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Major Superiors in Africa Express Solidarity with Sisters’ Congregation in Tanzania after Four Members Die in Accident

Four members of the Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (MCST) in Tanzania who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in the country’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza. Credit: Suore Carmelitane Missionarie Italia Malta Romania
Nicholas Waigwa

By Nicholas Waigwa

Nairobi, 18 September, 2025 / 11:44 pm (ACI Africa).

The Confederation of Conferences of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) has expressed spiritual closeness with the Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (MCST) in Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mwanza following the death of four members of the Congregation in a tragic road accident.

The Monday, September 15 accident is also said to have claimed the life of the Congregation’s driver.

In a condolence message on Wednesday September 17, COMSAM President, Sr. Rita Tadi Yamba says the confederation is “shocked and saddened” by the news of the road accident in which the MCST Superior General and the Secretary died alongside two other Sisters.

“Consecrated Life in Africa, through COSMAM/COMSAM, expresses its deep affection, support, and prayers at this very painful time,” says Sr. Yamba in the message addressed to the Conference of Major Superiors of Tanzania, MCST, and the biological families of the Sisters.

The Member of the Pious Society of the Daughters of St. Paul (FSP/Pauline Sisters) adds, “We give thanks to the Lord for the life and vocation of these servants of God who dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord.”

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She continues, “We entrust their souls, as well as that of the driver, to God, the merciful Father, and pray that He may grant them eternal rest.”

The four MCST members are the Superior General, Sr. Lilian Kapongo, the Secretary identified as Sr. Nerina, Sr. Damaris Matheka and Sr. Stellamaris.

The Sisters met their death while they were travelling from Tanzania’s Catholic Diocese of Kahama where they had witnessed the September 13 Perpetual Profession of three of their Sisters.

The driver, Boniphase Msonola, was reportedly taking them to the airport to return to Dar es Salaam, when the accident happened in the Kaluluma-Bukumbi area of the Tanzanian Mwanza Metropolitan See. The vehicle they were traveling in collided with a truck.

One Sister survived the tragic accident and was admitted to Bugando Hospital, where she “is in critical condition.”

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In the September 17 message, COMSAM President prays for God’s comfort and strength for the families of the deceased and the religious community in the East African country as they mourn the tragic loss of their loved ones.

She says, “May God comfort and strengthen their biological families and the religious community in this time of sorrow. We are with you in prayer and solidarity.”

“In this year of hope, we pray that these consecrated women may receive the eternal crown from the One they served as Spouse and King. May endless light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.” Sr. Yamba Implores.

Nicholas Waigwa

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.

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