Mangalore Africa Mission

In keeping with the papal call to share the gift of faith, the Mangalore Diocese has decided to take up a mission in the Same Diocese of Tanzania.

“The diocese is studying the avenues of missionary work in Same diocese through the discernment of the Spirit,” Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore told ucanindia.in Friday.

On June 27, 2012 the prelate had lead a team of five priests from Mangalore on a 10-day on-the–spot study of Same.

“In principle, we have decided to take up the missions in Same. But a final decision will be made after studying the various aspects. The process of collaboration will be worked out later,” said Bishop Aloysius.

Bishop Rogatus Kimaryo of Same had made the request to take up the mission some time back. He also visited Mangalore in April and held consultations.

Ursuline Franciscan Sister Susheela Sequeira, Assistant General of the Mangalore-based congregation, termed it as a “fine step”.

Sr. Sequeira said her congregation has taken up mission work in Same as well as three other dioceses of Tanzania from 2004 onwards. Now they have local vocations as well.

Priests have also taken up missions in Africa, according to Fr. Vincent Furtado, Provincial of Karnataka Capuchin Province. He said 11 of his priests have taken up missions in the four dioceses of Uganda. They also have local vocations.

Fr. Archibald Gonsalves, the Provincial of Karnataka Carmelite Province (OCD) said his province was working in Tanzania and South Africa for the past 30 years.

The diocese of Same spread out on two geographical districts across the north-eastern Tanzania has a population of 3,26,000 people out of which 30,000 are Catholics. Across the diocese there are 66 diocesan priests, 7 religious priests, 94 religious sisters, 55 catechists and 6 deacons.