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🇹🇿 Tanzania /Culture & Society

Bishop Mpwaji pledges service marked by wisdom and humility

From Mwananchi · () Swahili

Translated from Swahili and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Vincent Mpwaji has been ordained and formally installed as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.
  • Church and government figures attended the Mass at Msimbazi Centre, where speakers urged him to serve believers, work with the archbishop and strengthen the faith community.
  • Mpwaji described his appointment as a grace from God and acknowledged feeling unworthy of the episcopal office.

Vincent Mpwaji has taken up his new role as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, pledging to serve the Church with wisdom, humility and a pastoral heart.

The ordination and installation Mass took place at Msimbazi Centre in Dar es Salaam on September 4, 2026, with government and Church leaders, clergy and believers in attendance. Those present included Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, former Parliament Speaker Anna Makinda, former Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina, retired Chief of Defence Forces Venance Mabeyo and Cardinal Protase Rugambwa.

Euzebius Nzigirwa, vice president of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, told Mpwaji that the position represented a call to serve the Church and its believers. He also stressed the need for cooperation with Dar es Salaam Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi, saying the archdiocese had gained an auxiliary bishop with many years of Church experience, from seminary through the priesthood.

You have the duty to teach through your preaching and lead the flock entrusted to you on the path to eternal life.

· Euzebius NzigirwaThe Tanzania Episcopal Conference official described Mpwaji’s responsibilities as a bishop and spiritual leader.

Nzigirwa said Mpwaji would serve as a teacher of the faith and a leader of the believers entrusted to him. “You have the duty to teach through your preaching and lead the flock entrusted to you on the path to eternal life,” he said. He also urged the new bishop to maintain a thirst for God, which he described as the foundation for wisdom, love and strength in pastoral work.

Ruwa’ichi called on Mpwaji to carry his missionary responsibility with goodwill, solidarity and firm faith. He asked believers to support the bishop through prayer, saying, “Continue to pray for him and accompany him with goodwill, solidarity and firm faith so that together with him we may build the Kingdom of God.” After his ordination, Mpwaji said he regarded the appointment as a grace from God despite feeling unworthy of the sacred episcopal office.

Continue to pray for him and accompany him with goodwill, solidarity and firm faith so that together with him we may build the Kingdom of God.

· Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichiThe Archbishop of Dar es Salaam asked believers to support Mpwaji in his new role.
About this summary

Originally published by Mwananchi in Swahili. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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