In Tragic Road Accident, Four Catholic Sisters Returning from Profession Event in Mwanza, Tanzania, Die Alongside Driver

Credit: Suore Carmelitane Missionarie Italia Malta Romania

The late driver, Boniphase Msonola, was reportedly taking them to the airport to return to Dar es Salaam, when the accident happened.

In a September 15 statement, the leadership of Kahama Diocese expresses “deep sorrow” following the tragic accident.

“At this hour of 11:00 p.m., we have received news of the deaths of our beloved four Sisters and their driver. They were involved in a car accident, colliding with a lorry in Mwanza while on their way to the airport for a journey to Dar es Salaam tonight,” the statement reads in part.

Sr. Lilian Kapongo

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According to the Tanzanian Diocese, the four MCST leaders and others “had come to our Diocese at Ngaya for the Perpetual Profession of three of their Sisters, a celebration that took place on Saturday (September 13).”

The statement traces the final journey of the four Carmelite Missionary Sisters and their driver, noting that they departed from the Congregation’s Community in Kahama late morning on September 15, the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. 

“They began their journey from here in Kahama heading to Mwanza, passing by the Bishop’s residence to bid us farewell. Tonight, while traveling from their community in Bukumbi – Mwanza to the airport, they were involved in an accident and lost their lives,” reads the September 15 statement.

In the statement, Kahama Diocese notes that one Sister survived the tragic accident and was admitted to Bugando Hospital, where she “is in critical condition.”

“Let us pray for her recovery,” the statement addressed to the Clergy, women and men Religious in the Tanzanian Episcopal See indicates. 

The leadership of the Dioceses appeals for spiritual solidarity, saying, “In this time of mourning and grief, let us pray for and console the community of the Sisters of this Congregation in Ngaya. This is truly a heavy loss for them and for all of us.”

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.