Holy Family National Major Seminary - Mwendakulima has recently completed two major projects: a dormitory with 100 rooms and two lecture rooms for theological studies. These projects have improved the living and learning conditions of the seminarians and have received support from various local and international partners. The seminary is also working on a biogas project to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. The seminary has plans to expand its infrastructure and facilities in the near future and is seeking more support from donors and well-wishers.
A View of a Completed Hostel of 100 Rooms (Photo: Frt. Wilson Massawe)
Dormitory and Classrooms Project: In a remarkable display of progress and growth, the Holy Family National Major Seminary founded just four years ago is blessed to have reached a significant milestone in the completion of various projects, in a special way the construction of a dormitory with 100 rooms where seminarians of theology are staying and two lecture rooms for theological studies and academic activities, having the capacity of taking more than 80 students.
These projects marked a significant step in supporting the education and formation of future priests. The new facilities provide comfortable living quarters for the students, enhancing the overall learning environment of the seminary and the whole formation life in general.
The dormitory project, which has been completed in a relatively short span of time, was blessed and opened by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Edward Mapunda, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Singida and the Chairperson of the Board of the Seminary, together with His Lordship Rt.Rev. Christopher Ndizeye, Catholic Diocese of Kahama (local diocese), formators, and the seminarians on November 21, 2023. As well, the theological lecture rooms were blessed by Rt. Rev. Christopher Ndizeye.
The dormitory and lecture rooms stand as a testament to the dedication and vision of the seminary's leadership and supporters. The seminarians and formators are grateful to both local and global partners for their dedicated support of such lifesaving projects. Special thanks to the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (T.E.C.) institutions: St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Bugando Medicine Centre (BMC), Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Mwenge Catholic University (MWECAU), Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU), and many other individual and community supporters. Special thanks to Missio Austria (who fully funded the construction of the two lecture rooms) and to the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle (POSPA) for their special support and care for the seminary and for future priests.
A View of Completed Lecture Rooms, Philosophy I & II (above) and Theology I & II (below) (Photos: Frt. Wilson Massawe)
Ongoing Projects: The seminary has embarked on another ambitious project aimed at sustainability and environmental stewardship. The construction of a biogas plant is currently underway, with progress steadily moving forward. The implementation of this biogas project showcases the seminary's forward-thinking approach towards utilising renewable energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint. By doing so, the seminary sets an example for other institutions to follow suit in adopting eco-friendly practices.
For the upcoming projects: As the seminary continues to expand its infrastructure and embrace innovative projects, the board strives to make positive progress in providing a conducive layout for priesthood formation. Thus, the seminary is still in need of your (local and international) support to raise funds for subsidising the upcoming projects. In the short run, the seminary needs support in the construction of new dormitories, lecture rooms, a chapel, water harvesting facilities, and water towers. Preparation of building blocks for a new dormitory is already ongoing to facilitate the new dormitory for the 2024–2025 enrollment. (Data and information received from Rector’s desk)
(By Frt. Joseph Mokaya, HGN), a Seminarian of Theology I, Holy Family Seminary.