Pioneer Catholic Bishop for Recently Erected Diocese in Tanzania Urged to Love Everyone, Listen “with kindness”

“Be prepared to go wherever and to take the redemption of Christ wherever it is needed,” the former Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who was appointed Coadjutor Tabora Archdiocese in April 2023, and has been at the helm of the Tanzanian Metropolitan See since last November told the pioneer Local Ordinary of the Episcopal See that was carved out of the Diocese of Iringa.

Born in December 1973, Bishop Mwagala was ordained a Priest for the Catholic Diocese of Iringa in July 2007.

The holder of a licentiate in pastoral theology from the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sicily in Palermo, Italy, previously served as Vicar General of the Diocese of Iringa, Parish Priest of Virgin Mary Help of Christians Ifunda of Iringa Diocese and a member of the College of Consultors of Iringa Diocese.

He was appointed Local Ordinary for the new Diocese of Mafinga in December 2023.

The 11,016 square kilometer Tanzanian Diocese has a population of 236,299 Catholics with 17 parishes, 30 Diocesan Priests, 11 Religious Priests, 350 Catechists, 136 women Religious and 5 men Religious, according to the Holy See Press Office. 

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In his March 19 homily, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Cardinal Rugambwa invited the people of God of the new Tanzanian Episcopal See to “put ourselves in God and trust ourselves in Him believing that it is He who will build the Diocese of Mafinga and guide Bishop Vincent and the people of Mafinga in developing and making this Diocese succeed.”

“Let us put ourselves before him and be ready to be guided by him in fulfillingHis will, not our will,” the Tanzanian Catholic Church leader, who was among the 21 Cardinal created during 30 September 2023 Consistory said. 

He added, “The people of Mafinga and the entire church of Tanzania will be in danger if we fail to acknowledge that the Almighty is God and the author who leads our history to prosperity and lasting happiness.”

Cardinal Rugambwa also called upon the people of Mafinga to receive the new Bishop with “joy and gratitude” and to respect him. 

“Respect him as a steward of Christ's message among us, as a minister of God who has been chosen by the Lord himself to maintain and carry on His work of teaching, sanctifying and shepherding His congregation, and thus to protect his Church faithfully and tirelessly,” the Cardinal, who took possession of his titular see, Santa Maria in Montesanto also known as the “Church of the Artists”, on February 18, said. 

In his message at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the Apostolic Nuncio in Tanzania, Archbishop Angelo Accattino, called upon the new Bishop to trust that God will guide his Episcopal Ministry. 

Archbishop Accattino said, “Starting a new Diocese is not an easy task. It involves major investment, time, and energy to create the required administrative structures. It demands the collaboration and unity of all Priests and faithful with the Bishop. However, unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

“Bishop Mwagala, you are the chosen among many. Like King David, you could ask who I am oh Lord God and what is my own that you have brought me this far. God has vested you with grace and talents to start this Diocese and to establish all the required administrative structures”, said the Italian-born Vatican diplomat.

He continued, “Courage! Surrounded by these faithful and Clergy, God will always be with you as Prophet Isaiah wrote ‘Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ Trust in God and you will see the success in your apostolate of sanctifying, instructing, and governing God’s people.” 

The Holy Father’s representative in Tanzania also urged the new Bishop to imitate Christ in his apostolate. 

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“May Christ always be your model,” he said, and added, “Remain faithful to your duties and be humble, merciful, prayerful, and a gift to all.”

“I encourage the Priests and (women and men) Religious in this new Diocese to collaborate hand in hand with your Bishop so that the kingdom of God may be announced to all,” said the Apostolic Nuncio in Tanzania. 

He also urged the faithful to collaborate in building the Diocese, saying, “God will use each one of you to build His house thanks to the precious talents received from Him. Though we are limited in some aspects of human nature, God can still use us to accomplish His plans.”

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