TANZANIA: Archbishop Ruwai’chi Orders All Priests to be Vaccinated
Sarah Pelaji
Archbishop Most Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwai’chi OFM Cap has ordered all priests in the Dar es Salaam Archdiocese to be vaccinated so as to protect the gift of life given by God. He insisted that God’s will is for everyone to have life and so they should respect His will by protecting their lives.
Most Rev. Ruwaiçhi said this recently during the burial ceremony of former Director of Tumaini Media Father Paul Haule, at Pugu Pilgrimage in the Dar es Salaam Archdiocese.
“Today I order every priest to be vaccinated. Stop making jocks with this Covid-19 pandemic. This is a disease which hurts us as it takes the lives of our loved ones. Let us be serious about this matter,” he insisted.
The Archbishop has rebuked all those who make fun of Covid-19 saying it is a dangerous virus and a tragedy that is hurting the human beings. He also warned those who are malicious and opposed to Coronavirus vaccination.
“We have been praying asking God to bring us the Coronavirus vaccine and now it has been found and yet we oppose it. What do we want God to do for us? God’s will is that we live… let’s ignore the noises of those who are opposed the vaccine. Get vaccinated and continue to ask God to save us from this disease,” he insisted.
He also called on all people to heed the advice of health professionals in continuing to protect themselves from this virus, while recognizing that the nation is in a difficult time that requires everyone to be fully accountable.
Earlier in the Mass praying for the soul of the late Father Paul Haule at St. Peter Osterbay Parish in Dar es Salaam, the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Philip Mpango urged the faithful to make every effort to protect priests and nuns from being infected with Coronavirus.
As he conveyed greetings from President Samia Suluhu Hassan the President of Tanzania, Dr. Mpango expressed how government is saddened by the death of Fr. Haule saying that he was a good and humble priest who preached peace and ethics in the society.
He too has urged all believers and religious leaders to continue protecting themselves and others from the virus by wearing masks at all times and taking other precautions as instructed by health professionals.
