination to each candidate, one after another. In this, the candidate enters the special prepared room where he meets all the six lecturers, two from each course. The candidate attempts questions, one of his choice from each of the principle courses, one after another, then the lecturers begin to question the candidate from different angles of one course after another.

On 13^th May 2023, 49 Fourth Year Fraters sat for this examination. Among them, 18 did Sacred Scripture, 30 did Dogmatic Theology and 2 did Moral Theology. The examination was, as normal, done for 5 full hours, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. The invigilators were six in the examination room, two from each course included in the examination. Only emergency exits were allowed on the part of the candidates. The candidates were supplied with drinking water to keep them comfortable in the examination. Oral examination was from 18^th to 23^rd May 2023, where each candidate had a chance to attempt all the three principal courses for about 30mns, one after another picking from each of the courses one question by luck, approximately 10mns for each course, and 15mns for free questioning by the lecturers.

The papers are marked by the lecturers of the respective courses in the seminary. Both the marks and the answer-sheets, Oral Examination results together with the continuous academic assessment of every candidate, are sent to the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, for a general assessment and awarding each candidate depending on the results found. The grades of the pass-marks are as follows: 96.00-100.00(Summa Cum Laude Probatus), 90.00-95.99(Magna Cum Laude Probatus), 80.00-89.99 (Cum Laude Probatus), 70.00-79.99 (Bene Probatus), 60.00-69.99 (Probatus). The results of this examination are expected to be given out by the Pontifical Urbaniana University in the next academic year, 2023/2024.

Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe

Miembe is a name applied to the welcoming and farewell traditional celebrations among the seminarians at Kipalapala Senior Seminary. The welcome miembe celebration is normally celebrated in the beginning of the academic year, to welcome the new commers, the First Year Fraters; and the farewell miembe celebration is normally held at the end of the academic year, as a farewell to the Fourth Year Fraters. The term “miembe” is used for these celebrations because, traditionally, they are celebrated under the mango trees in our seminary environment.

Miembe is celebrated in groups of seminarians, basing on the zones in Tanzania like MWEMBE KASKAZINI, MWEMBE MASHARIKI; or basing on the unions of several dioceses like MWEMBE SIMBA (Singida, Mbulu and Arusha), MWEMBE MPAMBESU (Mpanda, Mbeya and Sumbawanga). Generally, there are 8 miembe groups of seminarians.  Every seminarian is a member and sharer in a specific “mwembe”, depending on which mwembe his diocese participates. Miembe celebrations have been a long-lived tradition of Kipalapala Seminary.

This article is specifically about the farewell miembe festival of this academic year 2022/2023 which was held on 27^th May 2023. The miembe celebration of this year has a historical significance.  It calls back the historical experience of the so called ‘MIEMBE MIKUBWA’ which (characteristically) allows guests from outside the seminary, (whereas miembe midogo is just within the seminary). The traditional miembe mikubwa had almost been forgotten after the interference by the rise of Corona Virus Pandemic. Miembe mikubwa had remained a name and a meaning which was simply a farewell miembe to the fourth-year fraters, while the traditions of the Miembe Mikubwa became dormant.

The traditions of Miembe mikubwa were as follows: Guests were welcome from outside the seminary, who included the neighbors, friends, and the family members of the graduates, who could attend. Every mwembe group had members from outside who were allowed to contribute and participate in every farewell miembe festival. The farewell miembe festivals were freely celebrated at miembe centers of each mwembe group, which were both inside and outside the seminary fence, but within the seminary compound. The celebrations were great, foods and drinks were plenty and guests were so many. With the rise of Corona Virus pandemic since 2019, the traditional miembe celebration could not really be done because of the limitations related to the pandemic. But as for this year’s festival, the traditional miembe celebration has been possible after four years of restrictions since 2019 to 2023.

There are fifty (50) fourth year fraters from all over Tanzania who were given farewell hand on the basis of their miembe groups, as they are graduating their Theological studies. The preliminary preparations took longer than before, considering the specialty of this year’s celebration which is calling back the long-forgotten traditions. The proximate preparations began in the evening of the preceding day. The schedule of the miembe day was preceded by the Holy Mass in the morning, and after Mass all fraters went for tea in the dining hall. After tea the activities of the day began in every mwembe like slaughtering, cooking, and all that is concerned with the celebrations. Some people from outside were allowed to come and assist in the preparations as organized by each autonomous mwembe group.

Every mwembe group expected and received guests both from within the seminary like workers, formators and nuns and from outside the seminary. Around 11:00am, all the miembe began to receive guests and celebrations commenced. The celebrations were exceptionally good and every one enjoyed the day. Around 6:30pm, the celebrations ended and the guests left. There was as usual the evening sessions especially for dinner. On the following day after a Sunday Mass and tea in the dining hall, all the seminarians went for the activities of reordering and getting everything back to its proper order after the celebrations.

Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe

Responding to the seminary almanac, three days were set for a special seminar based on the “APOSTOLATE TO THE YOUTH.” The seminar commenced on 13^th February with an opening prayer and a great introduction from the Vice Rector. He explained that the seminar was meant to be a moment of acquiring new knowledge and a moment of refreshing after a long week which contained the semester examinations.

Rev. Fr. Felix Francis Wagi, a Salesian of Don Bosco living and working as the headmaster at St. John Bosco Secondary School in Didia Shinyanga Catholic Diocese, was the facilitator. He gave an introductory session full of ‘ice breaking’ games and dances catching room’s attention. This was his first lesson on how to move and catch the youths’ attention. There were three sessions in a day; the first two sessions were an hour and a half, and the last afternoon session was for an hour.

In line with the theme, the term “Youth” was defined as the transition period between childhood and adulthood characterized by the qualities of vigor, activeness and freshness. The facilitator explained that being a youth implies to both age and mentality. According to the Tanzanian constitution a youth is a person between the age of 15 to 35.

The facilitator gave important hints when dealing with a number of youths gathered for a seminar or lesson. He gave 6 important start-ups which are: Identifying the age and the demanding need of the group, create a suitable timetable, grouping the youths for discussions, games and sharing insights, selection of leaders of the groups, introducing the guiding principles and lastly prepare enough games and songs.

Considering numerous problems among the youth, the facilitator spoke of the “identity crisis” among the contemporary youth as a major problem. This being the case, self-identification was put for discussion. Instigating the matter, the facilitator brought up the questions; WHO AM I? and WHAT GENDER AM I? He said these are important questions among the youths today. Responding to the matter, it was said that most of the youth today do not adhere to the definition of the youth stated above, and more even as “the image and the likeness of God” as per Gen 1:27. This results to many social challenges such as laziness, indiscipline, alcoholism, abuse of drugs, sins against chastity and many other related problems.

In order to help the youth in their course of life, the facilitator suggested the story of The Road to Emmaus Lk 24:31-35. In this story, the facilitator spoke of necessity of ‘the act of accompaniment’, as Jesus first accompanied the disciples. He heeded to what they had in mind and what was their viewpoint regarding his persecution, death, and resurrection. We too must welcome the youths, listen to them aiming at knowing their perspectives and giving them a conducive atmosphere for their eyes to be opened by the Church. This is our obligation as future pastors.

Coupled with the above-mentioned challenge, other challenges were identified such as; lack of opportunity for both learning and practicing what they learn. Another challenge is that most of the youths are vagabonds hence lack proper grounds for spiritual and moral orientation. A more serious problem is that most of the contemporary youths are confused by globalization, ‘copy and paste’ lifestyle, contradictions arising from the lack of proper grounds of faith and the ways of life which is sometimes against faith for example superstitions and many other.

Reacting to the challenges a deep reflection was made pertaining to the natural family, the role of the youth in the society and the role of the youth in the Church. He insisted on the necessity of prayer and reflecting on the word of God through Lectio Divina, educative films and special programs like seminars and bonanzas. He pointed on the vitality of sports and games in washing away inclinations and cravings towards theft, robbery, smoking, alcoholism, prostitution, drug addiction and many other. Showing the paramount importance of sports and games, the facilitator dedicated one full session for outdoor games. Several games were taught and we all participated, simple but very enjoyable games.

The seminar came to its conclusion on 15^th February 2023 where the moderator on behalf of the seminarians, gave a word of appreciations to God, then to Fr. Wagi for all his training throughout the seminar. The Vice rector, Rev. Fr. Philip Ntulama, on behalf of the Rector gave the final statement, thanking all for their participation and anticipating productivity from the techniques and the teachings obtained from the seminar. The summit was the prayer and blessing from the Vice rector at 12:43 PM.

Reported by Frt. Francisco N. Kishumba