Inside Tanzania’s Growing Vocations to the Priesthood

He continues, “Now that the Priests are more numerous and more present, the children can have before their eyes the concrete example of their vocation. Evangelization has come closer to the people.”

Additionally, locals are coming out in large numbers to fill the spaces once occupied by missionaries from other countries whose numbers have declined.

This means, Fr. Maliva explains, “that the boys, having under the eyes of African Priests, have understood that even for them that path is possible. Previously it was thought that it was a path reserved for whites who came from outside”.

Notably, very young boys, many in secondary school are also expressing their interest to join the Priesthood, according to the January 8 Vatican News report. 

“Adult vocations are almost non-existent even if recently they are flourishing among university students and young graduates. A tangible sign of a Church that is ever more alive and in complete evolution,” the report indicates.

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Fr. Maliva has disclosed that that the seminary, designed to accept 500 Major Seminarians for formation will be national.

“Each Diocese will send at least four Seminarians to study here,” he says, and adds, “The structure was named after the Family of Nazareth precisely with the aim of making everyone feel as if they were at home, even if they come from other parts of Tanzania.”

Nazareth Major Seminary, which has been designed to offer both Philosophy and Theology formation will be under the leadership of Monsignor Pius Rutechura, assisted by various Priests to be appointed by the Conference of Bishops, TEC.

The new Seminary has already received 106 first-year students in Philosophy. It is estimated that after three years, the Seminary will have 480 Major Seminarians.

Those enrolled for Philosophy are expected to continue with their theological studies after completing the Philosophy courses.

For the first three years, Monsignor Rutechura who previously headed the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) as Vice Chancellor, has reportedly asked members of TEC to support the expansion of the Seminary’s infrastructure.

Nazareth Major Seminary is in need of benches for the chapel, breviaries, piano, microphones and other infrastructure.

There is also a need to establish an administrative office and classrooms; to build a convent for Sisters who will provide services at the Major Seminary; and to erect a fence around the Seminary.

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.