Four men were ordained as Spiritan Priests in Arusha Tanzania on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The presider was Mwadhama Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, retired Bishop of Dar es Salaam.

 

The new priests were presented with Mass kits by Fr. Florentine Mallya, C.S.Sp., Superior of the Tanzania Province. These were the first men to receive the kits provided by the Spiritan Office of Mission Advancement (SOMA).

As Fr. Mallya was making the presentations, he quipped, "This has everything you need to celebrate the Mass except for the altar"! The contents are conveniently and safely contained within a sturdy backpack.

 

SOMA received requests for Mass kits from newly ordained Spiritan priests who have to travel from their assigned parish homes to outstations to celebrate Mass in far-flung communities. The celebration could take place in a hut, under a tree or in the open air requiring the priest to travel with all that is required for the celebration.

 

In response to these requests, SOMA then made an appeal to fund Mass kits for those newly ordained and for priests whose mission assignments would be enhanced by receiving one of the kits. Generous donors provided $8,000 allowing us to respond to future requests from Spiritans throughout the Congregation.

Our prayers are with these new priests as they enter their ministry preaching the gospel and walking with those at the margins of society.