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| Rt. Rev. Joseph Mlola, ALCP/OSS, Newly Consecrated Bishop of Kigoma |
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mlola ALCP/OSS was on 26th October 2014 consecrated bishop of Kigoma Diocese Tanzania. Most Rev. Paul R. Ruzoka, Archbishop of Tabora was the principal Consecrator during the colorful ceremony which was attended by hundreds of faithful from across the diocese and beyond.
Archbishop Francisco Montecillo Padilla, Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania and Archbishop Protase Rugambwa who is the immediate former bishop of Kigoma were both Principal Co-Consecrators during the ceremony.
While handing over various pastoral documents to the newly consecrated bishop, Archbishop Ruzoka who was also the apostolic administrator of the same Diocese said that the faithful of Kigoma have found a new hope in the new bishop.
"Episcopate means service, not ruling or glory. May you be guided by the words of Blessed Paul VI, which says true love seeks not own benefits, but those of whom you love. This is your responsibility as the pastor of this church to which you are entrusted today," the archbishop said.
Archbishop Ruzoka noted that through the slogan which the new bishop chose as a guide in his mission, Bishop Mlola will continue the work of Christ and serve the Church faithfully and with integrity.
"Your motto which is love, unity and peace, meets the need for a leader in your mission. And we have a great joy to connect with you in the college of bishops, so that the work of Christ, through you may bring the true conversion in today's world, "he added.
The President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), who is also the Bishop of Iringa, Bishop Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa, stated that Bishop Mlola is a gift of God to the people of Kigoma and the Church in general. He urged the new Bishop to maintain unity among all residents of Kigoma.
"We bishops of TEC, cheerful welcome you to our college of bishops; we are with you, praying for you and sharing in the responsibility of directing the church. We recognize the good work done by your predecessors, and it is fortunate for you that some of them are alive and will always journey with you," said the President of TEC.
Bishop Ngalalekumtwa also thanked Archbishop Paul Ruzoka who supervised all activities of the diocese during the period in which it was without a bishop.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, Archbishop Francisco Padilla, urged Bishop Mlola to remain advocate of truth because it is what the service to the Church entails.
"Always stand for the truth, and in this there is no debate, this is what we are called for as shepherd by Christ, who himself is the model of a good shepherd. The temptations are many, and there is nothing other than the truth that will guide you in your service," the nuncio said.
Bishop Mlola was born on 9th January 1966 in Mashati Rombo and was ordained a priest on 12th July 1997. He was appointed Bishop of Kigoma on 26th October 2014.
Source: Pascal Mwanache - TEC