Tanzania
Historical Background
The Congregation of Holy Cross expanded its work in East Africa to the country of Tanzania in 2000. The move was a response to vocations the Congregation had already received from the country and a desire to expand the work of Holy Cross in the region. The Congregation has pastoral responsibility for four parishes in Tanzania which has continued as a rich source of vocations for Holy Cross.
The Congregation’s work in Tanzania began with St. Brendan Parish in Kitete, which is located about two hours from the city of Arusha, in the foothills that border Ngorongoro National Park. It is an area rich in natural beauty, yet one in which many live in poverty.
The parish sponsors Audrey Veldman Vocational Training Center, which was founded to assist poor girls who could not afford secondary education by giving them skills in trades that could provide economic security. It has since expanded to include boys and now offers training in tailoring, carpentry, masonry, hairdressing, and electric. The parish also sponsors Lostete Dispensary to attend to parishioners’ basic medical needs.
In 2015, the Congregation expanded its mission in Tanzania, accepting pastoral responsibility for Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Sombetini, which is on the Northeaster outskirts of Arusha, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. The parish is known for its strong lay leadership and its vibrant stewardship, which helps support the Patrick Peyton Health Center, located on the parish grounds.
The presence of Holy Cross in Tanzania continued to expand in 2017 as the then-District of East Africa accepted pastoral responsibility for St. Felista Parish in Utegi-Musoma and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Nyasaka-Mwanza.
Holy Cross in East Africa Today
Finally Professed Priests
Finally Professed Brothers
Temporarily Professed CSCs
Men in Formation
Resources for Partnerships
Ministries in Tanzania
Sacred Heart Parish, Sombetini-Arusha
Rev. Prosper Tesha, C.S.C., Pastor
Patrick Peyton Health Center, Sombetini-Arusha
Rev. Prosper Tesha, C.S.C., Director
St. Brendan Parish, Kitete
Rev. Richard Nsubuga, C.S.C., Pastor
St. Brendan Nursery & Primary School, Kitete
Dcn. HErimence Ahimbisibwe, C.S.C., Coordinator
Audrey VEldman Vocational Training Center, Kitete
Dcn. HErimence Ahimbisibwe, C.S.C., Director
St. Felista Parish, Utegi-Musoma
Rev. Innocent Mwesigwa, Pastor
St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Nyasaka-Mwanza
Rev. Bernard Amani, Pastor
Experience with Immersion Groups
The Holy Cross community in Tanzania welcomes international visitors to their ministries, including Holy Cross men in formation, parish groups visiting for service-immersion experiences, and medical aid groups that come to serve at Patrick Peyton Health Center in Arusha. Each Holy Cross community house in Tanzania has 3-4 guest beds in self-contained rooms. Larger groups traveling to Tanzania would likely require hotel reservations in close proximity to each ministry site.
Nearest Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Hai District, Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
Nearby Universities for Potential Partnership
| Institution of Higher Education | Rank in Tanzania |
| University of Arusha | 14 |
| St. Augustine University of Tanzania (Mwanza) | 7 |
Health & Safety
The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever immunizations or visitors may be denied entry. Visit the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date vaccine and medication recommendations for U.S. travelers to Tanzania.
The Holy Cross leaders in Tanzania regularly monitor and advise immersion groups on safety concerns in their ministry region.
For every region of the world, the U.S. Department of State maintains updated travel advisories for U.S. citizens to consider when traveling abroad.
U.S. Embassy in Tanzania:
686 Old Bagamoyo Road
Msasani
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Telephone: +(255) 22-229-4122
Email: drsacs@state.gov
Travel Documentation
The following documents are needed for entry into Tanzania:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months after the anticipated departure date. One blank page is required to receive an entry stamp upon arrival.
- Tourist e-visa (application can take up to 10 days for processing)
- Proof of yellow fever immunizations.
Visit the U.S. Department of State webpage on Tanzania for more information.
Partner With Us
Join our global Mission.
To further explore partnership opportunities with the Holy Cross Mission Center and our ministry partners around the world, contact Assistant Director for Community Engagement Michael Jezewak at mjezewak@holycrossusa.org or (574) 631 – 8884; or schedule a discovery call using the link below:
Explore Our Impact in East Africa
First Impressions of Lake View Senior Secondary School
After two full days of plane flights followed by another day’s drive on bustling Ugandan roads, my arrival in Jinja was met with both relief and...