Tanzania: The Catholic Church in Tanzania is in mourning following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of four religious sisters including the Superior General of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (MCST) and their driver late on Monday night.
The accident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on September 15 in Mwanza, when the vehicle carrying six sisters collided head-on with a lorry while en route to Mwanza Airport. The group had been traveling to catch a flight to Dar es Salaam after attending a joyful celebration of perpetual vows for three of their members just days earlier.
Those who perished in the tragedy include Sr. Lilian Kapongo, Superior General of the MCST congregation; Sr. Nerina, Secretary General; Sr. Damaris Matheka; Sr. Stellamaris; and their driver. Another sister, who survived the crash, remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment at Bugando Hospital in Mwanza.
The sisters had spent the weekend in the Diocese of Kahama, participating in the solemn profession of vows, before paying a farewell visit to Bishop’s House on Sunday morning. Their journey toward Mwanza Airport, meant to mark the end of a celebratory mission, instead turned into a night of profound sorrow.
Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwaʼichi, O.F.M. Cap., of Dar es Salaam, expressed deep grief over the accident, calling it “a heavy loss not only for the Carmelite Missionary Sisters but for the entire People of God in Tanzania.” He described the tragedy as “a tremendous incident that has robbed the Church of four dedicated daughters of the Carmelite family.”
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Carmelite Sisters in this painful time of mourning,” the Archbishop said in a message to Vatican News. “May the Almighty grant eternal rest to our beloved Sisters and healing to the one who remains hospitalized.” He urged the faithful across Tanzania and beyond to unite in prayer for the repose of the departed souls and for strength to the grieving congregation.
The Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, founded in the spirit of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, devote themselves to pastoral care, education, and service among the poor and vulnerable. Their sudden and tragic loss has sent shockwaves across the dioceses and communities where they serve.
Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced by the congregation in the coming days. Until then, Catholic communities in Tanzania and worldwide remain united in prayer, mourning the sisters whose mission ended abruptly while on the road of service.