News 19-08- 2009

Archbishop Anthony Mayala of the Archdiocese of Mwanza, Tanzania is dead.

The Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa, Gérard Chabanon, offers profound sympathy to the priests and people of the Archdiocese of Mwanza in Tanzania on the death of Archbishop Anthony Mayala. The Archbishop passed away at Bugando Hospital, Mwanza on 19 August 19 2009 aged 69 years. RIP. His funeral will be on August 26.

The news of Archbishop Mayala's sudden death has just reached me. This has come as a great shock. May the Lord whom he served for all these years give him peace and rest.
When I was Regional in Nyegezi, Archbishop Mayala was always available for discussing issues and trying to reach a fair decision. He was especially a good pastor and has worked hard to develop parishes and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life so that all christians receive the care they need. His sudden death is a big loss to the Church in Tanzania.

United in prayer with you all,

Fr. Gérard Chabanon, Superior General, M.Afr

Letter from a confrere

Indeed it was a great shock for everyone in and outside the Archdiocese.
We knew that he had heart troubles.
He didn't feel well on wednesday morning. He was taken to Bugando Hospital from Kawekamo. His condition worsened during the morning and he passed away at about 2.30 in the afternoon. We had a requiem Mass in the cathedral thursday afternoon at four o'clock. You can immagine: a packed church, hundreds of people didn't manage te get a place inside the church. Four Bishops present, principal celebrant Bishop Michael Msonganzila. The other bishops of Tanzania, including the cardinal, will be present at the funeral which has been planned for wednesday 26th august. The body will be taken to the cathedral at Bugando on Tuesday morning. Prayes will be said there, and a night watch will be kept. Funeral Mass at Kawekamo the following morning at 10 o'clock followed by the burrial at the cathedral.

See Also the article : On 14th July 2008, several confreresM.Afr., responded to the invitation of the Archbishop Anthony Mayala of Mwanza (Tanzania) to celebrate the 130 years since the celebration of the first mass on 24th December 1878 at Malya.

and * 13th June 2009 : Priestly Ordination of Fr. Charles Mtaki M. Afr. by Right Reverend Anthony Mayala, Archbishop of Mwanza diocese in Tanzania