"Jambo" - How are you?

My first impression was that the “Salvatorian World” is going through an experience of awakening. An experience which is intensified by the celebration of a 50 years’ presence in Tanzania. Many young members characterize the situation. All the Salvatorian sisters are from East-Africa. The buildings are being extended, churches are built, settlements and new projects are started (such as outpatient departments, vocational schools, kindergartens).

I met this atmosphere of awakening also in the economic life of the people. Products and produce of the shops and marketstands in Morogoro and Masasi are of an abundance. Those who have money can buy whatever they want, and not only that: the infrastructure improves from day to day. The improvement of the road from Mosambique, and finally from South Africa, to Daressalam changes life in Masasi and Mkuranga sustainably. Electricity becomes more and more natural. So our modern media become more prevalent: cell phones, television, computers, stereo systems … In this context I think it is a good idea that Br. Edwin wants to set up a radio station.

Another subject is the changing of the climate. The rainy seasons seem to come less reliably – and then with an unknown intensity. The concern of providing water was brought up frequently, especially in the south women have to go a long way in order to get water. Therefore I was very delighted to discover next to our  provincialates a well for the neighbourhood. Here the Salvatorian pioneers have seen, where the problems lie and there is still a need for action.

During my visit the initiation of boys and girls took place. Their return was loudly celebrated but very often the initiation looses its depth. It seems to me that neither the Islam nor we Christians succeeded to contribute sustainably to the initiation. The question arose to me how the Christian faith can be better encultured. One way to do it are the kindergartens run by religious orders and the use of teachers in state schools.

In the country parishes around Masasi I have met several long-serving missionaries and some native diocesan priests. The churches and rectories were cosy. It was a mystery to me how in an environment of rural poverty they can earn their living. Wouldn’t it be better that the urban parishes share with them?

In June are semester vacancies. During this time our students could be found in the whole province and made their contribution to particular tasks. How much, however, these practical experiences touch their studies in Morogoro escaped my notice. Some workshops - about topics such as pastoral care in the city and in the country, prayer in small communities, garden harvesting and dealing with television and computer – would be helpful.

I was impressed by the Salvatorian sisters. Their living area and daily routine are well organized. Everywhere I saw well-tended gardens and a lot of animals. In many ways the sisters contribute to ecclesiastical and state institutions.

Now let us have a look on the health service. To wait is the order of the day. Along with others in the community the Benedictine sisters in Ndanda are looking for doctors. If the Christian "Dispensaries" (outpatient departments) didn’t exist, many wouldn’t find help.