AMECEA: “You are Anchor of Pastoral Solidarity,” AMECEA Chairman’s Jubilee Message to Archbishop Nyaisonga

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

Chairman of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has on behalf of the Prelates in the region sent congratulatory message to Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga of Tanzania’s Mbeya Archdiocese prior to the celebration at diocesan level of his silver jubilee of priestly ordination this Sunday September 12, 2021, describing him an “anchor of pastoral solidarity.”

In his message shared with AMECEA online on Thursday September 9, Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde acknowledged Archbishop Nyaisonga as a member of AMECEA saying, “You became a recognized anchor of pastoral solidarity in the region, more especially when you became the Chairman of your Conference in June 2018.”

“Your active participation in the 19th plenary assembly that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and your readiness, on behalf of your Conference, to accept to be the host of the next plenary assembly is a vivid sign of how you promote the spirit of unity and solidarity,” Bishop Kasonde of Zambia’s Solwezi Diocese expressed his observation, referencing Archbishop Nyaisonga’s active participation in the region.

Based on his spirit of solidarity, Bishop Kasonde noted with gratefulness Archbishop Nyaisonga’s acceptance to avail his priest Fr. Anthony Makunde to serve at AMECEA’s Secretariat as the Secretary General since 2018.

The AMECEA Chair appreciated Archbishop Nyaisonga’s 25 years of service since priestly ordination and the many lives he has transformed and guided to Christ.

“Your call to priesthood 25 years ago has indeed yielded an enormous harvest in all the Catholic Dioceses where you have ceaselessly and unflinchingly sowed the seed of Christianity and nurtured spiritual growth of thousands of people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike,” Bishop Kasonde underscored adding that Jubilee years are special in the life of humanity especially as servants in Christ’s vineyard.

“On this special occasion and as you look back to the last 25 years of your priesthood in thanksgiving and gratitude to God who calls us, I congratulate you and pray that you may continue to forge ahead with good health, more vigour and strength,” Bishop Kasonde said addressing Archbishop Nyaisonga who was re-elected for second term as the President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) for the next three years, till June 2024.

“Through the intercession of Mary Our Lady of Africa,” Bishop Kasonde implored, “May God make this a memorable event to you, the Church in Tanzania and the entire AMECEA region.”

Archbishop Gervas Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga was ordained to priesthood on July 11, 1996.