Nearly 170 Seminary Formators and Diocesan Vocation Directors from across Tanzania gathered from 18th to 24th July 2026 for a Special National Workshop themed: "The Mission of a Priest Formator: A Call for a Firm Daily Commitment in the Noble Task of Forming the Future Priests of Christ." Held under the auspices of the Society of St. Peter the Apostle. The workshop was honoured by the presence of its Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Guy Bognon, PSS, accompanied by his Deputy Fr. Brandi (from Rome). Their presence was a profound sign of the universal Church’s solidarity with, and appreciation for, the Church in Tanzania.
The workshop was coordinated by His Excellency Bishop Joseph Mlola, Chairman of the Episcopal Conference’s Seminary Board, in collaboration with Rev. Fr. Alfred Kwene, Executive Secretary of the same Board and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
Saturday, 18th July was dedicated to the arrival of participants from all dioceses and seminaries in the country. Sunday, 19th July marked Day One of the workshop. The day began with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mlola and concelebrated by His Excellency Bishop Lazarus Msimbe of Morogoro. This was followed by a Day of Spiritual Recollection and concluded in the evening with Eucharistic Adoration. In this way, participants gathered before the Lord, the Bread of Life for the soul, to prepare their hearts for the important work that lay ahead.
From Monday to Thursday, participants were engaged in a rich program of formation. On Monday, reflections centered on “The Necessity of Ongoing Formation for Seminary Formators” and a presentation on the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis alongside the Ratio Nationalis. Tuesday examined the “Institutional Dimension of Seminary Formation: The Educative Community” and “The Mission of the Formator in the Seminary.” Wednesday was devoted to the “Spiritual Dimension of Formation” with a general overview and a profound reflection on “The Importance of Spiritual Accompaniment.” On Thursday, local facilitators addressed issues pertinent to the Tanzanian context. Msgr. Dr. Pius Rutechura spoke on “Human Formation as the Basis of all Priestly Formation: A Call for a Renewed Commitment of the Family in the Upbringing of Children Today,” while Rev. Dr. Joseph Matumaini reflected on “The Influence of Science and Technology on Youth Today: A Challenge to Priestly Training in Tanzania.”
In addition to the sessions, the workshop fostered a spirit of deep fraternity and communion. Given the wide geographical distribution of their places of service, many participants expressed immense joy at the opportunity to meet, share experiences, and support one another. They departed feeling encouraged, updated, and renewed, with a heartfelt desire that such opportunities be offered regularly to sustain and strengthen their noble mission.
Addressing the participants, Fr. Bognon conveyed the appreciation of Rome for the dedication and zeal of Tanzanian formators. He underscored that a firm daily commitment is indispensable for forming priests who are capable of responding to the signs of the times as credible and joyful witnesses of the Gospel.
The workshop will conclude with a Closing Mass to be presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Emeritus Josephat Louis Lebulu. This gathering stand as a clear and hopeful sign of the Church in Tanzania’s ongoing investment in the quality of priestly formation, and of the enduring support offered by the Society of St. Peter the Apostle to local Churches.
