As a custom at Kipalapala Senior seminary, a day is always set apart for welcoming the new community members in the seminary. On 15^th October 2023, Kipalapala Senior Seminary had a privilege to welcome 65 first year seminarians, 2 second year seminarians and 1 fourth year seminarian and a new formator Rev. Fr. Adrian Mzimwa from the Archdiocese of Dodoma.

In the same festive atmosphere, this day was special for bidding farewell and celebrating the great contribution of the outgoing formators; Rev. Fr. Philip Ntulama from the diocese of Kigoma who has been a formator at Kipalapala for 19 years and a vice-rector for 18 years and Fr. Edward Mayunga from the archdiocese of Tabora who has been a formator at the seminary for 2 years which have been exceptionally very fruitful.

It was a day worthy celebrating and thanking God for all the good gifts that the Lord bestows to mama Kipalapala. The day started by the celebrations of the 28^th Sunday of the Ordinary time of the liturgical year. The Holy Mass was presided by Rev. Fr. Philip Ntulama and the homily was given by Rev. Fr. Edward Mayunga. The day was brightened up by the football match welcoming the first-year seminarians against other seminarians (2^nd years to the 4^th years) which ended with the scores 1 by 1. Finally, the communal dinner which brought up the whole Kipalapala community for the intentions mentioned earlier. It had included also some visitors including Rev. Fr. Josephat Bududu a parttime formator and a parish priest of Kipalapala parish, Rev. Fr. Juvenalis Asantemungu the deputy principal of Archbishop Mihayo University College of Tabora (AMUCTA), Rev. Fr. Joseph Bulili the rector of Itaga Junior Seminary and Benedictine fraters from TMP-Kipalapala.

The good taste of the evening gathering was spiced by many accompanying games, presentations and simple speeches. Some of the monumental and cherished events were those performed by the Kipalapala Music Band who sang and performed the classic Tanzanian dance music famously known as Zilipendwa. Many people were moved by the presentation and the creativity of the KIPALAPALA TV (KIP TV) who brought before the whole community visual broadcast of the news. It seemed like TBC or BBC took over the stage with their News Hour. The day was lightened up.

Good and sentimental words were given from different people depicting their feelings thanking the formators and welcoming the new community members.

The moment proved the saying that “parting time is a great sorrow” for the community will surely miss the great contributions of the outgoing formators. The sorrow and the void are filled with the joy brought by the new community members. The final prayer was then led by Rev. Fr. Leonard Teza.

Prepared by: Frt. Francisco N. Kishumba