Welcome to The Society of Mangalore Africa Mission (SMAM)
The Society of Mangalore-Africa Mission (SMAM) is a registered faith-based, non-profit organization (a religious charitable organization with a certificate of charitable status) located in the Mwanga District, within the Catholic Diocese of Same, in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, East Africa. The mission began in 2013 under the guidance of Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore, and Rt. Rev. Dr. Rogath Kimaryo, Bishop of Same, with the initial goal of catering to the spiritual, socio-economic, educational, and healthcare needs of the people in the territory of Kifaru Catholic Parish. This parish geographically covers nine villages in Mwanga District: Kifaru, Kitopeni, Kituri, Kalimani, Kileo, Kivulini, Kivisini, Kitogotho, Jipe, and Kambi ya Simba.
Arrival of the Bishop of Mangalore for a 7 day visit to the Kifaru Mission.
On the 19th of April, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of the Diocese of Mangalore arrived for an official visit to the mission. He was warmly welcomed and accompanied by Msgr. Maxim Noronha, the Vicar General of the Diocese, and Rev. Rupesh Madtha, the editor of Rakno weekly. Their visit marks a significant moment of spiritual encouragement and pastoral engagement for the local Christian community. Throughout his stay, Bishop Saldanha will be visiting all sectors of the mission, taking time to understand the needs and aspirations of the people, while also appreciating the ongoing development and evangelization efforts.
One of the key highlights of his visit will take place on the 23rd of April, when he is scheduled to officially inaugurate two major educational initiatives: the newly established St. Kizito Rupert Primary School and the Advanced Level section at St. Joseph's Science Secondary School. These institutions are expected to play a vital role in shaping the academic future of many young students in the region.
On the 25th of April, the Bishop will join the community in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the encyclical by Pope Francis focusing on care for our common home. Bishop Saldanha is expected to return to Mangalore on the 27th of May.
WHY THIS MISSION IN AFRICA?
In celebration of the Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee, the Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, India, took up a mission in Tanzania, a relatively poor country in the East African continent, as a challenging task to respond to the Lord’s call to serve the underprivileged and those in need. Five hundred years ago, European missionaries brought the Gospel to Mangalore. In gratitude to God for His abundant grace upon our diocese, it is now our turn to reach out to others. Thus, this Fidei Donum mission by the Diocese of Mangalore began in November 2012.
Pope Francis
The Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mangalore, India Patron of SMAM
The Right Rev. Rogath Kimaryo, SSp, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Same. Patron of SMAM
Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Mangalore. The founder of the SMAM mission to Africa
