A Silver Jubilee of Grace and Growth: Malisho Carmelite Novitiate Celebrates 25 Years
The Carmelite Novitiate Community, Malisho, reached a remarkable milestone in its history within the Carmelite Vicariate of Tanzania, as it joyfully celebrated the Silver Jubilee of its foundation on October 1, 2025. The day marked a moment of gratitude and jubilation not only for the Malisho Community but also for the entire Vicariate.

The Jubilee Year had been solemnly inaugurated on October 15, 2024, on the Solemnity of St. Teresa of Jesus, with a concelebrated High Mass presided over by Fr. Peter Ulaya, who had recently joined the community soon after his ordination. During the Eucharistic celebration, the Jubilee Candle was lit by the four community members and a novice representing the others — a symbol of light, unity, and faith. Throughout the Jubilee Year, this candle was lit daily during Vespers and the Eucharistic celebrations, accompanied by the Jubilee Prayer, as the community prepared spiritually for the grand event.

In anticipation of the Jubilee, the community organized talks on the life and spirituality of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, and conducted a novena and seminar for both religious and lay faithful, deepening the spirit of renewal and gratitude.

The Silver Jubilee celebration was held in grand style, bringing together the faithful, benefactors, religious, and priests associated with the Malisho Community. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbeya, in the presence of:
• Rev. Fr. Alphonse Britto and Rev. Fr. Joachim Rodrigues, Councillors representing the Carmelite Province of Karnataka-Goa, India
• Rev. Fr. Elius Malale, Regional Vicar of the Vicariate
• Rev. Fr. Nelson Vas and Rev. Fr. Reginald Mworia, Vicariate Councillors
• Rev. Fr. Minde, Dean of the local Deanery, along with Carmelite and diocesan priests from the region.

Also gracing the occasion was Dr. Tulia Ackson, Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, adding further distinction to the event.

At the conclusion of the Holy Mass, the Regional Vicar symbolically extinguished the Jubilee Candle, signifying the conclusion of the Jubilee Year — a moment filled with emotion and thanksgiving.

The celebration continued with a short felicitation program, during which priests, nuns, parish leaders, and guests were introduced and honoured. Special recognition was given to the former superiors and members who had served at Malisho, including Frs. Stanislaus Rodrigues, Aureus Mwinuka, Reginald Mworia, Joyson Saldanha, Roshan Pinto, and Sunil Menezes, for their dedicated service.

The novices presented a melodious Jubilee song, while the Carmel Pre and Primary School children performed an inspiring skit depicting the life of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

Representing the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Alphonse Britto conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Rev. Fr. Silvestre D’Souza, Provincial Superior, commending the Vicariate for its growth and missionary zeal. Rev. Fr. Elius Malale, the Regional Vicar, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event. Archbishop Nyaisonga, in his message, lauded the Carmelites for their dedicated service and spiritual contribution to the Archdiocese. Finally, Fr. Raymond Santhanaz, Superior of the Community, offered words of appreciation to everyone who assisted in making the celebration a memorable one.

The celebration concluded with a festive meal, where all participants — priests, religious, and faithful — joyfully shared in the spirit of communion and thanksgiving.

The Silver Jubilee of the Malisho Carmelite Novitiate stands as a radiant testimony to God’s faithfulness, the perseverance of the Carmelite friars, and the abundant fruits of their mission in Tanzania.