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“Church appreciates your service”: Apostolic Nuncio in Tanzania to Catholic Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam at Anniversary

Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi of Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Archdiocese. Credit: Vatican Media

On the occasion of the Episcopal Silver Jubilee of Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi of Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam, the Apostolic Nuncio in the East African nation has reassure the Catholic Church leader of the value of his ministry as a shepherd of the people of God. 

Speaking during the Thursday, May 16 celebration at St. Joseph Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam, Archbishop Angelo Accattino lauded Archbishop Ruwa’ichi for marking “a silver jubilee of service.”

“The church appreciates your service and wishes you a long life,” Archbishop Accattino said, and added, “Your contribution is manifested through many benefits.”

The Italian-born Vatican diplomat appealed to the Tanzanian member of the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin (OFM Cap.) to continue living a life of service for the good of “the people of this Archdiocese and the entire church.”

Born in January 1954, Archbishop Ruwa'ichi was ordained a Priest in November 1981. He started his Episcopal Ministry on 16 May 1999 as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mbulu in Tanzania.

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In January 2005, he was transferred to the then Diocese of Dodoma, before it was elevated to a Metropolitan See in November 2014; he was transferred to Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza in November 2010, and installed in January 2011. 

Archbishop Ruwa'ichi was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam in June 2018, and succeeded Polycarp Cardinal Pengo in August 2019.

In his speech during the May 16 celebration, the President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) congratulated Archbishop Ruwa'ichi for his Episcopal Silver Jubilee.

“TEC congratulates you on your silver jubilee. It’s a time to thank, forgive and further work hard,” Archbishop Gervais Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga, of Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya said. 

On his part, Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, commended the Tanzanian Catholic Church leader for his service to the people of God over the years.

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Dr. Mpango acknowledged with appreciation Archbishop Ruwa’ichi’s contribution towards the establishment of St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza Archdiocese.

“Your Episcopal Silver jubilee of service has reminded us to work hard to serve people and ensure our country remains the center of peace,” he said.

The Tanzanian Vice President went on to caution citizens of the East African nation against deforestation and other activities the contribute to climate change, and instead work towards making Tanzania and the world a better place.

“As a country we must take the initiative of protecting and conserving the environment. Every one of us must be good ambassadors by protecting the environment as well as maintaining peace," Dr. Mpango said.

He also called upon his compatriots to provide care for the elderly, who stand in need of assistance in their frailties. 

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Meanwhile, in his speech, Archbishop Ruwa'ichi expressed gratitude for the grace of God since his Episcopal Consecration.  

He thanked those, who have collaborated with him in his Church ministry, including the people of God under his pastoral care and government officials.

“On this auspicious occasion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the grace granted upon me. Let us continue to collaborate,” the Tanzanian Catholic Archbishop said. 

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.