The Parish of Bwiru began as a mission in 1995, under the Holy Family Parish of Pasiansi. In this foundation, it was Father Bromius who, in his ministry, established this mission at that time. Additionally, it was through his missionary work during those years that the missions of Nyang’wilolelwa and Pasiansi were also established at different times. With the strengthening and growth of faith in the Bwiru mission, it was officially recognized and laid its foundation stone by the late Archbishop Antony Mayala of the Archdiocese of Mwanza on January 12, 2002. Furthermore, on May 28, 2018, the mission was elevated to the status of a designated parish by Archbishop Yuda Thadei Ruwa’ichi of the Archdiocese of Mwanza (at that time).

PRIESTS WHO HAVE SERVED

Historically, the church thanks all the priests who have provided spiritual services. They have contributed to nurturing and strengthening faith among the believers. Father Bromius, Janusz, Segayamu, Julius, Patrick, John Baptist, Antony Gill, Patrick Machayi, Joseph Chege, and currently the designated parish is served by Fr. Josephat Nzioka (Parish Priest), Fr. Jeremiah Bitiong, and Fr. Chewe Mweshi (assistant priests); and all others who have served in one way or another at different times. May Almighty God bless them greatly for their mission.

FOUNDING LAY LEADERS

Brothers Originos Lopa, Respicius Bishubo, Felichismi Mwijage, and Elder Kirumo have led this mission at different times. Until the mission was granted the status of a designated parish, these leaders worked in the mission and successfully established the mission of St. Antony of Padua – Kitangiri. Now, as a designated parish, it has a Lay Council with Joseph Kachwele (Chair), Jires C. Damian (Vice Chair), Esther Bundala (Secretary), Fidelis Rwiza (Assistant Secretary), and Winfrida Mutta (Treasurer). The church sincerely thanks all the previous leaders who have shown the way in sanctifying the world. May Almighty God bless them greatly.

COMMUNITIES

At the time of its establishment, the mission had only two (2) communities: St. Peter and St. Antony of Padua. God is good; today, the designated parish has a total of fifteen (15) communities and two (2) missions.

DEVELOPMENTS OF THE CHURCH

Our designated parish has made several strides in development. It is fundamental that various community services, baptism, confirmation, marriage, midweek masses, and weekly services; these are developments that have led to today’s official recognition as a parish. Additionally, transitioning from praying in classrooms, sitting on benches, and bricks to becoming an official church is a step forward. Moreover, the purchase of land (17,400 square meters) to build the parish church is another step in development, leading to today’s status as a complete parish.

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR THE CHURCH

We thank some of our brothers: Elder Kizwalo, Mama Mati, and Elder Sabuni, who sincerely agreed to leave us this land, for a small compensation that was paid to them. We also thank Mama Amina Masenza (district commissioner at the time), the local government chair - Mama Kingu, the district land officer of Ilemela (at that time), Mama Diana Maijo, Mama Sungura, Moshi Mustafa, Mama Gwanchele, who, together with Respicius Bishubo, Andrew Bundala, Remi Ndesanjo, and Victor Kiruma, contributed to acquiring this land.

GRATITUDE

We sincerely thank you, Archbishop Renatus Nkwande, for approving today’s elevation to a full parish. May God bless you greatly in your mission. May He grant you good health of mind and body in your daily tasks.

FINALLY

We sincerely thank our guardians from the Holy Family Parish – Pasiansi. They accepted to be our parents, and indeed they have nurtured us well, leading us to become a parish today due to their good will and dedication in raising us and ensuring the foundations of faith are lived and strengthened among the believers of Bwiru. They have helped us in many ways, and we say thank you very much.