TANZANIA: Capuchins Celebrate 100 Years of Evangelization in Tanzania
Sarah Pelaji and Dalfina Rubyema
The Capuchin Brothers celebrated 100 years of their presence in Tanzania, an event that coincided with various commemoratives including the consecration and inauguration of the Shrine of St. Father Pio San Damiano, located at their headquarters at Msimbazi, Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.
Among the key events during the consecration and inauguration of the Shrine was the burial of St. Fr. Pio San Damiano’s relics.
Following the consecration and inauguration of the shrine, Archbishop Juda Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi of Dar es Salaam Archdiocese declared the shrine, a Pilgrimage church and invited lay faithful to come in large numbers for pilgrims.
However, Archbishop Ruw’aichi a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap), said the Shrine was in honor of St. Fr. Pio who volunteered to witness Christ through charitable service and his priesthood life. He therefore warned on the use of the area for business but for spiritual matters and asked the faithful to continue praying for the priests to carry their mission effectively.
Around the shrine, the capuchins have built a pilgrim area for the way of the cross.
The shrine consecration ceremony was followed by the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Capuchin Brothers mission in Tanzania. The climax of the celebration was held at Msimbazi Centre led by Archbishop Ruwa’ichi.
Archbishop Ruwa’ichi attributed the successful evangelization by the Capuchin Brothers to Benedictine Missionaries who began Missionary work in Tanzania earlier and supported the friars when they arrived in the country. 
The Capuchins arrived in Tanzania for missionary work in 1921 from Switzerland accompanied by Baldegg Sisters after the First World War.
Benedictine Missionaries got challenges evangelizing in Tanganyika for they were from Germany, the country that was involved in World War II.
“Today we also thank the Baldegg Sisters who were and still are a great help in nurturing the Sisters of St. Francis Mahenge and the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Dar es Salaam.” Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said referencing the good work of the First missionaries.
In 1996, the Capuchins family was declared the Province of the Capuchin Brothers in Tanzania under the Patron of Blessed Virgin Mary.
Archbishop Ruwa’ichi invited the youths to respond to God’s call and to join the Capuchin family and serve God in religious life.
The Capuchin brothers also offered a special prayer for their deceased members, including those who died in accident, October 22, 2011 in the Coast region of Ruvu, including Brother Luciano Baffig, Corrado Travelli. , Silverio Ghelli and Andrea Ferri.
