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Spearhead Building God's Kingdom “without wavering": Archbishop in Tanzania to New Bishop

Bishop Thomas Kiangio of Tanga Diocese in Tanzania. Credit: Jugo Media/Facebook

The newly ordained Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tanga in Tanzania has been encouraged to not waver in his Episcopal Ministry, spearheading the building of the kingdom of God in the Tanzanian Diocese fearlessly. 

In his homily during the Episcopal Consecration of Bishop Thomas Kiangio on Sunday, September 3, Archbishop Jude Thaddaeaus Ruwa’ichi urged the new Tanzanian Bishop to seek inspiration from his predecessors.  

"Continue to build the kingdom of God without fear, without wavering," Archbishop Ruwa’ichi said during the ordination event that was held at St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral of Tanga Diocese. 

The Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar-es-Salaam reminded Mons. Kiangio that his Episcopal Ministry to which he has responded is a call "to love Christ, a call to love and serve his flock."

"Build on the foundations of your predecessors. Continue to proclaim the word of God,” the Tanzanian Catholic Archbishop told the Bishop-elect.

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He called upon Mons. Kiangio to acknowledge that everything, including his June 7 Episcopal appointment, belongs to Christ and that he needs to dedicate himself to serving the people.

“Our bishop-elect has nothing to show off for being made a Bishop. Knowing that all belongs to Christ, the Bishop-elect is called to accept his call with joy. He should carry out his mission sincerely and serve God's people without holding back,” said the member of the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin (OFM Cap.). 

He continued in his address to Mons. Kiangio, "Do what God has called you to do. Take care of the Diocese of Tanga, develop it, and strengthen the church of God in the Diocese of Tanga."

Following his September 3 Episcopal Consecration, Bishop Kiangio succeeds Bishop Anthony Mathias Banzi who passed on in December 2020.

Born in March 1965, Bishop Kiangio was ordained a Priest for Tanga Diocese in July 1997 after completing his philosophical and theological studies at St. Anthony Major Seminary in Bukoba Diocese and St. Charles Mwanga Major Seminary in Dar-es-Salaam Archdiocese, respectively.

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At the time of his Episcopal appointment on June 7, Bishop Kiangio was serving as the Diocesan Administrator of Tanga Diocese.

In his speech after his Episcopal Consecration, the new Bishop of Tanga said that he had chosen “Love, Peace, Unity” as his Episcopal motto to emphasize the importance of the three virtues.

He explained, “Love, Peace, and Unity begin from within. Jesus tells us to love one another. When we love each other there will be peace and unity.”

“I chose these so they can build us during my time as your Bishop,” said Bishop Kiangio. 

He continued, “Our lives on earth have a beginning and an end. Let us avoid all that does not please God. Let us be just, peaceful people who live by pleasing God.”

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Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.