TANZANIA: Bishop-Emeritus of Sumbawanga Celebrates Golden Jubilee of Priesthood

Rt. Rev. Damian Kyaruzi of the Catholic Diocese of Sumbawanga in western Tanzania has celebrated 50 years since he was ordained a priest on January 29, 1968. The celebration has taken place on 29^th June 2019 in Sumbawanga Diocese

Bishop Kyaruzi thanked God for his blessings and support during the 50 years of his priestly service and 22 years as bishop.

“I was ordained a priest in 1968. On 21^st January 1997 Pope John Paul II appointed me Bishop of Sumbawanga Diocese and I was installed on 29^th June 1997. I don’t take anything for granted. I am aware that if I were not given the strength, courage and deep faith by God Himself, I could not celebrate this day. I also appreciate my family, friends, formators in the seminary, priests, my brother bishops and the laity for their support,” he said.

The President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference Most Rev. Gervacy Nyaisonga said that, the Catholic Church in Tanzania appreciates the service of Bishop Kyaruzi who has served the Church as a priests for 50 years.

“This Jubilee was to be celebrated in June this year but on the same day, there was the installation of Rt. Rev. Beatus Urassa ALCP as new Bishop of Sumbawanga Diocese. During his priestly ministry and leadership, Bishop Kyaruzi has been a treasure in the mission of the Church within and outside Tanzania,” Bishop Nyaisonga explained.

He also said that the retired Bishop is a leader who has has helped to sanctify God’s people by his teachings, leadership, prayers especially his love for meditation on the Sacred Scriptures and his pastoral experience.

“He has done a great job in Sumbawanga and the fruits of his life and mission are evident from the very maturity of the faith of God’s people in Sumbawanga Diocese. There has been a great increase in vocation, solidarity and love. All these have contributed to the well-being, development of God’s people within his Diocese and neighboring dioceses. The family of God in Tanzania thanks Bishop Kyaruzi for his sacrifice, life and mission to God’s people in Tanzania,” he said.

Bishop Kyaruzi was born in 22 April 1940; ordained a priest on 29 June 1968; installed as bishop of Sumbawanga Diocese on 29 June 1997 and retired on 19 Apr 2018. His successor, Rt. Rev. Beatus Urassa ALCP was installed the new bishop of Sumbawanga on June 24^th 2018.

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By Sarah Pelaji