TANZANIA: Monsignor Deogratius Mbiku the Former Vice Chancellor CUEA Passes on

Sarah Pelaji, Tanzania

Monsignor Deogratias Mbiku passed on in April 4^th 2021 at Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.

Announcing his death, the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam Archdiocese Most. Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi OFM CaP explained that Mons. Mbiku died of diabetes. During his funeral Bishop Ruwa’ichi said Monsignor Mbiku was an instrument of faith and a witness to the faith of Catholic Church in Tanzania and in East Africa.

Despite him born in a Muslim family, he managed to fulfill his desire of becoming a Christian. He responded to God’s call of serving him in priesthood life. He loved Christ and the Sacred Scriptures which he preached with courage as a priest.

He was talented in preaching, teaching the Word of God and giving out deep reflections.

“His departure has left a huge gap in different groups of religious movements, priests, religious and individuals. However, I thank God for the gift of his life for it has left a beautiful mark in the world. The history of his life will remain a great symbol of faith for the people because he came from a Muslim family but he was able to stand and live the faith of the Catholic Church until he served as a priest,” he said.

He has been the Parish Priest of the University of Dar es Salaam for about 25 years. Although he was the parish priest of the parish he served various people, nuns, individuals and others who recognized his special talent so he served none Catholics also.

He is virtuous and we have no doubt about that but because he is a human let us pray for his soul to receive mercy from God and enjoy eternal life in heaven.

“He was a good man, a priest and a role model of Christian life. My people know that those who experience trials and temptations are not only sinners, but the righteous are also tempted and experience death like him,” he stated.

For his part, the President of the Council of The President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga on behalf of the TEC has extended his condolences to Bishop Ruwa’ichi, priests, nuns, faithful and relatives of Monsignor Mbiku and faithful of Dar s Salaam Archdiocese for loosing outstanding priest who preached Jesus to the world.

Bishop Nyaisonga also said that Mons. Mbiku was known in various places because he had served in the Eastern African region, AMECEA, through the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

“Monsignor Mbiku will be remembered for his great God-given gift of teaching the Word of God to the faithful with great emphasis ‘verse by verse’ again emphasizing people ‘Go and read’. He wanted people to read the Word of God, understand and live it. He touched life of many including we bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful. That is the reason he lead several recollections in several places,” Bishop Nyaisonga said.

Biography of the Late Monsignor Deogratias Mbiku

Monsignor Monsignor Deogratias Mbiku was born on 26 August 1942 in Kilwa district, Lindi Region (formerly Southern region of Tanzania). He is the third among thirteen children of Mr. Hukumu Liwala and Mother Manate Sefu Nakilindo.

Education

Mons. Mbiku received his primary and secondary education at Kipatimu School between 1952 and 1958. He received secondary education at Kasita junior seminary and Nyegezi seminary from 1961 to 1966. He enrolled at Kibosho Major Seminary for philosophy studies from 1967 to 1968. He joined Kipalapala Major Seminary for theology studies from 1969-1971.

He was ordained a deacon on August 4, 1971 in Msimbazi Parish by the late Rev. Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa, former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.

On August 06, 1972 the late His Eminence Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa, former Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, ordained him a priest.

In 1977-1981 he went for studies in Rome where he was awarded a PhD in philosophy from Urbaniana University. From 1992-1996 he was Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University (CUEA) Nairobi Kenya. He served in several parishes and offices in Dar es Salaam Archdiocese.

He served as a parish priest of Dar es Salaam University Parish for almost 25 years.