Mangalore-Africa Mission formally inaugurated in Tanzania

Fr Onil D’Souza

Tanzania, Jul 23: Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore formally inaugurated “The Mangalore-Africa Mission” at Kifaru, in the diocese of Same, Tanzania, on Sunday July 21.

The Bishop cut the ribbon and opened the main door of the newly built church, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Dr Rogath Kimaryo, bishop of Same diocese then blessed the Church. This was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist attended by a large number of priests, religious sisters, brothers and over a thousand people.

During the mass 24 children and six adults were given the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Bishop of Mangalore. The joy of the celebration was felt from the exuberant and lively participation of the people with the local cultural touch. The Bishop of Same read out the decree of the erection of the new parish which has 4 substations, having 432 Catholics.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’ Souza, then released the bye-laws of Mangalore-Africa Mission and handed over the lighted candle to the four priests of Mangalore diocese (Fr Alwyn M J D Souza, Mission Superior, Youth Apostolate and Public Relation Officer; Fr Hillary Lobo, the first parish priest of the newly created parish; Fr Ronald Pinto, Director of Educational Apostolate; Fr Victor Machado, director of Socio-Cultural and Developmental Apostolate and called upon them to spread the light of Christ to the People of Kifaru in the diocese of Same. In his message Bishop said, “we are here in response to the call given by Jesus, through the Bishop of Same to do good to the people as He did”. On this occasion the Bishop also blessed the foundation stone of St. Joseph Boys Science Secondary School building which is going to come up in the coming days.

Fr Peter OFM Conv., parish priest of Mwanga, the mother parish who was responsible for initiating the process of creating the new parish was honored with a shawl and the garland.

The Ursuline Francisan Sisters (UFS), who have been working for the past 10 years in Africa, and who were instrumental in bringing Bishop Rogath Kimaryo to Mangalore, which finely led to Mangalore diocese to take up Africa Mission were a great support to the first missionaries to get initiated in to the mission work in Africa. The Sisters were gratefully thanked for the same.

Bishop Emeritus Jacob Koda, Msgr Everest Abedi, vicar general of Same diocese, Fr Vincent Monteiro, director, Pastoral Institute, Mangalore, Fr Onil D Souza, director St Antony’s Jeppu, Mangalore, Sr Wilberta BS superior general, Bethany Congregation, Mangalore; Sr Edilburga UFS, former superior general; Sr Veena UFS, Africa regional superior; Constantine P Mbogambi, officer commanding of district (police commissioner); Angelina Sampa, district land officer; Kuriya Rajabu, the village diwani; Andrea Santiyangu, village chairman; Hermanus Johnes, village secretary and Mathew Mvambat, ward wxecutive, were present.

The celebration started at 9.30 am with a 2 kilometer long procession followed by the Eucharistic Celebration which ended at 2 pm followed by cultural programme. All the people present were served with a festal meal.