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| Bishop Gervas John Nyaisonga |
His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, the Archbishop of Dar-es-Salaam together with Bishop Emeritus of Dodoma, Rt Rev. Msgr Matias Isuja on May 1st joined faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Dodoma to bid farewell to their shepherd Bishop Gervas John Nyaisonga who The Holy Father, Pope Francis appointed on February 17th2014 to shepherd the Diocese of Mpanda.
Bishop Nyaisonga was appointed Bishop of Dodoma on 9th January 2011 when the diocese fell vacant since the then-Bishop Jude Thadaeus Ruwa’ichi, O.F.M. Cap. was named Archbishop of Mwanza in November 2010.
Speaker after speaker who spoke during the farewell ceremony paid glowing tributes to Bishop Nyaisonga whom they say did a lot of good things during the short period he served the diocese.
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Polycarp Cardinal Pengo described Bishop Nyaisonga as a true missionary who retain nothing and was prepared to go anywhere to serve God and his people. In addition, Cardinal Pengo said that Bishop Nyaisonga is young loves the elderly such as himself and Bishop Emeritus of Dodoma, Rt. Rev. Matias Isuja. He said that Bishop Nyaisonga always consulted his seniors in the ministry for advice and guidance whenever he needed to do so.
Cardinal Pengo encouraged Bishop Nyaisonga not to feel bad about being transferred from Dodoma, which is in the former capital city of Tanzania to a remote Diocese saying that it is the nature of Missionary Work and those who have responded to the call must be ready to work anywhere God requires them to serve. The Cardinal cited an example of himself who served in the Diocese of Nachingwea, currently known as Tunduru Masasi and now the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.
Bishop Emeritus of Dodoma Msgr Matias Isuja said that he was very proud to have good fruit and an encouragement to the church in the person of Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Dr Rehema Nchimbi praised Catholic Diocese of Dodoma under the leadership of Bishop Nyaisonga saying that he did championed dynamic changes for the youth especially from the universities in relation to maintaining good conducts and values.
Dr. Nchimbi who represented the government at the ceremony said that the government was thankful to God for the gift of Bishop Nyaisonga in Dodoma, as has been the biggest catalyst for changing youth, many of who imitate his humility.
Apart from Dr. Nchimbi, other government officials who attended the ceremony included in Bahi district commissioner Betty Mkwasa and Mpwawa district commissioner Hon. Christopher Kangoye. Others who spoke at the ceremony included the wife of the Prime Minister Mama Tunu Pinda who urged people of Dodoma to continue praying for Bishop Nyaisonga to continu with the spirit of good work he had in Dodoma to the new diocese he has been appointed to.
The chairman of the council of elders from the Diocese Mr. Mech Bell said that they have never heard any negative reports about bishop Nyaisonga but his dedication to serve and the fruits of his good works are very evident in the diocese.
Bishop Nyaisonga on his part praised the Church and all people of Dodoma including government officials for making his work easier in the Diocese. “I am a missionary and my work is to go anywhere to serve the People of God, I therefore appeal to you, people of Dodoma to accept my heartfelt gratitude and humility, as a part of God’s mission,” Bishop Nyaisonga said.
He said that the secret of all success mentioned by representatives of different groups who spoke at his farewell lies in the advice given to him by Cardinal Pengo on the day of his ordination and installation as Bishop of Dodoma three years. He said Cardinal Pengo told him not to do his Mission work with a view of seeking praise from people, but listening to the Holy Spirit to lead him and guide him into doing what is required of him. “This has been the secret of my success as I hold this commission from the Father Cardinal Pengo, and today I am here as I am.”
Bishop Nyaisonga was formal installed the Bishop of Mpanda on Sunday of May 4th2014. At the same time, he remains the apostolic overseer of Dodoma Diocese until a new Bishop is appointed. The catholic Diocese of Mpanda fell had been vacant since the death of Bishop William Pascal Kikoti in August 2012.
Meanwhile, Vatican has appointed Rt Rev Bernadini Mfumbusa to be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dodoma. The appointment of Bishop Mfumbusa was announced during the installation of Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga as Bishop of Mpanda.
Meanwhile, Vatican has appointed Rt Rev Bernadini Mfumbusa to be the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dodoma. The appointment of Bishop Mfumbusa was announced during the installation of Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga as Bishop of Mpanda.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications and TEC