Thousands of Christians in Tanzania are walking up to 15 kilometres to get to Church – in temperatures that can rise higher than 90° Fahrenheit. Speaking to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need Bishop Bernardine Mfumbusa of Kondoa last week, said: “Despite a high temperature range of 20-34°C , some Catholics walk 10-15 kilometres (nine miles) to Holy Mass – this is especially true for a large number of Catholics in the rural dioceses.”
The bishop described the hardships endured by the faithful as they travel to celebrate their Catholic Faith in Tanzania. He said: “The roads permit the use of bicycle but the roads become almost impassable in the rain season – from November to April – without a 4×4 vehicle.”
But despite these obstacles the Church is thriving, the bishop said: “The Church is flourishing and growing… 800 people are attending Holy Mass, the four Masses are full on Sunday.” Christians are travelling to gather together to pray despite the fractured history of religious harmony in Tanzania. Speaking about interfaith dialogue in Tanzania, the bishop said: “Muslims and Christians have live peacefully for many years, now there are elements of tension.”
