TANZANIA: Dar es Salaam Archdiocese has concluded the Synod on Synodality process
Sarah Pelaji
The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwai’ch OFM Cap, who has received a report on the process of the Synod on Synodality, has stressed that the end of the data collection phase with this event does not conclude the Synod on Synodality process will conclude in 2023.
He said this during the Holy Mass of concluding the diocesan Synod on Synodality process held at the Pugu Pilgrimage grounds in Dar es Salaam. The event included a number of events including St. Joseph’s Feast, International Workers’ Day, the inauguration of the Virgin Mary’s Grotto built by Catholic Women in Dar es Salaam (Wawata).
‘By receiving the report on the synodal questionnaires which reflect your thoughts considering the Church in Dar es Salaam Archdiocese, it doesn’t mean that we stop praying for the synod. We must continue journeying together as one family of God,” he insisted.
“Each phase of the Synod will be implemented in stages until October when the Holy Father will receive the results of the Synod and issue a papal declaration on the Synod as a whole. I thanked the committee and congratulate everyone who participated in commenting through the Synod questionnaires,” he continued.
Most Rev. Ruwai’ch called on the faithful to continue the journey of the Synod on Synodality in the family, individual, community, region, deacon and parish to bring about the equality of walking together as the Synod demands.
He said in the process of the Synod, many shortcomings were also identified in living and acting as believers, so the visible gaps needed to be worked on and the good ones needed to be taken and developed for the Church to prosper.
“Brethren, as we thank God for all, we also thank Him for this Synod process. We also continue to pray that this Synod which will run until 2023 it will benefit the Church,” he said.
Regarding the International Labour Day, Archbishop Ruwai’chi said he is disappointed by some people who regard work as harassment or humiliation, living with the misconception that work is legal act for a slave.
“This concept is contrary to God’s plan. You must work and use the God-given talents and opportunities. We are committed to advancing the work of creation and contributing to the development of communities, families, counties, villages, districts, regions and our fellow human beings.” he said.
He added that there is no legitimate job that should be ridiculed, stigmatized and humiliated as every legitimate job is a gift from God.
Bishop Ruwai’chi also congratulated all the faithful on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, along with congratulating the Catholic women (Wawata) for their active participation in the event and the successful construction of the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
