When the Bagamoyo Caravan reached Malya (or Maria) MALYA-KAGEYE-KIGONGO-BUKUMBI

On 14th July 2008, several confreres responded to the invitation of the Archbishop Mayala of Mwanza (Tanzania) to celebrate the 130 years since the celebration of the first mass on 24th December 1878 at Malya. This was part of the first caravan of Missionaries of Africa to Equatorial Africa that had reached Bagamoyo, 67 kms north of Dar es Salaam along the coast of the Indian Ocean, on 17th June 1878. They were welcomed by the Spiritan Missionaries who had been there 10 years before them. From there, they later set out on for the 850 kms that separated them from Tabora. From there they continued to other parts of the then Tanganyika. On of these places was Malya in Sukuma land.

Malya offered the Missionaries a place to spend the night, and from there they journeyed on to Kageye on the shores of Lake Victoria before taking the boat to Uganda. Five years later, due to the hostile circumstances in Uganda, they returned to Bukumbi. The 125 years since the arrival of the Missionaries of Africa in Bukumbi was celebrated on 15th August 2008 as the climax of the celebrations of the "Safari za Upendo" - "The Journeys of Love".

The Archbishop of Mwanza, Anthony Mayala, had already said in the invitation letters sent out that the event did not concern just the Missionaries of Africa, but that it was a diocesan event. He really made it a diocesan event. Some priests had travelled the 130 kms distance from Mwanza to Malya in order to be there for the event; so had some political and civil authorities. The Eucharist was joyfully celebrated in the open air with some joyful tunes that got everybody participating in the singing and praising. During the Eucharist, The Archbishop conferred the sacrament of confirmation to many youngsters and adults.

Before the end of the Eucharistic celebration, the Parish Priest and the Christians of Malya offered a statue of our Lady of Africa to the Missionaries of Africa. They recalled that when the first Missionaries arrived there and asked what the name of the place was, the people responded "Malya". However, the Missionaries, for one reason or the other heard "Maria". Was it because of their devotion to Mary, Mother of the Missionaries under whose protection Father Lavigerie had put his two Missionary Institutes? … or was it because they were convinced that, like some Bantu tribes, the Wasukuma interchanged "l" with "r" thus instead of "Maria" they would say "Malya"? Whatever the real reason, the parishioners joyfully recalled this initial linguistic misunderstanding and offered a beautiful statue of Our Lady with arms outstretched as though to welcome all to Usukuma. Richard Baawobr, on behalf of the Society, thanked the parishioners and then Nicholas Aayire, the Sector Counsellor, expressed words of appreciation and challenged them to be missionaries in their turn today. The parable of the Sower (cf. Mt 13:1-23) offered a good opportunity to ask oneself what type of ground is offered to God's word that is sown in the heart.

The generosity of the people did not stop there. Upon the invitation of the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, each member of the assembly came forth and shook the hands of the Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa and of the M. Afr. As they did so, they offered us whatever they had and thanked us for having come and brought the Good News to Sukuma land. Although the sun was now at its hottest, we remained there and greeted everybody. Those who had foresight took out their caps to protect their heads. The rest of us just had to count on the good will of the occasional cloud that passed and covered the sun, thus giving us some shade for some minutes.

At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, all those who had come from far were invited to a meal offered by the parish. As we went back to Bukumbi, Mwanza and Nyakato, we were grateful to God, to the Archbishop of Mwanza and to the parishioners of Malya for this meaningful celebration. The next such commemorative celebrations were already announced for 17th July in Kayenze (Kageye) with the climax on 15th August 2008 in Bukumbi.

The people were saying in their own way: "how beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News" (Is 52:7; Rom 10:15). May this experience re-dynamise us to face the new challenges of mission today and to associate others more and more in this mission we have received from God.

Lake Victoria - Nyanza - Lakeside at Kageye
(30 December 1878 - 17 July 2008) (Pascal Durand)

The journey started in Marseilles in Easter 1878, but the missionaries reached Kageye only a few days after Christmas, on their way towards Uganda. A remembrance plaque relating the event can still be seen today in Kageye. Nowadays, Kageye is little more than a peaceful rural village, without any significant commerce or industry, though with a fast growing population. But in 1878, Kageye was the most important port on the southern coast of the lake.

The missionary caravan consisted of Fathers Livinhac, Lourdel, Girault, Barbot and Brother Amans.

Part of the caravan which reached Kageye on the 30th of December 1878 as they are represented in the remembrance chapel in Bukumbi, built in 2008.

Facing persecution by King Mutesa from the end of the year 1882, the Missionaries of Africa decided to retreat to the southern shores of the lake, and they arrived at Kageye again on the 4th of January 1883. Though the missionaries were well received by the Arab Bin Sif, they did not think it convenient to start a new mission in a Muslim dominated area and therefore decided to go to Bukumbi.

Thus, 2008 marks two different anniversaries. 130 years after the first passage in the area (and besides Kageye, a Christmas Mass was celebrated in the village of Malya in 1878, an event which was also remembered and commemorated, on the 13th of July 2008). But 2008 is also 125 years since the second passage which was also the time of the first settlement of the missionaries in Bukumbi. On the 17th July 2008, the Archbishop of Mwanza, Anthony Mayala accompanied by diocesan priests and Missionaries of Africa, MSOLA sisters and lay associates came to celebrate in Kageye. We were welcomed by our confrere, Fr. Winfried Huber, now parish priest of the area (the parish is called Kayenze, formerly Kikundi). It was a very impressive event regarding organization and numbers of participants.

The solemn thanksgiving Mass recalled the fact that faith here was the fruit of so many sacrifices performed by members of our Society. Nicholas Aayire, in his Missionaries of Africa outfit, addressed the congregation in order to give a word of thanks and also an invitation to youth and their families to be generous in giving to the Church in their turn.

A most touching moment came, following the Mass, as the different members of the Lavigerie family were invited to receive gifts and hundreds of handshakes from all the participants, starting with the Archbishop, as a gesture of gratitude.

Bishop Anthony Mayala personally thanking the Missionaries of Africa for their evangelizing work and inviting parishioners to do the same.

The feast continued with rejoicing songs and dances performed by groups of local parishioners, to the greatest satisfaction of numerous children, as their faces may attest. It was a great missionary moment, carefully prepared and arranged. A brief visit to different buildings and monuments in the area followed. Different constructions were initially meant for a local historical museum, which was to complete the one of the neighbouring Bujora. Protestant missionaries shortly preceded the passage of the White Fathers. But the project did not really survive its nationalization shortly after the independence. It was wished during this memorable day that the project would eventually be revived. It cannot but be the wish of us all that after all these years, people of Kageye area feel also concerned about proclaiming the Good News in the whole world. May this beautiful day be one of fruitful contribution to this mission.

JUBILEI BUKUMBI- CHANZO CHA IMANI
JUBILEE BUKUMBI- THE BEGINNING OF FAITH

THE WELCOME OF THE CHIEF
At Kigongo - Pascal Durand
(1 February 1883 - 14 August 2008)

On the 10th of January 1883, Father Girault of the Missionaries of Africa, signed a pact with his own blood with the Chief of Bukumbi called Kiganga. This was done in the following manner: after a cut being made in the chests of both Girault and Kiganga, a drop of blood was put in two beer cups and then, they both drank. This was to mark the welcome of the Chief to the missionaries in the area of Bukumbi.

Chief Kiganga of Bukumbi Kigongo. The rock on which the agreement was made

Today, 125 years later, the Missionaries of Africa still benefit from this hospitality, as they continue to live and work in Bukumbi, a village at about 30 kilometres south of Mwanza. Our Society came to be invited to remember this event through a series of celebrations and festivities marking the jubilee of 125 years of missionary presence in Bukumbi.

Today's Chief of Bukumbi, Charles Kaphipa, is the great grandson of Kiganga. He is one of the most enduring chiefs of the area, as his reign started in 1944. He organized a warm welcome at his traditional headquarters (Ikulu), a place called Kigongo, about 3 kilometres from Bukumbi, on the shores of the Lake Victoria. 9 Missionaries of Africa, and about the same number of MSOLA Sisters attended, plus a few associate members visiting at the time.

We were honored by the presence of the Archbishop Athony Mayala of Mwanza and the recently ordained bishop of Musoma, Michael Msonganzila, as a son of the parish of Bukumbi.

Chief Kaphipa was wearing the traditional black and red colours, together with a Leopard skin. The colour black is associated with rain-making activity. The colour red symbolises his responsibility to safeguard peace. He took time to tell us in lively detail the history of the place, the way it all started and the way the missionaries were welcomed: 'let them settle in Bukumbi, they are people like us', Chief Kiganga is said to have proclaimed at that time. But the pact of January 1883 was also a political and even military agreement which meant that the White Fathers were bound to support the Chief in case of conflicts against other local leaders.

We were all introduced to the tombs of the ancestors of the present chief. Fr. Don Anderson and Sister Jocelyne, the respective provincials of the Missionaries of Africa and MSOLA Sisters, were both invited to place wreathes on the tomb of Chief Michael Kiganga, as a sign of thankful reconnaissance. Also, the rock on which the blood pact was made and the place where prisoners were put to death were presented to us. After the presentation, the first stone of a remembrance chapel located on the very rock where the blood pact was made was blessed by the Archbishop Anthony Mayala.

Then followed a thanksgiving Mass, which was celebrated in Kigongo, at the Chief's headquarters (Ikulu). The opening of the Mass, marked by the traditional drums of the Chief, was most impressive (some drumbeats are used only in the presence of the chief). The Chief and his wife were then the ones bringing the Gospel, as a sign for the people of Bukumbi to be missionaries in their turn. The Archbishop stressed in his homily the fact that it is just a handful of dedicated, zealous missionaries who made the difference in terms of faith in this area. In the same way, we now are all called to the same dedication and zeal in order to make a difference in the challenging times of ours.

Dancing together for 125 years

After the Mass, there was a happy and rejoicing moment led by the Bujora cultural group and the Catholic choir of Ng'wasonge. A few of us took the lead to show their joy through sharing the dances. Then, the party was invited to offer gifts to Chief Kaphipa and his family, in thanksgiving for their hospitality and generosity. The gifts were intended for the construction of the memorial chapel. After the presentations and thanksgivings, the Chief invited the guests for a meal to end the day. A 125 years friendship pact is a rare enough event. What happened in Kigongo on the 14th of August 2008 tells us that, even now, the story is not over…

14 of August 2008, Ikulu wa Mtemi, Kigongo.
Srs. Gosia and Columba MSOLA
(Another perspective)

We arrived around 10am and were warmly welcomed by the inhabitants of the place; from afar, the big rock with the cross was visible. Just at the foot of it, the people prepared the place for Mass and the celebrations. Facing Lake Victoria, one could experience God's constant love and peace which was so present.
The place is very historical in remembrance of the first caravan of the Missionaries of Africa who arrived in this place 125 years ago on their way to Uganda. They were welcomed by the Chief who became a Christian and was baptized Michael. Below the rock with the cross, are the graves of chiefs and their wives, queens of this land.

Here everything speaks; the whole nature reminds us of the past. Drawings on the rock side, fresh breezes from the lake speak too of the calmness and welcoming of this people. "Let them stay they are also human beings, do not disturb them". People were reluctant to let the Missionaries of Africa of the first caravan stay. But the Chief took the initiative to welcome them recognizing that they are also human beings and this was the beginning of Christianity in the Sukuma land. The chief made the missionaries 'his children' and, still now, there is strong bond between the missionaries and the Chief. This was very striking for most of us, the generosity of the Chief and his faith in God that led him to welcome the people whom he did not know, and so different from him.

Some of us saw the link between the Chief and Abraham who welcomed the strangers. The present Chief shared with us the history of the first caravan and the blood covenant between his grandfather and the Missionaries of Africa who were chased from Uganda and came to this land and remained as part of his family.

During the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Anthony of Mwanza and Bishop Michael of Musoma, together with people from the surrounding villages, the Missionaries of Africa and we MSOLA, we experienced once more the unity of the Catholic Church and we heard again the call to be missionary. The Gospel on that day spoke of those who listen to the word of God and keep it. The Archbishop reminded us about Pope John Paul II's words: "The first missionaries came to share their faith with great zeal." He said that we have faith but we still need to learn how to express it, and how to become more Christian and missionaries.

The spirit of the first caravan was present; the majesty of this moment entered our hearts. The big ceremonial drums used only on special occasions, the Chief dressed in the leopard skin, the song composed to honour and to tell the story of the first caravan made this day unique and united us together.

Even more significant was moment when the Chief and Don Anderson, the Provincial of Missionaries of Africa, as a confirmation of their precursors in unity, made a new covenant… This time not with blood, but with cakes: one in shape of a heart and the other of a church and open Bible, which they cut and shared with all the people as symbols of our shared responsibility for transmitting the Good News. We came back home enriched with refreshed missionary spirit, zeal, strengthen, faith, new friends, richness of Sukuma culture; and very happy to be part of the caravan of today as a component of this beautiful history.

15 August 2008, Bukumbi Parish of the Assumption of Mary
The "Parokia Mama" in Mwanza (Pascal Durand)

As it was common usage to place early missions in the protecting care of Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption is the name of the parish of Bukumbi. The 15th of August ought not to be forgotten, and so much so that this year, 2008, marks the 125th of its existence. The Missionaries of Africa have the pastoral responsibility of this parish since its foundation, even though its size has considerably diminished over time.

The day really started about half a year before the date itself. Pastoral animation and preparations of all kinds were in place in the parish right from the beginning of the year. For instance, a 'Jubilee Cross' visited each Christian family of the parish, and it took about three months to do so. Special efforts for inviting children to baptisms or adults to regularize their marriage situations were also made. Youth had a special pilgrimage day around Easter, followed by various competitions. Besides, on Saturday 9th of August, about 700 children coming from 13 different parishes of the diocese participated in an especially joyful celebration day. All these activities, among others, were to end with a solemn celebration on the 15th of August.

Guests started to arrive at Bukumbi at about 8:00 a.m., beginning with the Bishop Damian Dallu and his caravan from the diocese of Geita. Slowly, the place was filled with numerous representatives, clergy, religious people and parishioners. It is not easy to estimate a number, but there must have been at least 2000 people for the Mass which started at 10:00 am sharp. The open-air Mass was presided by Bishop Michael Msonganzila of Musoma, a son of Bukumbi, supported by Archbishop Anthony Mayala and Bishop Dallu, together with about 60 priests. We started once more with the impressive Sukuma traditional drums of the Chief. After the procession, the presiding bishop blessed the memorial chapel built this year to commemorate the arrival and settlement of the first caravan. 6 paintings of various dignitaries and missionaries are represented inside the chapel.

The Mass was another occasion to appeal for the missionary spirit of the present-day Bukumbi parishioners. 'Jubilei ya Bukumbi: Chanzo ya Imani' was frequently repeated. Bishop Dallu from Geita (an offshoot of Mwanza) particularly insisted on the fact that, for a large area in Western Tanzania, it all started from here, Bukumbi. But despite all this, there is still much work to be done as for instance, innocent albinos continue to be killed in the area because of superstitious beliefs.

Towards the end of the Mass, a number of 'jubilarians' were invited to receive the honour of a special certificate marking their merits. It included individuals faithfully serving a Christian commitment for many years, such as baptism, marriage or as catechists. Then, priests who have served Bukumbi parish were invited, followed by priests and religious sisters who are counted as sons and daughters of the place, (including Bishop Msonganzila). It was most moving indeed to observe elders slowly and painfully reaching the altar to receive thanksgivings from the bishop. Missionaries of Africa and MSOLA Sisters were consequently introduced. The extended Lavigerie family numbered about 30 in all.

Following the Mass and a time of rest and refreshments for the clergy, we enjoyed a most memorable entertainment performed by the Bujora Dancers group: the boa-snake dance which captivated the congregation and transformed some normally gentle children into wild ones, as they were hungry for a sight!

Following the boa-snake dance, Don Anderson, provincial of the Missionaries of Africa, accompanied by Nicholas Aayire, his counselor for the Mwanza area, were invited to receive gifts from parishioners. A wooden stool was to signify the chiefly status of the provincial for the people of the area. It was the opportunity for many to personally thank the Missionaries of Africa for their work, through a handshake very often accompanied by a donation. Bishop Msonganzila reminded the congregation that next year he will be celebrating 25 years of priesthood and, as a son of the parish of Bukumbi, he expressed the desire to celebrate right here. Therefore, we are all assured that the party will go on!...

Celebrations ended with a meal offered for about 400 invited guests in the hall of the girl's secondary school run by Benedictine Sisters. In the meantime, food for about 1000 parishioners was distributed around the parish hall. When we do not enjoy the benefit of the 'miracle of the loaves', it is not so easy to offer material food for so many people. However, the pastoral team and related organizers hope that this event provided a meaningful renewal of missionary strength for the great number of participants, including those from our missionary congregations. Bukumbi pastoral team and parishioners express their heartfelt thanks for the active participation of the Missionaries of Africa and the MSOLA Sisters in this event.

The fresh morning proclaiming a good and beautiful day
to go to Bukumbi to celebrate 125 yrs of faith and love in Mwanza diocese.
Srs. Gosia and Columba MSOLA
(Another Perspective)

The first thing which we saw, on reaching Bukumbi was the work of so many people organized and decorating the place, ready to welcome all guests. Again gathered around the altar from many different parts of Mwanza and Tanzania and even the wider world, we experienced the unity of the family of Jesus.

The Mass was concelebrated by about 60 priests and 3 bishops. And again we heard the call to be welcoming as Mary was welcoming Jesus and proclaiming the glory of God by our lives. The Archbishop called all to follow the example of Mary in her faith, welcoming and caring for life. He mentioned the importance of receiving life and accepting those who are different like Albinos, recently killed in that region and aged women also in danger of their lives. As Christians we need to protect and preserve life and this requires us to be rooted in faith and keep on sharing it with others. We are all called to be missionary.

After the Mass, there was a special attraction - the traditional dance and with the python, though several seemed to be afraid of this huge snake! Missionaries received words of thanks and some gifts as a gratitude for their missionary zeal and the faith in Jesus they brought to this land. Then we had time to socialize and share a meal. We returned to Mwanza in the evening happy and with new energy to go on with our mission.

A sight of the assembly during mass
Fathers Jan Somers (acting parish priest of Bukumbi) and Don Anderson as they prepare themselves to enjoy the cake of the jubilee !!!

17 August 2008 - Missionary Witness in Mwanza

As a conclusion of our celebration and refreshment of the call to the mission of Jesus, we went in Evangelical pairs - 1 MSOLA sister and 1 Missionary of Africa - and visited 6 parishes in different parts of Mwanza City - in order to share with young people and families the same desire and missionary spirit. The clergy and people of the parishes welcomed us greatly, and a good number came to the hall afterwards for conversation and enhancing interest in the missionary vocation.

All of us experienced the need and desire in youth of today to share their lives and faith; they need a bit of guidance and some help to leave the world, but they are on the way … faith means as well prayer - let us, then, keep them in our prayers … in fact the seed is sown … the rest is God's work as we all know from our life's events.

And when all was said and done … A Family Photo … UNE SOIREE CHEZ MSOLA !

See Also : 130 Years ago- Remembering the first Caravan of the Missionaries of Africa to Equatorial Africa in 1878 Bagamoyo
and: When the Bagamoyo Caravan reached Malya or Maria ( Mwanza) from Fr. Richard Baawobr

old map . Actual map