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Tanzanian Catholic Bishop Calls for “self-evaluation” among Opus Spiritus Sancti Priests Marking Golden Jubilee

By ACI Africa

Dar es Salaam, 29 November, 2024 / 4:46 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Beatus Christian Urassa of Tanzania’s Catholic Diocese of Sumbuwanga has encouraged members of the Order of the Apostolic Life Community of Priests /Opus Spiritus Sancti (ALCP/OSS) to look at their 50th Anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on whether they have lived in holiness and remained faithful to their gifts and vows as Priests.

In his homily, during the Holy Mass to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the religious institute at Formation House Sabuko, in the Catholic Diocese of Moshi, Bishop Urassa emphasized the importance of self-evaluation as a means to strengthen one’s life in the priestly vocation.

He said, "Let us ask ourselves, in our lives as priests, are we living our vows of obedience, purity of heart, and poverty?"

Acknowledging that the OSS has from time to time faced challenges, Bishop Urassa further invited members of the order to embrace a new beginning in all things and, “correct where we fell short, or failed to live the Charism of the congregation.”

The Tanzanian member of the ALCP/OSS underscored the importance of embracing a life of prayer, humility, and dedication to service, and accepting correction.

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"Those who do not accept correction cannot learn, and those who do not accept learning cannot make progress. We learn from our mistakes; when we err, we are corrected, we learn, and move forward," he said during the November 21 Eucharistic celebration. 

The Tanzanian-born Catholic Church leader, who has been at the helm of the Catholic Diocese of Sumbawanga since his episcopal consecration in June 2018, acknowledged with appreciation the support that his congregation has received over the past 50 years.

“We thank all the Bishops for giving us the opportunity to serve in their Dioceses and all the faithful who gave us the chance to serve them. We are grateful to God for the support we have received as a congregation and for the personal assistance from various benefactors, diocesan priests, religious organizations as well as from the parishes, institutions, and people we have served,” he said.

Founded in 1974 by Fr. Bernhard Bendel  the Apostolic Life Community of Priests in the Opus Spiritus Sancti (ALCP/OSS) congregation has its members currently serving in Africa-Tanzania and in Asia-India.

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