Diaconate

I have been waiting for this day for many many years. When I arrived to Tanzania, and then to Kiabakari, I met this tiny altar server Agostino Barageti Masamaki Mapambano, a third grade primary student (if I remember correctly). I watched as he grew in years, faith and wisdom. And now, twenty two years later, he received diaconate along with his classmate from Musoma Cathedral, a person very close to my heart, whom I met in the cathedral some ten years back and it happened that at that time William Bahitwa chose to join the formation year and then major seminary...

Seminar For Members Of Synod Of Diocese Of Musoma

Today and tomorrow, January 21 and 22, 2013, His Excellency, Rt. Rev. Bishop Michael Msonganzila, Bishop of Musoma Diocese, has convoked a special seminar for all elected members of the Sinod of Musoma Diocese, presided by a specialist of sinods in Tanzania, a priest from Bukoba Diocese. So, here we are, some 180 people - Bishop himself, priests, sisters, catechists, members of laity, invited guests - all elected by the Bishop by name in writing. The Sinod itself will be opened officially on the Pentecost Solemnity, May 19, this year, and will last two years. Your prayers are very much needed and appreciated!

Diocesan Synod

The Bishop of Musoma, Rt. Rev. Michael Msonganzila, announced his intent to open diocesan synod on July 12, 2012, on the day of the priestly ordination in Musoma Cathedral. He elected 28 members of the preparatory committee. I found myself included. Today we had the very first meeting of the committee, chaired by the Bishop himself. I must say that it was a very interesting experience and I felt the presence and the work of the Holy Spirit himself. Synodal works were set in motion, various small theme committees were established. I hope and pray the Holy Spirit will firmly guide us and keep us focused on what is important for this time in the Diocese of Musoma. I have high hopes after this meeting. Please, put this important ecclesiastical event which will last till 2014 in your kind prayers! God bless the Synod! God bless the Diocese of Musoma! God bless us all!

Comeback

It is always nice to go back to Musoma Cathedral for a diocesan function or just with a private visit. And to see that what I left back in November 2006 is growing and getting more and more beautiful in good hands of cathedral parochial community and its pastor. Today it was time for a Chrism Mass in the cathedral, presided by the bishop himself and all the clergy concelebrating. The diocese is too big to hold this Mass on Holy Thursday morning as it would be impossible for some us to be back home in time for evening liturgy. That's why it is celebrated on Thursday preceding Palm Sunday, with a full day of retreat and then the Chrism Mass...

TJ

TJ - a very pleasant abbreviation. TJ - Tumbo Juu - means in kiswahili 'belly up', resting, unwinding, lying down... This is what I've been doing for the last half an hour or so already as all guests left the house and I'm alone, happy and satisfied that today's blessing and opening of St. Gemma Galgani convent in my mission went well, with no glitches nor problems. Everybody is happy and me as well! Here are some pictures from today...

No Country For Old Men

When the echo of a final word of the Prayer after Mass of altar servers faded away in the sacristy of our church, I grinned to myself and groaned incomprehensibly - 'no country for old men...' Three and a half hours in sauna temperatures of in fully packed church with zero air circulation. Give me a break! I felt even my teeth sweating in this condition...