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The Congregation of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was founded on June 18, 1953, by the late Bishop Joseph Blomjus, the first bishop of Mwanza, with its headquarters in Nyegezi. The congregation successfully attracted a sufficient number of young people who joined with the intention of becoming religious brothers. The formation of these young men continued through various stages of spiritual life under the guidance of missionary priests. This included receiving education in various vocational, teaching, and entrepreneurial courses. The brothers were also needed for the construction of churches, schools, health centers, and parish housing; some were already engaged in these activities in the areas of Buhingo, Sumve, and Nyegezi. Later, they worked in Kome and Nyantakubwa.
On December 18, 1965, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Renatus Butibubage as the bishop of Mwanza. During his leadership, the late Bishop Renatus Butibubage and the brothers experienced a situation that led to a loss of clear direction in their vocation. Despite initial expectations, the goals were not achieved because the brothers who were close to making their perpetual vows were prevented by Bishop Butibubage from renewing their vows and making their final commitments, which led to the congregation's decline as many left, leaving only a few remaining. By 1970, only three brothers remained in Nyegezi, and the congregation came to a standstill.
In 1989, when the late Archbishop Antony Mayala was elected as the Bishop of Mwanza, he made plans to revitalize the congregation with the two remaining brothers. Archbishop Mayala requested brothers from the Banakaroli congregation from the Masaka diocese in Uganda to come and assist with the formation of this congregation. This initiative brought positive ideas that bore fruit after the head of that congregation accepted Archbishop Mayala's request and came to implement this work. The Banakaroli began to nurture the young men who entered formation to become brothers, and in June 1993, they made their first vows. The congregation continued to grow, and as the number of members increased, the Banakaroli returned to their own congregation, while the local members took the lead.
Currently, the Congregation of the Sacred Heart has a total of 16 brothers, some of whom are engaged in pastoral ministry in parishes, the bishop's residence, various institutions, while others are in schools and universities. The congregation still faces challenges, as it has not fully established itself in all areas. The headquarters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in Mwahoba, within the parish of Nh'ungumalwa in the Mwanza diocese.
**Mission of the Congregation:**
To spread the gospel in the Archdiocese of Mwanza by providing pastoral services in parishes and receiving various ministries in the institutions of the Archdiocese of Mwanza as deemed appropriate by the congregation's leadership. Additionally, to engage in local hospitality.
On December 18, 1965, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Renatus Butibubage as the bishop of Mwanza. During his leadership, the late Bishop Renatus Butibubage and the brothers experienced a situation that led to a loss of clear direction in their vocation. Despite initial expectations, the goals were not achieved because the brothers who were close to making their perpetual vows were prevented by Bishop Butibubage from renewing their vows and making their final commitments, which led to the congregation's decline as many left, leaving only a few remaining. By 1970, only three brothers remained in Nyegezi, and the congregation came to a standstill.
In 1989, when the late Archbishop Antony Mayala was elected as the Bishop of Mwanza, he made plans to revitalize the congregation with the two remaining brothers. Archbishop Mayala requested brothers from the Banakaroli congregation from the Masaka diocese in Uganda to come and assist with the formation of this congregation. This initiative brought positive ideas that bore fruit after the head of that congregation accepted Archbishop Mayala's request and came to implement this work. The Banakaroli began to nurture the young men who entered formation to become brothers, and in June 1993, they made their first vows. The congregation continued to grow, and as the number of members increased, the Banakaroli returned to their own congregation, while the local members took the lead.
Currently, the Congregation of the Sacred Heart has a total of 16 brothers, some of whom are engaged in pastoral ministry in parishes, the bishop's residence, various institutions, while others are in schools and universities. The congregation still faces challenges, as it has not fully established itself in all areas. The headquarters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in Mwahoba, within the parish of Nh'ungumalwa in the Mwanza diocese.
**Mission of the Congregation:**
To spread the gospel in the Archdiocese of Mwanza by providing pastoral services in parishes and receiving various ministries in the institutions of the Archdiocese of Mwanza as deemed appropriate by the congregation's leadership. Additionally, to engage in local hospitality.
