TANZANIA: Catholic Bishop of Mbeya Passes On
The Late Bishop Chengule
Catholic Bishop of Mbeya Diocese Rt. Rev. Evaristo Marc Chengula, I.M.C., has died. According to information from the Secretary General of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Rev. Fr. Charles Kitima, late Bishop Chengula died on Wednesday November 21 in the morning at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar-es-Salaam, where he was admitted the previous day.
Born on 1st January 1941 in Mdabulo, Tanzania, Bishop Chengula was ordained a Consolata Missionary Priest on 15th October 1971. He was appointed Bishop of Mbeya on 8th November 1996 and ordained Bishop on 2nd February 1997.
“Bishop Chengula had been unwell but largely due to old age. When he got back from the celebrations of the Jubilee in Bagamoyo, his health deteriorated and he became frail,” said Fr. Makunde, AMECEA Secretary General who hails from the Diocese of Mbeya, adding that Bishop Chengule was flown from Mbeya to Dar-es-Salaam on Tuesday and admitted at the hospital where he unfortunately succumbed the following day after being admitted at the hospital.
Two weeks before his death, Bishop Chengula had counselled the Tanzanian government not to entertain homosexual culture, saying that it is against Tanzanian culture and African values, and more so against God’s plan.
The late Bishop was speaking during the opening of the new academic year at St. Augustine University of Tanzania SAUT, Mbeya Branch.
“We should all get involved in the fight against abortion which is murder of innocent children and homosexuality as these are serious moral deviations,” he said.
He further commended the statement made by Minister for Home Affairs, Kangi Lugola who recently stated Government stand on homosexual activities, saying that such acts are against the law in Tanzania.
“Mr Lugola said in Parliament that the Government will never tolerate such acts, which are against both the Law of the land and the will of God. This statement pleased me and I am insisting that all Tanzanians, starting with University students and Government, should say NO to homosexuality in the country,” the late Bishop Chengula said.
He further forbade all students in Catholic schools and universities from getting involved in politics saying that it must not be their priorities at the academic institutions.
“The aim of going to school is to acquire knowledge so that in the future you may help society to find solutions to various challenges. Doing politics while at school can easily distract and prevent you from concentrating on your academic work. Therefore, disassociate yourselves from politics,” he advised the students adding that the Church would like to see graduates from Catholic Institutions serving the community with integrity and justice.
“We will not tolerate students getting involved in politics. We don’t want political parties like Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) or any other political parties in our Universities. I repeat, politics in schools is prohibited; study and acquire necessary knowledge for the benefit of your families and nation in the future,” the late Bishop ChanguLa cautioned the students.
According to Dar es Salaam Archdiocesan Secretary General Rev. Fr. Francis Mtavangu, a requiem Eucharistic celebration is scheduled for late Bishop Chengula at Tanzania Episcopal Conference Secretariat in Kurasini Dar-es-Salaam on Monday 26th November; thereafter the body will be taken to Mbeya for burial which will take place on Tuesday 27th November at Mbeya Cathedral.
Meanwhile condolence messages continue as people from all over the region pray for his eternal rest.
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By Sarah Pelaji, TEC and Pamela Adinda
