Cardinal in Tanzania Calls for Generosity and Sacrifice in Support of Church Mission

Tabora, 20 July, 2025 / 9:55 PM

Protase Cardinal Rugambwa of Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Tabora  has called on the people of God in his Metropolitan See, especially those not bound by the vow of poverty, to embrace a spirit of generosity in support of the Church’s evangelization mission.

In his homily during the Holy Mass for the Perpetual Vows of 14 Sisters of the Daughters of Mary – Tabora (CDMT)in his Metropolitan See, Cardinal Rugambwa reminded the people of God of their calling to make sacrifices in support of the Church and those in need.

“Even for us who are not bound by religious vows, we are fortunate today to be reminded of the evangelical counsels. To free ourselves from selfishness. To release ourselves from being ruled by wealth,” he said during the Wednesday, July 16 event that was held at the Daughters of Mary’s house in Kipalapala.

Cardinal Rugambwa underscored the need for a spirit of self-sacrifice for the good of others, “especially those in need and for the building of our Church,” emphasizing that the Church relies on the generosity and resources of the people of God.

Alluding to the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year the Tanzanian Cardinal described the journey of the women Religious in their consecrated life as a “pilgrimage of hope.”

“We celebrate these great events in this Holy Year 2025 as we continue our journey as pilgrims with strong hope to uplift our spiritual lives,” Cardinal Rugambwa said, referring to the July 16 occasion, which also included thanksgiving celebration for nine sisters marking their golden jubilee and three others commemorating 60 years of consecrated life.

He encouraged the jubilarians to continue placing their hope in “the same Lord whom they trusted, loved, and served,” expressing confidence that He will continue to guide their pilgrimage toward eternal life and everlasting joy.

To the 14 Sisters who took their perpetual vows, he said, “our faith is that, along with the joy they have in giving themselves now for all their lives in dedication to God, they also desire to continue growing in special love for the Lord.”

He urged them to remain steadfast in dedicating their lives fully to building the Church, advancing the Kingdom of God, and contributing to the salvation of the world.

“All of these, we must celebrate—for what they have already done and all they expect to be done or to happen, without a doubt through the grace and help of God—and all for His glory,” he said.

Cardinal Rugambwa, who was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Tabora in April 2023 and elevated to Cardinal in September 2023 acknowledged with gratitude the contribution of the CDMT members to the evangelization mission of the Church, saying, “We thank Almighty God for the blessings He has poured on the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, including those we celebrate today.”

“These are blessings, my brothers and sisters, received by each one who obeyed His voice, and they reach all the families of the world wherever the Daughters of Mary carry the charism of the founder, their mission, love, and mercy,” he noted.

He called on the Sisters to always seek unity with God through listening to His Word, receiving Holy Sacraments and undertaking frequent spiritual exercises.

“Truly, by doing so, they will find comfort and joy in their life and mission, including joyfully accepting even the things that seem bad or uncertain,” said the 65-year-old Catholic Church leader, who began his Episcopal Ministry in Tanzania’s Catholic Diocese of Kigoma.

Cardinal Rugambwa invited the people of God in his Metropolitan See to pray and intercede for the women Religious “that their intentions may be fulfilled according to their desire and God’s will.”

He said that Sisters, like other human beings, “are weak. They have weaknesses just as we do, and because of this, we must pray for them.”

“Let us ask God the Almighty Father, He who called them to serve, knowing their limits and shortcomings, to enable them always to love His will. And the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Bridegroom who never tires of calling them to Himself, will receive them whenever they feel tired,” he implored.