The Designated Parish of St. Ambrose of Milan, Nyang’hingi

The Designated Parish of St. Ambrose of Milan, Nyang’hingi, emerged from the Parish of St. Augustine Mkolani in the Archdiocese of Mwanza. This parish was initially served by priests of the Augustinian Order. We thank God for granting us grace, blessings, health, and knowledge, which have allowed the Gospel to be preached and spread in various areas. Through the efforts of priests, religious, and lay workers, the Catholic Church continues to establish faith-based services in Nyang’hingi.

History of Nyang’hingi as a Community

Nyang’hingi was officially established as a community in 1995 under the Mkolani outstation of Nyegezi Parish, led by Father Peter Mwanjonde (may he rest in peace). The community was initially under the leadership of St. Benedict of Africa and comprised around 25 households. The geographical boundaries of Nyang’hingi extended from the Mkolani center (the minibus station leading to town) to the paved road near the bridge heading toward Buhongwa.

Leaders of the St. Benedict Community, Nyang’hingi

  • Chairperson: Mathias Bulima (currently residing in Kitumba Parish)
  • Vice Chairperson: Elder Kaparasio Kazimili (may he rest in peace)
  • Secretary: Isack Mabula John (residing in Bulale Parish)
  • Assistant Secretary: Anna Michael (may she rest in peace)
  • Treasurer: Peter Lupeja (may he rest in peace)
  • Prayer Leader: Paschal Samwel Shunashu (residing in Mkolani Parish)

Other Communities Established

Following the arrival of the Sisters of St. Clara, the St. Clara Community was established, followed by the St. Monica Community, leading to the growth of other communities by the time of the parish’s launch. By this time, the communities named after St. Clara and St. Monica were part of the Mkolani Parish.

Number of Catholic Believers

The initial number of Catholic believers in Nyang’hingi was approximately 106.

Nyang’hingi as a District

In 2010, Nyang’hingi was declared a district under the management of the Archangels.

Land Purchase and Mass Services

In 2017, district leaders, alongside the lay council leaders of the Mkolani outstation, under Father Hilary Mushi (OSA), purchased land for the purpose of building a church in Nyang’hingi. The land was purchased for Tshs 18,000,000. Mass services were held at least once a month at the district's request, often in rented tents or in the homes of believers.

Serving Priests

  • Father Edger Ngowi (OSA) – First Parish Priest
  • Father Benard Mlowe (OSA) – Second Parish Priest
  • Father Hilary Mushi (OSA) – Third Parish Priest
  • Other priests: Father Joel Nziku, Father Erastus Mgani, Father Athanas Nzengo, Father Efrem Festo Msigala, Father Xavery Masanja Kasase

District Leadership

  • Chairperson: Sabines Masawe
  • Vice Chairperson: Erasto Mbilinyi
  • Secretary: Honest Kacharuzi
  • Assistant Secretary: Christina Chacha
  • Treasurer: Magreth Masawe (followed by Esther Rusendela)

Number of Catholic Believers

By the time Nyang’hingi became a district, the number of believers had increased to approximately 632.

Nyang’hingi as an Outstation

In May 2018, Father Joel Melchior Nziku (OSA) elevated Nyang’hingi to the status of a Special Outstation, naming it “The Special Outstation of St. Ambrose of Milan, Nyang’hingi.” The official launch took place on December 1, 2018, with a Holy Mass celebration. A zinc-roofed building constructed in November 2018 was initially used for services, followed by demolition and the construction of a permanent church building.

Districts and Communities Forming the Outstation

At the time of its elevation, the outstation consisted of three districts and 13 communities:

  • District of St. Barnabas the Apostle:
    • Blessed Christina Community
    • St. Gabriel Community
    • St. Matthew Community
    • St. John the Baptist Community
  • District of St. Joseph the Worker:
    • St. Andrew the Apostle Community
    • St. Clara Community
    • St. Catherine of Siena Community
    • St. Charles Lwanga Community
  • District of St. John Paul II:
    • St. Peter Community
    • St. Scholastica Community
    • St. Bernard Community
    • St. Benedict Community
    • St. Sharbel Community

Community Changes and Growth

In 2018, the St. Ambrose of Milan Community was established, bringing the total to 14 communities.

In 2021, five communities were split and returned to Mkolani Parish. These were:

  • St. Andrew the Apostle
  • St. Clara
  • St. Catherine of Siena
  • St. Charles Lwanga
  • St. Benedict
This left the outstation with 2 districts and 9 communities. Further redistribution resulted in the creation of two new communities:
  • St. Rita of Kashia Community (District of St. John Paul II)
  • St. Joseph the Worker Community (District of St. John Paul II)
This brought the total number of communities to 11.

Number of Catholic Believers

By the time Nyang’hingi became an outstation, the number of Catholic believers had grown to approximately 872.

Nyang’hingi Becomes a Special Parish

On January 23, 2022, Nyang’hingi was officially declared a Special Parish, becoming independent from the Mkolani Parish. The first Parish Priest appointed was Dr. Gaudence N. Talemwa, a priest from the Rulenge Ngara Diocese and a lecturer at St. Augustine University (SAUT), Mwanza.

Serving Priests and Sisters

  • Father Joel Nziku (OSA)
  • Father Serafin Mwageni (OSA)
  • Father Erastus Mgani (OSA)
  • Father Cyril Mulupi (OSA)
  • Father Efrem Festo Msigala (OSA)
  • Father Motavika Gontado (OSA)
  • Father Xavery Masanja Kasase (OSA)
  • Father Edger Mlelwa (OSA)
  • Sister Plasidia Mashime (Congregation of St. Benedict – Kawekamo)
  • Sister Gloria Lile (Congregation of St. Benedict – Kawekamo)

Lay Council Leadership

  • Chairperson: Sabines Masawe, Nesphory K. Subira
  • Vice Chairperson: Wilbert Bujiku, Laurent M. Sabini
  • Secretary: Honest Kacharuzi
  • Assistant Secretary: Esther Soko, Agnes Alberto
  • Treasurer: Noela Magoti, Wilbert Bujiku

Catechists and Apostolic Associations

Catechists

  • Catechist Lucy James (served briefly and retired)
  • Catechist Andrew David Bushi (served and then went to study)
  • Catechist Yohana Molla James (served until April 2024)

Apostolic Associations

  • UWAKA WAWATA
  • Catholic Charismatics
  • Papal Holy Childhood
  • Servants Choir