After the creation of the new office of the auxiliar in the Archdiocese of Tabora, bishop Josafat becomes the first ever bishop of Tanzania to occupy such office. He also becomes the youngest in the college of Tanzanian bishops.
By Paulino Madeje*
“Beloved, let us pray for this man chosen to provide for the needs of the Church. Let us pray that almighty God in his goodness will fill him with abundant grace”. These liturgical words are said during the episcopal ordination. This time, they were pronounced by his Eminence Protase Cardinal Rugambwa, who was the main celebrant during the episcopal consecration of Father Josafat Jackson Bududu.
Born on 26th of March, 1977, bishop Josafat Jackson Bududu received his deaconate on January 25th, 2009. He was ordained a priest in the same year. On 26th of February 2025, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Tabora Archdiocese and titular bishop of Vegesela in Numidia. On 25th of May, he was consecrated bishop. Prior to his episcopal ordination, the newly youngest bishop had served as vice Parish Priest and Parish Priest in different Parishes. He was also a Spiritual director to the Daughters of Mary Congregation of Tabora, holding masters and doctorate in Spirituality and Psychology (both studied in India). Furthermore, he was a formator of the Bishop Mario Mgulunde’s Preparatory Seminary.
During this episcopal ordination, which took place in the Archdiocese of Tabora, thousands of faithful including bishops, priests, religious, lay people as well as some governmental representatives attended.
In his message, Cardinal Rugambwa started by calling the faithful to pray for the late Pope Francis who appointed father Bududu to be the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Tabora. He further thanked those involved in making sure that the event is accomplished in a successful way. The Cardinal also expressed a word of gratitude to the newly ordained bishop, for his readiness to accept Pope Francis’ appointment to this office, a post created for the first time in the history of this Archdiocese.
In the same event, Cardinal Rugambwa promoted three quasi-Parishes to the level of Parishes, and four outstations to the quasi-Parish rank. Moreover, for the Archdiocese coordination and functioning, the Cardinal established two zones, one of which was to be under the supervision of the auxiliary bishop.
In the same event, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference President, bishop Wolfgang Pisa, acknowledged the public for their presence during this ordination. He stressed on the importance of the auxiliar office highlighting that the new bishop should take it with zeal and courage. Bishop Pisa also briefed the public on Father Charles Kitima’s health, the General Secretary of the Conference who was brutally attacked by unknown assailants some weeks back as reported by different media. The President condemned the incident once again, reiterating that it was a shameful and coward act intended to terminate the life of the Secretary. He boldly pinpointed that in a responsible country, ruled by law, those involved in the act would have been identified so far and brought before justice.
“No body would like to be treated the way Fr Kitima was treated”, he emphasized, urging all people of good will to work for peace in the country. He finally reminded those fabricating criminal groups in Tanzania that are responsible of abducting and torturing people, that these gangs are dangerous for everyone including fabricators themselves.
The newly consecrated bishop, charmingly and overwhelmed by joy, thanked all those that had helped him in his vocational journey, asking them to continue praying for him so that the Good Lord may strengthen him in his mission.
Tabora in context
Tabora was elevated to the Archdiocesan level on 25th March, 1953, and her suffragan Dioceses are Kahama, Kigoma and Mpanda Dioceses. According to the 2023 statistics obtained from the official page of the Archdiocese, there are 269,000 Catholics (constituting an 11.3% of all believers) of whom 57 are diocesan priests, 39 religious priests, 50 male religious and 230 female religious. It has a total of 33 Parishes and 4 quasi-Parishes.
The St. Paul’s Senior Seminary of Kipalapala, which has been the oasis of vocations to priesthood and other services in the Church belongs to this Archdiocese. This year, it is celebrating its centenary Jubilee.
* Father Paulino Madeje, IMC, Tanzania. Coordinator of Communication for Africa.