On October 14, 2019, the new Parish Church of Divine Mercy in Mwanga, Tanzania, was consecrated by the Most Reverend Rogath KIMARYO, C.S.Sp., Bishop of Same, Tanzania.
The new parish in Mwanga was originally the Shrine of Divine Mercy. It had been decreed a Shrine by the Most Reverend Jacob KODA, Bishop Emeritus of Same on April 23, 2006. It was then confirmed by Bishop KIMARYO on October 1, 2019. Its consecration as a parish church solidifies and assures the continuous efforts of evangelization in this area, where the majority of the population is Muslim or Lutheran.
The consecration ceremony was attended by the Provincial Custos, Friar Dariusz SZYMBORSKI, other friars from the Custody, diocesan priests, religious sisters and brothers, friends, and many faithful from the Diocese of Same. It was a time of joy, celebration and giving thanks to God for all he has done, especially for the people of Mwanga and the Diocese of Same. In his homily, the bishop said that many will come here to receive God’s blessing and grace and to obtain indulgences. He urged those attending to be committed to holiness, both as individuals and as the greater Church. He encourged everyone to always come to the Shrine in order to obtain indulgences and other graces from God the Merciful.
The friars of the Custody thank God for all the blessings he continues to shower on them and they thank all the benefactors who supported them during the construction of the church.
Friar Benson MAPUNDA Custodial Secretary
