Welcome to The Society of Mangalore Africa Mission (SMAM)
The Society of Mangalore-Africa Mission (SMAM) is a registered faith-based, non-profit organization (a religious charitable organization with a certificate of charitable status) located in the Mwanga District, within the Catholic Diocese of Same, in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, East Africa. The mission began in 2013 under the guidance of Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Rogath Kimaryo, Bishop of Same, with the initial goal of catering to the spiritual, socio-economic, educational, and healthcare needs of the people in the territory of Kifaru Catholic Parish. This parish geographically covers nine villages in Mwanga District: Kifaru, Kitopeni, Kituri, Kalimani, Kileo, Kivulini, Kivisini, Kitogotho, Jipe, and Kambi ya Simba.
WHY THIS MISSION IN AFRICA?
In celebration of the Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee, the Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, India, took up a mission in Tanzania, a relatively poor country in the East African continent, as a challenging task to respond to the Lord’s call to serve the underprivileged and those in need. Five hundred years ago, European missionaries brought the Gospel to Mangalore. In gratitude to God for His abundant grace upon our diocese, it is now our turn to reach out to others. Thus, this Fidei Donum mission by the Diocese of Mangalore began in November 2012.
Pope Francis
The Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha,
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, India Patron of SMAM
The Right Rev. Rogath Kimaryo, SSp,
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Same. Patron of SMAM
Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza,
Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore. The founder of the SMAM mission to Africa
Kifaru Parish Celebrates the Sacrament of Confirmation for 85 Young People
Kifaru Parish was filled with joy and thanksgiving as the community gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confirmation. A total of 85 young people received Confirmation, strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit to live and witness to their faith.
Among them were 71 students from Rupert Children’s Home, while the others came from various outstations and secondary schools of Kifaru Parish. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Apolinary Mshigwa, Rector of Chanjale Seminary, representing the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Same. He was joined by the parish priests and faithful from across the parish.
In his message, Fr. Apolinary encouraged the newly confirmed to remain faithful to their promises and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives. He reminded them that Confirmation is a new beginning and called them to be witnesses of Christ through their words, actions, and service to others.
The celebration was a joyful moment of prayer, thanksgiving, and renewed faith for the entire parish community.
