Effective Proclamation of the Faith in Tanzania

Joel radiates an almost infectious love for people. He was born in 1992 in the Tanzanian diocese of Mtwara, one of the poorest regions of the country. His devout parents placed great importance on a Catholic upbringing and education for their three children. When Joel became an altar server at the age of seven, he soon announced to his great role model, the local parish priest, that he wanted to become a priest, just like him.

About 60% of Tanzanians are Christians. Tanzania is among the countries with the highest birth rate; the average age of its population is 17.3 years. Yet there are only a few seminaries (and schools attached to them). Since Joel could not get a place there, he attended a private school and completed his schooling. He was glad that the Benedictines in the south of the country accepted him, and three years later he transferred to the diocesan seminary. After successfully completing his studies in philosophy, his bishop sent him to the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

Since the autumn of 2020, he has been studying theology here. Young people are especially close to his heart. Joel longs to proclaim God's love in his homeland and to tell people about God's love. He wants to help them get to know and love God, and he wants to show them how to serve Him, including by loving their neighbor. Joel wants to strengthen the young generation in their faith and in their power of discernment, so that during their school years and studies they deepen their connection to their faith rather than lose it. Separated from family and parish, this unfortunately happens all too often.

Joel sees the lack of opportunities for ongoing catechesis as one cause of the decline of faith, of spreading atheism, and of the rising number of divorces. He burns with a desire to teach the faith and wants to counter this threatening development. He would like to hold catechesis sessions: locally, and through a media channel that he plans to establish and through which he could reach many people.

Despite its abundant natural resources, Tanzania is, economically speaking, among the poorest countries in the world. The main causes of the widespread poverty among the general population are corruption and irresponsible mismanagement by a few who exploit both people and nature.

We kindly ask you:

Support scholarship recipients like Joel with your faithful prayer and, if possible, with your generous donation! He can hardly wait to help bring about moral and spiritual renewal in Tanzania through effective proclamation of the faith and educational opportunities. His battered country in particular needs Christ and a living Church. Then peace can grow. Thank you for your solidarity!

Thank you very much for your generous support of students like Joel!