TANZANIA: Newly Installed Bishops Urged to Serve in Love
By Pascal Mwanache
History has been made in the Catholic Diocese of Bukoba after the event of the consecration and installation of Bishop Jovitus Mwijage as the Local Ordinary of the Diocese on Saturday, January 27.
Giving his remarks at the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Nuncio to Tanzania Archbishop Angelo Accatino said that it has been 50 years since such an event occurred when the last time Bishop Nestory Timanywa was consecrated and installed to be the bishop of that diocese in 1974.
The Nuncio expressed his appreciation to God for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who enabled the Holy Father to appoint Bishop Mwijage as the new Bishop of Bukoba.
“I cannot stop expressing my gratitude for what makes this diocese unique not only at the national level but also at the continental level. From 1951 to 1960 shepherding the Catholic faithful in this area, His Eminence Laurean Cardinal Rugambwa was elected as the first African Cardinal coming from here as the bishop of Rutabo and later the name changed to Bukoba until now” he narrated.
Archbishop of Tabora His Eminence Protase Cardinal Rugambwa, who was also the consecrating bishop, said in his homily, that the effectiveness of each one’s service will depend more on the love for the one they represent while urging Bishop Mwijage and all people to remain in love.
“Love for the Lord is manifested in love for his people. Love all that God entrusts to you today. Love the priests, listen to their needs, encourage them, and correct them gently with patience,” the Cardinal said addressing Bishop Mwijage adding,” May your love and unity enrich your apostolic work.”
The Cardinal further advised the new Bishop, “love the lay people sincerely by inviting them and encouraging them to participate fully in the life of the mission of the Church so that the diocese of Bukoba can have a real synodical image of walking together.”
Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania Dr. Dotto Biteko congratulated the new Bishop and the people of Bukoba, saying that they have found a teacher, guardian, economist, and innovative person who is reliable and ready to teach and direct them to the right way not only of spiritual life but also of social life.
“We wish you all the best and we believe that reflecting what your predecessor did, you will continue where they left and go forward to bring together the Catholics of Bukoba diocese and Tanzanians in general to have a Nation with freedom, justice, brotherhood, and peace” said Dr. Biteko said.
On his part, Bishop Mwijage appreciated the good and noble work the Christians have done and asked the faithful to cooperate in developing the diocese from where his predecessors left.
“Let us unite our talents to develop our diocese spiritually, pastorally, and economically, knowing that unity is strength and separation is weakness,” ” he said.
On the same occasion the President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga, announced that the Holy Father Francis approved the retirement request of Bishop Method Kilaini who has been the Auxiliary Bishop of Bukoba Diocese.
Born on December 2nd, 1966, in Ishozi village, within the confines of Missenyi District, Bishop Mwijage was ordained as a priest on July 20th, 1997, he has served diligently in various parishes, imparting wisdom and compassion to all those under his care.
Before his appointment Bishop Mwijage held key leadership positions within the Catholic community, serving as the National Executive Director of the Association of Diocesan Priests (UWAMATA) and contributing his expertise as a member of the Regional Council of Seminaries and the International Economic Committee of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) and served as Secretary of PMS at Tanzania Episcopal Conference.
