TANZANIA: 83 Pilgrims Represent Tanzania at the World Youth Jubilee
Youths from TEC set for pilgrim to Rome
By Dalphina Rubyema
A total of 83 Catholic youth are representing Tanzania in the World Youth Jubilee, which will be held in Rome from 28th July – 3rd August 2025, and have been encouraged to draw inspiration from the experience and use it to build the Church in Tanzania.
The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), through its Youth Department, bid farewell to the pilgrims with a celebration of Holy Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception- TEC and asked the youths to treat this pilgrimage as a new spiritual journey and an opportunity to learn from fellow youths around the world and bring back valuable insights to help nurture the Church in Tanzania.
In his homily during the Mass, Fr. Liston Lukoo, the Coordinator of the Youth Department at TEC, urged the pilgrims to emulate the Apostle James by becoming courageous witnesses of faith and by living according to what they believe, and if necessary, being willing to die in defending their faith.
“A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey. As we head to the Vatican, we will witness many aspects of our faith, including visiting the tombs of the Apostles. For you, this is a journey of faith… May God strengthen you spiritually and may you bear witness to Christ, showing that you are truly witnesses of the faith,” he said.
He emphasized that the blessings they will receive from the Holy Father should spiritually renew them and inspire a fresh zeal to proclaim Christ.
Speaking shortly before offering blessings to the pilgrims, TEC Secretary General Fr. Charles Kitima urged the youths to use the pilgrimage as a source of strength to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church, under the guidance of the Holy Father and in unity with bishops around the world.
“You are going to represent the Church of Tanzania. Therefore, go and learn from other young people around the world and bring back what is good to help strengthen the Church in Tanzania. This is your journey of hope toward the New Jerusalem. You are traveling to the headquarters of the Catholic Church; therefore, understand that this is a sacred act of faith,” he said.
He added, “Imitate the lives of the witnesses of faith, including Apostle Peter, who preached to many nations. Christ entrusted him with the keys of the Church to shepherd the flock of God. During this pilgrimage, you will visit the tomb of St. Peter, the rock of our faith.”
He concluded by urging the pilgrims to continue praying for and to entrust Tanzania to the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patroness of the nation, so that she may continue to guard the country and preserve its peace and stability.
