TANZANIA: Catholic Church in Tanzania Celebrates 50 Years Jubilee of Lay Council
His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo
Thousands of lay Catholics from 34 Dioceses in Tanzania attended the 50th anniversary of Lay Apostolate in Tanzania since its inception in 1969. The celebration took place in Dar es Salaam Archdiocese in the eastern part of Tanzania from 15 to 16 June 2019.
Archbishop of Dar es Salaam His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo while leading the Holy Mass said the establishment of Lay Apostolate in Tanzania is the fruit of the Vatican II Council and this was the beginning of the Council of the Laity which later in 1983 the Tanzania Episcopal Conference officially as Lay Council.
“The Second Vatican Council emphasizes the call and responsibility of the Lay faithful who through their Baptism are believers sent to proclaim and witness the Good News of Salvation. The Laity have a unique responsibility in sanctifying the world. Their mission is desirable in the welfare of the Church. Therefore, there is need for Clergy to cooperate with them in developing and running the Church,” he said.
He also recognized that there are some challenges in Lay Apostolate, citing the fact that some members of the laity do not volunteer to serve the Church; rather they want to be employed just like in the civil service and the business sectors.
Cardinal Pengo insisted that the Catholic laity must develop the heart and spirit of self sacrifice and join efforts with the bishops, priests and Religious building and developing the Church.
President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Most. Rev. Gervacy Nyaisonga said the Conference appreciates the Lay Apostolate because they are the large group without which the Church would fall.
“We recognize the efforts of the laity in the Church. We honour your mission which has really built the Church in the past 50 years. You have become local donors of your Church and that gives us confidence pride that the Catholic Church in Tanzania has grown up,” he said.
Most Rev. Nyaisonga also apologized on behalf of all the Clergy in Tanzania who have carried out their responsibilities contrary to the expectations of the laity despite their good intentions as he urged the laity to continue serving the Church and society, especially in purifying the world and family.
“At your position as laity, voice out all evils that we experience in the country especially kidnapping, oppression of the poor and various forms of neo-slavery such as homosexuals, social injustice, disrespect of the human dignity, Sexual abuse and raping young children, deviant sexual relationships, environmental degradation, lack of faith,” said Bishop Nyaisonga.
When Lay Council was established in 1969 the Late Bishop James Sangu was first Chairman of the Lay Apostolate in Tanzania Episcopal Conference.
The 50th Anniversary was attended by more than 20 bishops from various Diocese, priests, Religious men and women and Government officials.
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By Sarah Pelaji
