At Centenary Celebrations, Kipalapala Seminary in Tanzania Hailed for Forming “generations of Priests”

“I hope that the centenary celebrations may be a source of renewed strength and inspiration for all, and that the seminary may continue to flourish as a holy place where vocations are fostered, faith is deepened, and future pastors of the people of God are formed in holiness and in the spirit of self-giving service,” he said.

In the message, the Nuncio conveyed, with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude, his greetings to the Seminary’s formators, acknowledging their dedication and perseverance in carrying out this delicate and essential ministry.

“Theirs is a labor that requires discernment, patience, and attentive care. Day by day, they accompany young men with tireless devotion on their path of vocational discernment, helping them to purify their intentions, mature in faith, and grow in awareness of their sacred calling,” he said.

He implored, “May the Lord bless their efforts, and may their work, marked by pastoral sensitivity and spiritual wisdom, bear abundant fruit for the life and mission of the Church in Tanzania.”

To the seminarians, the Nuncio said, “I offer my warmest greetings and fervent prayers for the path of formation upon which you journey. This is a sacred time, a privileged season in which you are called to grow in knowledge and understanding of Christ the Lord.”

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He urged the Seminarians to nurture within themselves the virtues that filled the heart of the Good Shepherd—meekness and humility—and prayed that these virtues would shape both their souls and their future ministry.

“May your love for the Word of God increase day by day, that it may truly be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path,” he said, and added, “May your communion with the Most Holy Eucharist deepen evermore, for it is the source and summit of our faith, the fountain from which flows all grace and strength.”

The Nuncio urged the Seminarians to cultivate a deep desire to become true shepherds of souls, conformed to the compassionate heart of Christ, so that they may one day guide His people with merciful love.

He also urged the Seminarians to nurture “a burning missionary seal, ever ready to proclaim the good news of the gospel.”

“Strengthen the bonds of fraternal charity among yourselves, for these bonds will sustain you not only in the years of formation but also in the joys and challenges of the priestly life that lies ahead,” he said.

He urged the Seminarians to “Walk forward in faith with joy and confidence, knowing that the Lord walks with you each day. He is ever faithful, and his plans for you are filled with hope and life.”

To the Priest alumni of the Seminary, Archbishop Accattino offered a word of encouragement, saying, “May your pastoral ministry be a living witness of the gospel, capable of forming parish communities that are truly alive in faith, families rooted in Christ, and young people open to the Lord's call.”

“May these communities become genuine sources and seedbeds of new vocations, where the voice of the good shepherd can be heard, essential in awakening hearts to the beauty of a life given in service to God and his church,” he said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.