By: Fransisco Lukosi, nSJ
Greetings from the Gonzaga Gonza Jesuit Novitiate, Arusha, Tanzania, the home of love and prayer.
Umoja Day
As it happens every year on the 26th of April, the various Religious Congregations present in Arusha meet together to celebrate the symbol of unity among them. It is the occasion of our annual celebration of the Umoja Day (Muungano) i.e., the celebration of the historic union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It is also part of the interaction and getting to know the various Novices and formators, both male and female, living in Arusha.
This gives us while getting to know each other better, also an occasion to pray for the country for peace, prosperity, and well-being. This year’s gathering took place in Mushono Parish – Arusha. The place was well-suited and was conducive to our celebration of Umoja Day.
In his homily by the guest of honor, our former Archbishop Josephat Libulu spent his time talking to us about religious life, synodality, our call as Christians, our Vocation to Religious life, etc. He placed a great emphasis on synodality, conditions for synodality our need for companionship, readiness to listen, participate, dialogue, responsibility in our missions, and discernment.
End of the Month Socials at the Novitiate
In our community, we normally celebrate birthdays on the last Saturday of each month. This month we had four birthdays to celebrate. It was a good and wonderful celebration whereby we had two from the “secundi” and two from the “primi”. Tsepo (Lesotho, SAP), being our oldest Novice, was celebrating his 33rd birthday. The birthday babies thanked the Almighty God for giving them His love, goodness, and mercy and for being present with them all through their spiritual journey at Arusha.
They were all happy to have had the chance to celebrate their birthdays during the Easter season. As a community, we too enjoyed and gladly celebrated their birthdays by cutting a big, mouth-watering cake with accompanying drinks. We are grateful to the Almighty God for always being with us.
Shopping
The “Secundi” were happy to receive their “budget” from the Novice Master for their final shopping. The “primi” were pre-warned of the fluctuating prices in the market.
Weather
These days there is plenty of rain in the Arusha region and the weather is rather pleasant. There is plenty of greenery all around and a lot of fresh air. We have the sun shining in the mornings and in the evenings.
