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

On every 25^th Jan, the Church celebrates the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. St. Paul the Apostle is the patron saint of our seminary. Therefore, the feast of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle is the feast of our seminary. This event was celebrated in a special way in this year as it marks the 98^th anniversary of our seminary. It was coupled with the installation of the Ministries of Lectorship (99 seminarians of the 2^nd year) and Acolyte (40 seminarians of the 3rd year).  The installation of the ministries was officiated by his Lordship Bishop Christopher Ndizeye, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kahama. On this day also there was an inauguration of the New Mgulunde Hostel Building, along with welcoming and congratulating His Lordship Christopher Ndizeye as the newly ordained bishop. It was a memorable day, as a result of the wonderful support and generosity of the Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema and his staff. The event had its very onset in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration presided over by his Lordship Christopher Ndizeye.

In the Homily His Lordship insisted on the imitation of the faith and courage of St. Paul in preaching the gospel, and defending faith. In relation to the work of catechizing, he reminded us to avoid negligence that has been common in the Church nowadays. There has indeed been negligence in the work of catechizing and administration of sacraments. Material gains and selfish personal enrichment have been the focus of some ministers, while justice and responsibility being overlooked. By avoiding these weaknesses, we shall be able to reflect the virtues of St. Paul in defending faith and spreading good news responsibly. He encouraged the spirit of willingness in accepting and internalizing the priestly formation that is ongoing, so as to facilitate the attainment of productive, sincere, hardworking and matured priests.

After the Mass followed the rite of blessing and inaugurating the new Mgulunde hostel for seminarians. Right after mass, we took photos in memory of the day, and all proceeded to the new building for the inauguration. At the inaugural event, those who offered exceptional support to the work of building, were awarded with certificates of appreciation by His Grace Paul Ruzoka, of the Archdiocese of Tabora. After the inauguration of the building, there followed a session for meal in the seminary dining hall, where also the seminary congratulated His Lordship Ndizeye for his episcopate.

The day was crowned with the football match between those installed into ministry (2^nd and 3^rd year) against the rest of the seminarians (1^st and 4^th year), which ended up two goals to one, to the victory of the first- and fourth-year Fraters.

Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe

It was on 1^st Dec., the day scheduled for the academic talk, prepared by the academic committee under the guidance of the seminary authority. The seminary had prepared the topic on fire and fire extinguisher to be taught to the seminary community. To achieve the planned need for the topic in question, the seminary authority through the academic committee, invited the facilitators from the fire brigade unit in Tabora town. There came three fire brigade officers to facilitate the training: A/INSP. VIOLETH MACHECHU, SGT. THERESIA GIDO KIPETA, SGT. MAYASA A. CHOKA. The participants of the training were: all the seminarians of Kipalapala Seminary 2022/2023, some priests, some nuns, and some workers of the seminary. And the event took place in the seminary conference hall.

The schedule of the event was organized into two sessions: the first session based on the theoretical explanation, questions and discussions on the topic, and the second was based on practical training. The event commenced at 9:30am, opened by Rev. Fr. Honest Lubuva, the seminary academic dean, who led an opening prayer, and welcomed the facilitators for self-introduction. Immediately after the introduction of our facilitators, the first session began.  Sgt. Kipeta began by making it clear that the proper mission of the fire military unit is: to extinguish fire, to save life, to inspect all aspects concerned with fire, and to provide proper training to the citizens on fire and fire extinguisher. She went on explaining the proper definition and meaning of fire, classification of fire, and the equipment of fire extinguisher. Sgt. Choka took over and explained the actual causes of fire, classification of the instruments of fire extinguisher and the way of providing the information in case of fire.

There came the part of questions and discussions. Questions were raised from different corners of the floor and Sgts, Choka and Kipeta, with great competence gave sufficient replies to the questions and discussions from the floor. The first session was then closed by a closing prayer led by the moderator of the event. There followed a break of about 25mns, after which all were gathered outside the hall, at the place prepared for the practical training. The seminary authority had prepared all the requirements for this practical training. There was about one hour of practical activities and explanations on the events of fire and the way to quench the fire by using the instruments that were prepared, mainly portable fire extinguishers.

To put into practice the training they had received, few seminarians and one nun had the chance to extinguish the fire which was prepared by the facilitators for practical training. After the practical training, Sgts. Choka and Kipeta had questions of interest to the participants of the training, along with the discussions and questions from the participants. After all these, A/Insp. Machechu gave a word of gratitude to the participants, insisting on the safety structures in our houses. Rev. Fr. Honest Lubuva gave a word of thanks to the facilitators and appreciated their competence in their field. He closed the session by giving a short closing speech and a closing prayer.

(Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe) 

Miembe is a name applied for the welcoming and farewell celebrations among the seminarians at Kipalapala Senior Seminary, basing on their legal groupings. The welcome miembe celebrations is normally celebrated in the beginning of the academic year, to welcome the new comers, that is, the First Year Fraters. This is famously so called MIEMBE MIDOGO. The farewell miembe celebration is normally held at the end of the academic year, as a farewell to the Fourth Year Fraters, famously so called MIEMBE MIKUBWA. The term “miembe” is used for these celebrations because, traditionally, they are celebrated under the mango trees in our seminary compound.

Miembe is specifically, 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. They are: Mwembe Kaskazini, Mwembe Mashariki, Mwembe Bawa, Mwembe MSMGB, Mwembe Simba, Mwembe Mkorosho, Mwembe Mpambesu and Mwembe Muungano.   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 based on the welcome miembe celebration of this academic year 2022/2023, which took place on November 19^th 2022. There are 109 first year fraters from all over Tanzania, who were welcome on the basis of their miembe groups, as they are beginning their Theological studies. The 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.

Every mwembe group expected and received guests from within the seminary like workers, formators and nuns. Around 2:00pm, all the miembe groups began to receive guests and celebrations commenced. The celebrations were as usual good and every one enjoyed the day. Around 6:00pm, the celebrations ended and the guests left for other programs of the day. 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 went for the activities of reordering and getting everything back to its proper order after the celebrations.

(Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe)

The inauguration event is normally scheduled at the very beginning of every academic year. It involves orienting the new comers to the order and regulations of the seminary community, and it is usually an official opening of the new academic year. It is the event which is normally prepared by the Seminary Academic Committee in close collaboration with the Rector’s office. The inauguration event which is an academic activity is usually attended by all members of the teaching staff and all students. The Rector of the Seminary is the head of the event. Three offices which are, the office of the General Spiritual Director, the office In-charge of Studies and the office of Discipline are usually given the forum a to address this academic convocation. Seminarians too are provided with the forum to air out their views concerning the new academic year.

In this year the inauguration day has not followed the normal schedule, as to be held at the very beginning of the new academic year. This is because the first-year fraters enrolled to Kipalapala Seminary in 2022/2023, reported on 28^th October 2022 instead of 30^th Sept. 2022 which is the traditionally accepted date for opening of the seminary (the last Friday of September each year). This was to give room for the finishing of the ongoing construction of the new hostel, in order to have a comfortable accommodation for seminarians. The inauguration event was therefore held on 10^th November 2022 in the seminary conference hall, and was attended by nine formators and all seminarians. The event began at 10:00am with an opening prayer and an introductory speech by Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema, the rector of the seminary.

The timetable was organized into three parts as follows: An introductory part which consisted of an introductory speech, along with introducing the whole seminary community on the basis of the sub-communities, like priests, nuns, workers, and seminarians. This year, Kipalapala Seminary has received a total of 310 seminarians; 119 first year, 100 second year, 40 third year, and 51 fourth year. Another part was for speeches and greetings from other priests. All priests had chances of addressing the seminarians, basing on their offices of administration in the seminary. They urged them to observe all that is necessary for the seminary formation. The third part of the timetable was for the seminarians to air out their views as far as the academic maters and the general seminary life is concerned.

The senior seminarian gave a speech on the event, representing the other seminarians. He expressed gratitude to the formators for being there for us. He also thanked them for all that is being done to let us have a conducive environment for both studies and formation. The SS asked formators to continue to fatherly accompany seminarians in their journey of formation. Before the closure of the inauguration activity, Rev. Fr. Rector gave a closing speech, in which he gave important clarifications and answers to the questions and suggestions from the seminarians. Fr. Rector thanked all for attending the inauguration event, urging all to observe all that has been defined as the order of our new academic year. A closing prayer was led by Rev. Fr. Elias Nada and the event was closed at 1:00pm.

(Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe)

With the dawning of October 30^th 2021, Kibosho Senior Seminary Community received God’s graces all the more with the coming of WAWATA (Catholic Women’s Community of Tanzania) from Hai Vicariate – Catholic Diocese of Moshi. This was so in accordance with their annual calendar, that, each year they must pay a visit to at least one of the formation centers (Major Seminaries or Minor Seminaries or Formation Houses); to pray with them and for them, encourage them and offer their material support in forming the future priests; a charitable evangelical act which they call “KUNYONYESHA” (which is a Swahili word for “breastfeeding”). And this year the turn to Kibosho Senior Seminary was of Hai Vicariate, following last year’s Moshi Vicariate visit.

Having received the information of their coming from our beloved Rector, Rev. Fr. Joseph Msafiri Mahela ALCP/OSS, the whole seminary community was anxious and eagerly awaiting to receive them, and so we did. The delegation arrived spontaneously one parish after another from 09.00 a.m. When they had arrived greatly in number, we began by praying the Holy Rosary of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by the Holy Mass.

The Mass was presided by Rev. Fr. Deodatus Masondole, one of the Seminary formators. In his homily, Fr. Masondole insisted on the truth that, the Church has entrusted to women the mission to carry on the work undertaken earlier by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. That, just as Virgin Mary had done, Catholic women today are to take care of the Sacred Vocations, more especially priestly and religious vocations. This is in no other ways than through their prayers, moral guidance and material support. This will help priests and those on the way to priesthood (who have renounced everything for Christ’s sake) be more faithful, enthusiastic, passionate and zealous in their vocation and ministry.  Fr. Masondole then congratulated, encouraged and prayed for the visiting WAWATA who are holding fast to that mission.

After the Mass, we had a luncheon together. In it the leaders of the visiting WAWATA gave the report of the delegates. They were about 373 delegated Catholic women from Narumu, Umbwe, Kindi, Manushi, Kifuni, Mango, parishes. From the abundance of their love for God and the Church, they offered some money, bags of maize, beans, rice, wheat flour, sugar, soap and some liters of cooking oil.

On behalf of the visiting WAWATA, one of them gave a word basing on the call Samuel (1Sam 3). She exhorted the seminarians to be obedient to their formators, just like Samuel and formators be caring, loving and lead seminarians into the right path for discernment in their call, just as how Eli was.

(Reported by: Frater Vitalis Kitulizo)

The 25^th day of the month of January is the feast day of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle which also serves as the feast day of our Seminary. This event was celebrated in a special way as it marks the 97^th anniversary of our seminary, coupled with the installation of the Ministries of Lector (39 seminarians of the 2^nd year) and Acolyte (52 seminarians of the 3rd year) which was officiated by his Lordship Bishop Henry Mchamungu, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. It was a memorable day, as a result of the wonderful support and generosity of the Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema and his staff. The event had its very onset in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration presided over by his Lordship Bishop Henry Mchamungu, who stressed clearly during his homily on the necessity for proper discernment in the journey towards priesthood, of which contrary to it, would only bring about even greater burden to the Church, to the society and even to the individual. He encouraged the spirit of willingness in accepting and internalizing the priestly formation that is ongoing, so as to facilitate the attainment of productive, sincere, hardworking and mature priests.

After the Holy Mass followed a section of nicely prepared entertainments. Thereafter followed the remarks from the Senior Student, from Fr. Rector, and finally from the Bishop – who expressed his hearty thanks to God for granting him an occasion to return to the Major Seminary where he received his formation towards priesthood 27 years ago. The Bishop concluded this section with a prayer, and thus opened the third section by blessing the food. All proceeded for the common meal that was prepared in the seminary dinning room around 3pm in the afternoon.

The day was crowned with the football match between those installed into ministry (2^nd and 3^rd year) and the rest of the seminarians (1^st and 4^th year), which ended up two goals to one, to the victory of those instituted to the Ministries.

Prepared by Frt. Chigbo Marcellinus

The blessing of the site and foundation followed soon after the Holy Mass which was presided over by His Lordship Bishop Henry Mchamungu, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, on Wednesday 26^th January 2022. After the concluding prayer, the rector of the Seminary, Rev. Fr. Herman Kachema, delivered a short speech asking His Lordship to bless the site and the foundation stone. As one family, the entire members of Kipalapala Seminary community joined in the event as his Lordship was saying the prayer of blessing which was preceded by a short speech, describing the status and the title accorded to the hostel under construction in the loving memory of His Grace Mario Mgulunde, who was the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Tabora between the years 1985 to 2006.

Reported by Frt. Godfrey Fredrick Mkwe

On 20^th March, 2022, Ntungamo seminary received visitors from the Tanzanian Episcopal Conference. These were the Archbishop Paul Ruzoka of Archdiocese of Tabora and Bishop Lazarius Msimbe of Morogoro diocese.  They came purposely as a normal routine of the visit of bishops from the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in every academic year. It was a three-day visitation in which they had meetings with different groups in the seminary including Formators, Nuns, seminarians, and workers. The visitation ended on 22^nd March, 2022.

During the Holy Mass Bishop Msimbe who was the Main Celebrant urged us to always be responsible and to avoid the habit of complaining but rather encourage the habit of responsibility, patience and optimism towards handling different challenges. Discouraging the complaining behavior, he insisted that people with such behavior are likely not to reach their goals in their lives because, they use most of their time complaining instead of planning and implementing best ways towards success. He also urged the seminarians to abide to the rules and regulations of the seminary, as they are the pillars through which one in the formation towards priesthood must always keep.

Together with the two bishops, other Visitors who celebrated the Holy mass on 20^th March 2022 included, Fr. Thomas Kihangiyo the Diocesan Administrator of The Diocese of Tanga, Fr. Thomas Bilingi from Geita Diocese and Fr. Revocatus Mwemezi from Bukoba Diocese.

On 21^st March, the bishops and the whole community came together for a communial meal. In this occasion bishop Kilaini who accompanied Archbishop Ruzoka and Bishop Msimbe, was awarded a gift from the seminarians and was congratulated in a special way for having achieved a golden jubilee of priesthood.

On another occasion, His Lordship Archbishop Paul Ruzoka of the Archdiocese of Tabora, urged the seminarians to have proper use of the social networks and platforms such as You Tube, facebook, and Twitter, especially by looking through those things that are in line with their vocation, but also those concerning their studies including; learning different foreign languages via the internet. He also encouraged the seminarian to read novels and other English books in order to improve their English skills since it has a great role in priesthood vocation. Pertaining different challenges facing our seminary, especially those which were given out by the community members, the bishops promised to put them into consideration and present them in the episcopal conference where they will be discussed.

Generally, the bishop’s canonical visit was a blessing and a remarkable event in the seminary. The encouragement from the bishops was like an energizer which strengthened the seminarians to keep pushing towards the Holy vocation and always work hard to improve themselves every day in order to fit in the contemporary challenging society.

On behalf of the whole community Fr. Felix Magobe thanked the bishops for their fatherly concern and dedicating their time being with us from the beginning to the end.

Finally, when bidding us farewell, Bishop Lazarus Msimbe repeated his quotation from St. Augustine that “pray as though everything depended on God and work as though everything depends on you” directing these words to the whole community to pray and work hard for the prosperity of our beloved Seminary. Then Archbishop Ruzoka gave the final blessing and that marked the end of this year’s canonical visitation.

Prepared by: Frt. Emmanuel Mangu