Tabora, 27 September, 2025 / 9:45 PM
The Apostolic Nuncio in Tanzania has commended St. Paul’s Senior Seminary of Theology, Kipalapala, in the Country’s Catholic Archdiocese of Tabora, for forming “generations of Priests” since it was established 100 year ago.
In a message read out by the Secretary at the Apostolic Nunciature in Tanzania during the Seminary’s Centenary celebrations on Thursday, September 25, Archbishop Angelo Accattino said that the Missionaries of Africa (MAfr/White Fathers) founded it in 1925, St. Paul's Kipalapala Seminary “has formed generations of priests who have served the Church in Tanzania with zeal, compassion, and steadfast fidelity to the Gospel.”
“The Seminary has been singularly graced in having formed one Cardinal, numerous Bishops, and more than 1,500 Priests, a legacy which speaks eloquently of the spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation imparted within its sacred halls,” Archbishop Accattino said.
The Clergy formed at Kipalapala Seminary, he said, “have offered their lives in service to the Church's mission, bearing the light and wisdom of the Gospel to countless communities and settings across this noble land.”
The Italian-born Vatican diplomat noted in the message that the centenary celebration is not merely a remembrance of a rich and noble history, but also a profound testimony to the enduring grace of God and to the generous, faithful service of all who, over the decades, have labored in the Lord’s vineyard to form future shepherds of His flock.
“I hope that the centenary celebrations may be a source of renewed strength and inspiration for all, and that the seminary may continue to flourish as a holy place where vocations are fostered, faith is deepened, and future pastors of the people of God are formed in holiness and in the spirit of self-giving service,” he said.
In the message, the Nuncio conveyed, with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude, his greetings to the Seminary’s formators, acknowledging their dedication and perseverance in carrying out this delicate and essential ministry.
“Theirs is a labor that requires discernment, patience, and attentive care. Day by day, they accompany young men with tireless devotion on their path of vocational discernment, helping them to purify their intentions, mature in faith, and grow in awareness of their sacred calling,” he said.
He implored, “May the Lord bless their efforts, and may their work, marked by pastoral sensitivity and spiritual wisdom, bear abundant fruit for the life and mission of the Church in Tanzania.”
To the seminarians, the Nuncio said, “I offer my warmest greetings and fervent prayers for the path of formation upon which you journey. This is a sacred time, a privileged season in which you are called to grow in knowledge and understanding of Christ the Lord.”
He urged the Seminarians to nurture within themselves the virtues that filled the heart of the Good Shepherd—meekness and humility—and prayed that these virtues would shape both their souls and their future ministry.
“May your love for the Word of God increase day by day, that it may truly be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path,” he said, and added, “May your communion with the Most Holy Eucharist deepen evermore, for it is the source and summit of our faith, the fountain from which flows all grace and strength.”
The Nuncio urged the Seminarians to cultivate a deep desire to become true shepherds of souls, conformed to the compassionate heart of Christ, so that they may one day guide His people with merciful love.
He also urged the Seminarians to nurture “a burning missionary seal, ever ready to proclaim the good news of the gospel.”
“Strengthen the bonds of fraternal charity among yourselves, for these bonds will sustain you not only in the years of formation but also in the joys and challenges of the priestly life that lies ahead,” he said.
He urged the Seminarians to “Walk forward in faith with joy and confidence, knowing that the Lord walks with you each day. He is ever faithful, and his plans for you are filled with hope and life.”
To the Priest alumni of the Seminary, Archbishop Accattino offered a word of encouragement, saying, “May your pastoral ministry be a living witness of the gospel, capable of forming parish communities that are truly alive in faith, families rooted in Christ, and young people open to the Lord's call.”
“May these communities become genuine sources and seedbeds of new vocations, where the voice of the good shepherd can be heard, essential in awakening hearts to the beauty of a life given in service to God and his church,” he said.
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