USA RIVER, TANZANIA
Bishop Dennis Durning House

Retirement Residence for Elderly & Infirmed Missionary Priests
Usa River, Arusha, Tamzania

Project Coordinator: Fr. Kastory Kisuda, CSSp., Provincial Treasurer

Project Cost: $280, 120

Acquired to-date: $144,500

Needed Funding: $135,620

The retirement residence is being built at Usa River approximately 20 kilometers  from Arusha Town, easily accessible by road. Three acres of land have been carved from the land owned by the Spiritans and on which their minor seminary and health center are located.
The project responds to a lack of a suitable facility for retiring and sick priests, many of whom require medical care which will be provided by the heath center. They will also require handicap accessibility and trained staff to care for them.

The Tanzanian Province includes 143 Spiritans ranging in age from 25 to 96. Of those, 18 are above 60 years of age. An additional 18 are between the ages of 55 and 59.  Even younger priests  find themselves with serious ailments such as heart conditions which also require special care. The Bishop Dennis Durning House will provide such care.  (Pictured: Fr. Joseph Babu, CSSp. ,96)

Bishop Dennis Durning House will consist of:

• Chapel for Mass and other spiritual use
• 13 handicap accessible bedrooms
• Kitchen and dining room
• Recreation room
• Exercise and physical therapy rooms
• Laundry facilities
• Infirmary
• Reception and visitors parlor
• Grounds for walking and gardening

(Pictured: Fr. Josephat Msongore, CSSp. ,87, inspecting the building’s dedication plaque)

The project is being constructed in three phases

Phase I: Cinder block construction of foundation and walls — $144,500 (Completed)

Phase II: Installation of roofing — $34,425

Phase III: Installation of doors, window, fixtures, painting — $48,587