Dar as Salaam (Fides Service) - Catholics celebrated World Mission Sunday throughout Tanzania on 24 October by emphasising the theme “The Eucharist and Mission.” There was wide use of the Message of Pope John Paul II and the colourful poster produced by the Evangelisation Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference TEC, American born Maryknoll missionary Father Joseph G. Healey, MM, co-ordinator of the Mission Awareness Committee (MAC) of the Religious Superiors’ Association of Tanzania, who recalled that “the Pope stated that ‘the Eucharist is the source and summit of all evangelisation’ and that ‘all should feel that they are sent as missionaries of the Eucharist”.
Members of the Mission Awareness Committee MAC in Mwanza archdiocese prepared a special Swahili radio programme on “The Eucharist and Mission” that was broadcast on the Catholic FM station Radio Tumaini.
MAC members and other promoted World Mission Sunday in parishes throughout Dar es Salaam archdiocese. Joint celebrations in Kijichi and Mbagala parishes highlighted separate mission seminars and discussions for adults, youth and children. Parishioners in Kijichi parish joined in a “round the world prayer” activity from 9am to10am local time. They lived World Mission Sunday in close communion with people worldwide who participated in a circle of prayer that embraced the world for 24 hours on Sunday 24 October. Children from three parishes sang, danced and performed small plays as part of the celebrations of the Pontifical Society of Holy Childhood in Mbagala parish. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/10/2004 righe 22 parole 227)