On November 21, our mission was officially opened among the Maasai tribe in Magogo, near the small town of Dakawa in Morogoro Region in Eastern Tanzania. The Sisters began their work there in 2017. The mission is located in the Bush, 8 km from the main road, and includes a Convent for the Sisters with a chapel and the Blessed Sacrament, Elisabetta Sanna Primary School (currently 56 children attend, mainly Maasai), a small hostel, administration buildings and an unfinished Health Center building.
A solemn blessing was given by HE Bishop Telesfor Mkunde and the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, Fr. Lazarus Msimbe SDS. Among the guests were Pallottines, Salvatorians, Benedictines, diocesan priests and Sisters from other Congregations. The pioneer and main author of this apostolate among the Maasai, Fr. Drazan Klapez, was also present. He is Croatian and a longtime missionary in Tanzania, currently he is the pastor of Dakawa parish where the mission is located. There were also inhabitants of the surrounding villages. The Massai were present in large number – the whole village appeared in ceremonial traditional dress. The Council of Elders, young men and elderly women came the day before with gifts for the Sisters: a cow and goats. In the late evening they performed their traditional dances to begin the celebration.
After the celebration of the Eucharist, many guests celebrated with songs and dances.
Undoubtedly, the Maasai mission is a sign that God wants to be present in every place and at any time. The presence of the Blessed Sacrament in this place will inspire and strengthen the community and draw many blessings. It is also significant that the patron of the mission is St. Joseph. The Sisters, like him, have the task of caring for and nurturing the presence of Jesus in the lives of those people.
Sr. Anna Małdrzykowska SAC
