“Do not be afraid”: Newly Ordained Priests in Tanzania Urged to Persevere when Faced with Discouragement

Dar es Salaam, 20 September, 2025 / 8:20 PM

The Bishop of Tanzania’s Catholic Diocese of Geita has cautioned the newly ordained Priests for his Episcopal See against giving in to despair in their ministry, urging them instead to embrace “patience and perseverance” when faced with challenges.

In his Thursday, September 18 homily, while presiding over the Priestly Ordination Mass for Deacons Barnabas Magera and Raphael Kabuche, Bishop Flavian Matindi Kassala emphasized the importance of humility and prayer as one of the ways of overcoming discouragement. 

“Despair arises when human beings want to force God to act by human will. But patience and perseverance open the door for us to enter into God’s plan, even when human challenges and obstacles arise,” Bishop Kassala said during the event that was held at St. James the Apostle - Mwagika Parish of the Geita Diocese.

He added, “It is with humility and with listening to the voice of God in the Holy Scriptures that you will find courage. In your daily prayers you have encountered that voice of God; now you enter into a closer mission of serving His people.”

“Do not be afraid,” the Tanzania Catholic Church leader told the two Priests-elect, reminding them that “although there may be fear because of age or other challenges” God will always be there to empower them “to overcome them all.”

He continued, “What He wants is for you to be His servants and to serve His people. Your mission is for the people of God. Priesthood has little meaning if you look at it for your own personal benefit. It is a sacrament of service, of self-giving for the people of God.”

“If you encounter difficulties, pray that God may touch your lips, your feet, and your hearts so that you may fulfill your mission,” the 57-year-old Catholic Church leader said, and urged the two Priests-elect to become true servants of God and His people.

He said, “In the Gospel we hear Jesus teaching us that the rulers of the world govern by power. But for us it is not so. Christ teaches us that we are servants.”

“Our authority comes from service, and that is the authority of true honor. The strength we need most is not merely education or knowledge, but the grace of God,” he said.

He continued, “As the Prophet Jeremiah said: “I cannot,” and God filled him with His grace, in the same way, He will continue to strengthen you. May your service make you loved because of humility and self-giving.” 

The qualities of humility and true service are what are needed in every kind of ministry,” Bishop Kassala said, and added, “Keep watch over the flock entrusted to you. Do not rule with force, but with the example of Christ who gave Himself with His blood.”

“A Priest must share in the life of his flock, feel their struggles, and protect them even before they face difficulties,” said the Bishop of Geita Diocese.

Bishop Kassala encouraged the two Priests-elect to always strengthen their relationship with God through a life of prayer, “When you are tired or under pressure, run to prayer. Let your prayers be for the flock entrusted to you, for all those you know and even those you do not know.”

“May your prayers always be placed on the table before the Lord for the sake of the entire flock. You have been given this flock as shepherds. There are those who are inside and those who are outside, all of them are yours,” he said.