“The family that prays together stays together” These words echoed in my ears as I stood before the Sombetini Parish church. This wasn’t just any church. It was a testament to faith perseverance and community.
Sombetini Parish church in Arusha Tanzania is a vibrant hub of spiritual life. It stands as a symbol of the expanding mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross in East Africa. It’s a relatively young parish established in 2007. Before that it was an outstation starting its life in 2001. The Divine Word Missionaries SVD initially oversaw its development.
The story of Sombetini Parish church is one of growth and transformation. It’s located in a rapidly developing suburb of Arusha. Many residents are low-income earners. They work as casual laborers in small businesses. This presents both challenges and blessings for ministry. Despite the economic hardships the parishioners have shown remarkable generosity. They funded a Marian grotto a three-story health center and the beginnings of a new church building. Their contributions highlight the strength of their faith and their commitment to their community.
The arrival of the Holy Cross priests in 2015 marked a new chapter in the parish’s history. Father Prosper Tesha and his colleagues were warmly welcomed. They found a parish already known for strong lay leadership. This was something the Congregation of Holy Cross actively fosters. With around 5000 members the parish boasted 27 small Christian communities. These communities meet weekly for prayer and Scripture readings. This strong foundation provided fertile ground for ministry and evangelization.
The Holy Cross priests saw the importance of family. They focused on strengthening family life through faith-based programs. They echoed the words of Archbishop Lebulu. The Archbishop had long hoped for Holy Cross to serve in his diocese. He expressed his delight. He saw this as the fulfillment of a long-held desire.
The church stands as a beacon of hope in the heart of Sombetini. It’s a place where faith blossoms and community flourishes. It is a place where the family that prays together truly stays together. The new church building stands as a testament to their combined efforts. It’s a testament to the unwavering faith and generosity of the parishioners and the dedicated service of the Holy Cross priests.