HISTORY OF BUSWELU PARISH FROM 1918 TO BECOMING A PARISH IN 2018

  1. The Buswelu sub-parish (kigango) was established in 1918 under Bugando Parish, led by Catechist Sililo Buhuta Mayanga and William Magolanga. At that time, they conducted Mass in Latin, and the first prayer area was in Buswelu “B,” under a tree called Nkobe (a fig tree) with Father Fabian Mayunga.

  2. Later, Sililo Buhuta Mayunga was transferred to Kagunguli in Ukerewe as a Catechist, leaving the sub-parish under the leadership of William Magolanga. During this time, there were few Christians, so they joined worshippers from Sumba and Kahama.

  3. Missionaries later decided to construct a church at Sumba. A stone church was built in the area where the current church stands.

  4. After a short period of worshiping at Sumba, the Christians from Buswelu and Kahama found the distance too far and moved to William Magolanga’s place under a Zambarau (tamarind) tree.

  5. In 1954, Bujora Parish was established, and Buswelu sub-parish was moved from Bugando to form part of Bujora Parish.
    In 1963, William Magolanga passed away, and his son, Bazil William, was appointed Catechist, approved by the hierarchy of Bujora.

  6. At that time, leaders were referred to as “Batongi,” under the parish Catechist, following the Vatican Council guidelines.

  7. In 1965, a Christian named Nicodemus Ng’hanya donated his land to build a temporary sub-parish while searching for a permanent location.

  8. In the same year, a mud chapel called St. Peter Bulola sub-parish was built. This was named after Assistant Parish Priest Father Peter of Bujora, who brought St. Peter's relics from the Vatican to place at the altar. The relics were later moved to the main church sacristy, awaiting guidance from the clergy.

  9. In 1970, Catechist Bazil passed away, succeeded by Richard Gapi, who came from Kanyama with Father Clement. However, Gapi served briefly as his family relocated to Shinyanga, Ndoleleji. Apolinary Sililo was then appointed to continue the service. During his tenure, efforts to acquire permanent land intensified, as the original landowner began demanding its return.

  10. Leadership was elected to follow up on this matter, including Catechist Apolinary Sililo, Faustine Shashi, Yakobo Swakala, Augustine Ntungi, Juliana Maneno, and TANU Branch Secretary Evaristi Nicodemus, the son of the original donor.

  11. In 1973, land for the church was secured for purchase, covering the area from the main gate road to the old church and restroom. It was purchased from Mzee Katwiga Chimba for TZS 8,000, paid in installments. Katwiga Chimba was later baptized as Peter Katwiga Chimba.

  12. Construction began in 1974, but initial efforts failed due to rain damaging the grass and mud structure before completion. Worship temporarily moved to schools as congregation numbers increased, inspired by small Christian communities (Jumuiya), choirs, gospel plays, and spiritual unity.

  13. By 1984, church construction resumed, with Christians carrying stones, sand, and water while assisting builders as part of small communities and apostolic groups. Women played a significant role, prompting Father Clement to rename the sub-parish St. Anne.

  14. In 1985, Father Clement passed away after completing the first phase of the small church. Leadership during this time included:
    a) Chairperson: Renatus Samson
    b) Assistant: Justine Paul
    c) Secretary: Thomas Bonisphace
    d) Catechist: Thomas Bonisphace
    e) Assistant: Paul Apolinary
    f) Treasurer: Augustine Ntungi

  15. In 1986, the church altar was completed, and the sub-parish opened under Father Thomas Namwaga and Assistant Priest Deusdedith Malekanya from St. Justin Bujora Parish. In 1990, after Pope John Paul II visited Kawekamo, Nyakato Parish was established, and St. Anne's sub-parish was moved under it.

  16. In 2014, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus visited Buswelu and found ongoing construction of the new church under Chairman Antony Gagaga and Secretary Mathias Amede. On St. Thomas the Apostle's Day, the sub-parish was elevated to “St. Thomas the Apostle Designated Parish.”

  17. On January 1, 2018, it was officially recognized as a full parish under the patronage of Mary, Mother of God. The first parish priest was Father Francis Kangwa (deceased).

  18. The parish has since been served by the following priests:

  • Father Francis Kangwa
  • Father Gilbert Bujiriri
  • Father Victor Sanou
  • Father Johnson Singarajan
  • Father James Meche Ryoba
  • Current leadership: Father Louis Ntamati, assisted by Father Joseph Chipimo.

  1. The parish also has Sisters from the Congregation of the Little Daughters of the Most Pure Heart of Jesus and Mary.

  2. Active apostolic groups include WAWATA, UWAKA, VIWAWA, Holy Childhood, Servers, Sacred Heart, Retirees, Pilgrimage Committee, Catholic Charismatics, and Choirs.

  3. The parish has small committees for:

  • Family and Parenting
  • Education and Catechism
  • Justice, Peace, and Security
  • Liturgy
  • Pastoral Care
  1. The parish borders are:
  • East: Nyamadoke Designated Parish
  • West: Kangaye and Nsumba Parishes
  • North: Kahama Parish
  • South: Nyakato Parish
  1. Buswelu Parish consists of four sub-parishes with 67 small communities:
  • Buswelu Sub-parish: 46 communities
  • Busenga Sub-parish: 5 communities
  • Kigala Sub-parish: 7 communities
  • Lukobe Sub-parish: 9 communities

  1. The number of baptized Catholics is estimated between 6,000 and 7,000.

  2. Regular Mass is conducted daily except Saturdays, with three Sunday Masses at the parish and one at each sub-parish.

  3. Ongoing projects include completing the priests’ residence, the parish church, and an adoration chapel.

  4. The parish lacks income-generating projects and relies on tithes, offerings, and donations from communities and individuals.

  5. Achievements include spiritual growth, increased sacraments, and construction progress for sub-parish and parish churches.

  6. Challenges include wavering faith among some Christians, leading to defections to Pentecostal denominations and others avoiding church due to financial contributions.

  7. Future goals include completing the church, building an adoration chapel, establishing parish projects (hall, school, shops), and fostering spiritual growth through seminars, pilgrimages, and teachings.

We thank Archbishop Renatus Nkwande and his team for their support and guidance, and the Missionaries of Africa priests for their dedication to serving our parishioners. May God bless them abundantly.