February 22, 2025, was a day of immense grace and joy for the Congregation of Holy Cross, Province of East Africa, and the Diocese of Mwanza, Tanzania, as the faithful gathered to witness the solemn dedication of the new St. Anthony of Padua Holy Cross Parish church. This significant milestone marked the culmination of the parish community’s efforts to establish a more spacious house of worship, responding to the growing needs of their faith-filled congregation.
Bishops anoint and purify the altar, consecrating it as a sacred space for the Eucharistic sacrifice.
The celebration brought together a multitude of the faithful, including government officials, religious men and women, clergy, and Christians from various Holy Cross parishes and ministries across East Africa. Fr. Benard Amani, C.S.C., and his fellow Holy Cross confreres welcomed the congregation with gratitude and joy, as they prepared to dedicate the new church to the service of God and His people.
Presiding over the sacred liturgical celebration was His Grace Renatus Leonard Mkwande, the Archbishop of Mwanza. He was joined by Bishops Flaviana Kisale and Simon Masondole, as well as numerous priests, religious, and lay faithful who came together to witness and participate in this historic event. The dedication of the church not only signified the physical completion of the building but also underscored the vibrant and growing faith of the local Christian community.
The need for a larger worship space had become increasingly evident as the parish community continued to expand. The old church could no longer accommodate the growing number of faithful, prompting the initiative to construct a new, more spacious sanctuary where parishioners could gather to worship, pray, and strengthen their spiritual journey. The new church stands as a testament to the unwavering faith, generosity, and commitment of the people of St. Anthony of Padua Parish.
The Congregation of Holy Cross expresses profound gratitude to all who contributed to this noble project—parishioners, benefactors, local authorities, and religious leaders—who worked together to bring this vision to fruition. As the community embarks on this new chapter, we pray that the newly dedicated church will serve as a beacon of faith, hope, and love, fostering deeper encounters with Christ for generations to come.
May God continue to bless our brothers serving in Mwanza and may this new place of worship inspire fervent faith and missionary zeal among all who enter its doors.
Last modified: March 7, 2025