TANZANIA: “We Are to Host the 20th AMECEA Plenary” Says Auxiliary Bishop of Dar es Salaam
Pascal Mwanache & Andrew Kaufa smm
It’s twenty years since Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), hosted the AMECEA Plenary, the organizing committee in Dar es Salaam assures members that they are ready to host the 20th AMECEA Plenary assembly.
The plenary assembly is scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam, 10th to 18th July, 2022 which is barely six weeks from now.
In his address to AMECEA Secretary General Fr Anthony Makunde who met with the organizing committee at Msimbazi Centre on Friday, May 27, 2022, Rt. Rev. Henry Mchamungu the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam appreciated the progress so far made.
“The chairman of Tanzania Episcopal Conference Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga stays far in the Archdiocese of Mbeya, but we are around, and we have the pleasure to support the preparations for the plenary,” said Bishop Mchamungu.
“Today, we got reports about the progress so far made. With the speed we are moving at, I believe we shall organize a good event. Let us continue to hold each other’s hands as we continue with the preparations, collaborating and helping one another. On behalf of Bishop Eusebius Nzigilwa, I thank you all and may God bless you,” he continued.
On his part, Fr Anthony Makunde also thanked the organizing committee for their dedication saying: “This plenary is to bring together cardinals, bishops, brothers and sisters from the nine countries which comprise the membership of AMECEA but also delegates and partners from other parts of the world. A physical meeting of this nature after the Covid19 pandemic which did not allow the Sisters under ACWECA to come together but hold their plenary online is for us God’s blessings.”
“Tanzania is the biggest Conference in AMECEA region, with 34 dioceses. In 2014, Malawi which is a small Conference of 8 dioceses hosted a successful plenary; in 2018, another small conference, Ethiopia, which has only 12 dioceses also hosted a successful plenary. This is only to emphasize that people have higher expectations for Tanzania,” continued Fr Makunde who urged the committees to work even harder during the remaining weeks.
“In fact, the Executive Committee of AMECEA shall be coming here where they will hold their meeting from 20th to 23rd June, during which they will also see for themselves how prepared Tanzania is for the event,” he added.
Even though Covid19 levels have flattened globally especially in across the region including Tanzania, the organizing committee is cautious about the need for spacious venues for the opening and closing eucharistic celebrations which shall take place at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and Pugu Shrine respectively.
The study session focusing on Environmental Care and Its Impact on Integral Human Development will take place at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre from 11th to 13th July) while the business session shall take place at the Capuchin Centre, Msimbazi, from 15th to 17th July.
According to the reports given by all sub-committees which include liturgy, logistics, transport, hospitality, security and catering, all is indeed set for the event.
All AMECEA member countries do not need visa except Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti as Tanzania is member of both COMESA and SADC. However, those who are coming from countries outside the region are encouraged to check online in order to find out if they need to apply prior to their travelling or if the Visa can be issued upon their arrival.
The organizing Committee is also arranging to set a welcoming special desk for the delegates right at the arrivals of Julius Nyerere International Airport in view of fast tracking any processes with regard to Visa and transportation to venues.
Also, the delegates are encouraged to note that the weather of Dar es Salaam which is relatively hot, may go down to 18-24 degrees Celsius in the month of July.
And, “Make sure you are up to date with your Covid19 vaccines before you travel. Follow all airline requirements of transportation operators as well as any requirements at your destination including mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine,” reads part of the welcoming message.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Rev. Fr. Vincent Mpwaji said the Archdiocese expects to start receiving the bishops and other delegates from July 8.
He made the remarks in a meeting which also took place at the Msimbazi Centre grounds in Dar es Salaam and brought together the Archbishop of Dar es salaam Most Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, leaders of all parishes and superiors, in discussion of diocesan plans including the preparations towards AMECEA Plenary.
Fr Mpwaji said that every parish within the Archdiocese has to be fully prepared to receive the guests and to accompany them during their stay in Dar es salaam until the day of their departure.
