On the 20th of June, a day that we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Consolata, the Tanzanian Episcopal Conference communicated a three-fold message to all people of good will, and especially the Catholics to observe some important issues.
By Paulino Madeje*
“I invite you to receive and implement these Bishops’ instructions as attached”, was the message shared by Rev. Fr. Clement Kihiyo, Executive Secretary-Department of Liturgy to all faithful, urging that “The implementations of these Instructions begin immediately”.
The three points that were aired to the public were: Call for Prayer and Fasting to Pray for Justice and Peace in Our Country, Prayer for Justice and Peace towards the General Elections in the Country in October 2025 and finally some Guidelines for Liturgical Reforms in Our Country.
“We, your Bishops, ask all the faithful in our Church to observe Prayer and Fasting on the 23rd of August 2025. This Prayer and Fasting will be accompanied by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Penance. Each Diocese, Parish, Religious Communities and Institutes will establish a procedure that will enable all people to have the opportunity to adore Jesus in the Eucharist, pray and repent throughout the day for 12 or 24 hours according to their abilities and circumstances” the communication read. Furthermore, a special prayer was composed for such a day, calling faithful to peace, justice and responsibility.
Regarding the liturgical recommendations, seven points with the most important being the Sanctity of The Holy Mass, urging faithful to celebrate it with all reverence and avoid using this moment for other agendas and personal recognitions.
“There will be no speeches of congratulations, except that the Celebrant (Parish Priest/Priest if it is a Parochial event, the Bishop of the Diocese if it is a diocesan event, the President of the Episcopal Conference-TEC if it is a National event) who will briefly acknowledge the presence of religious, governmental, social guests and all invited guests without giving them the opportunity to speak, give speeches or greet. Moreover, reads the message, “The Chief Celebrant is responsible for inviting the guests to present their gifts, and without them giving greetings of congratulations”.
* Father Paulino Madeje, IMC, Tanzania. Coordinator of Communication for Africa.