Cardinal Rugambwa calls for active youth community participation

MOSHI: ARCHBISHOP of Tabora Cardinal Protase Rugambwa has urged parents, guardians and religious leaders to involve children and young people more actively in church and community life, saying they are the foundation of the nation’s future.

He made the remarks during a Mass held at Christ the King Cathedral in Moshi to mark the silver jubilee of Bishop Ludovick Joseph Minde, who was consecrated bishop on August 5, 2001.

“Children and young people should not be left on the margins of society, but should be guided and prepared to take up responsible roles in their families, communities and the Church,” Cardinal Rugambwa said.

He added, “Celebrations such as this silver jubilee remind us that strong families, responsible parents, dedicated guardians and the Church play a central role in shaping future generations,” Cardinal Rugambwa said.

Delivering the main homily, Bishop Anthony Lagwen of the Catholic Diocese of Mbulu congratulated Bishop Minde for marking the milestone through thanksgiving and prayer.

“Bishop Minde listened to God’s call and has faithfully served the Church for 40 years, including 25 years as bishop. We join him in thanking God for that gift and service,” Bishop Lagwen said.

He noted that the responsibilities of a bishop are demanding and that serving in the office for a quarter of a century was a significant achievement worthy of celebration.

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Other church leaders, including Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) President Bishop Wolfgang Pisa and Archbishop Isaac Amani of Arusha, praised Bishop Minde’s leadership and urged the faithful to continue praying for him as he continues his ministry.

Bishop Pisa described Bishop Minde as a humble, compassionate and prayerful leader committed to guiding believers in holiness.

In his remarks, Bishop Minde thanked the faithful of the Catholic dioceses of Kahama and Moshi, fellow bishops and clergy for their cooperation and support throughout his ministry.

“I sincerely thank all the faithful and my fellow bishops for the cooperation they have given me over the years, which has enabled us to continue serving the Church of God,” Bishop Minde said.

Bishop Minde was appointed Bishop of Kahama by Pope John Paul II in April 2001 and consecrated on August 5, 2001. Pope Francis later appointed him Bishop of Moshi in December 2019 and he was installed in the diocese in early 2020.