June 16, 2012: In keeping with the papal call to share the gift of faith, the Mangalore
Diocese in the Southern Indian state of Karnataka, has decided to take up a mission
in the Same Diocese of Tanzania. “The diocese is studying the avenues of missionary
work in Same diocese through the discernment of the Spirit,” Bishop Aloysius Paul
D’Souza of Mangalore told ucanindia.in Friday. On June 27, the prelate will lead
a team of five priests from Mangalore on a 10-day on-the–spot study of Same. “In
principle, we have decided to take up the missions in Same. But a final decision will
be made after studying the various aspects. The process of collaboration will be worked
out later,” said Bishop Aloysius. Bishop Rogatus Kimaryo of Same had made the request
to take up the mission some time back. He also visited Mangalore in April and held
consultations. A senior priest of Mangalore diocese, Fr. Stany Goveas said “I had
a dream of going into some mission since long. Now that a new opening is before us
I have volunteered for it.” Ursuline Franciscan Sister Susheela Sequeira, Assistant
General of the Mangalore-based congregation, termed it as a “fine step”. The diocese
of Same spread out on two geographical districts across the north-eastern Tanzania
has a population of 3,26,000 people out of which 30,000 are Catholics. Across the
diocese there are 66 diocesan priests, 7 religious priests, 94 religious sisters,
55 catechists and 6 deacons.