Michaels!

According to the diocesan website, there are 300 religious sisters, 48 diocesan priests, 24 missionary priests, and 365 catechists serving in the Musoma Diocese. The diocese covers approximately 25,150 square kilometers (9,714 square miles) and is divided into 5 deaneries or regions: Musoma, Tarime, Butiama (where our two parishes reside), Serengeti (home to the national wildlife park), and Rorya. Of the total population of 1,400,000 people, approximately 300,000 are Roman Catholics. The diocese ministers in 1 hospital, 7 health centers, 5 dispensaries, 18 diocesan nursery and primary schools, a diocesan secondary school, a junior seminary, and 4 colleges for teacher training and vocational education. There are, of course, more services in education and health care that are sponsored by the religious communities in the diocese.

Unfortunately, I did not have my iPhone to take photos, and when I returned to the church, it was already locked. The Mass was great. I am getting used to long homilies. I did not “time” him, but I think Bishop Michael preached for about 45 minutes because the Mass finished after 1 ½ hours. After Mass, the financial report for EACH parish was read aloud. This took another 1 ½ hours! I have to admit that I was saddened that the financial report was the only “reporting” that took place. But it is clear that money is scarce, and it is needed desperately in this mission. There were some highlights. I met the bishop before Mass, and he complemented me on my pronunciation of the traditional African greeting. (After that I thought it would be better not to say anything else in Swahili!!!) Also, Fr. Yohana gave the report for our deanery of Butiama. Finally, I was sitting in a pew by myself when another priest sat beside me. I looked over to see that it was Fr. Philip! So, he did some translating for me.

When we returned home to Buhemba, we had a celebration for another Michael!