Once again, the Church in Tanzania has witnessed another important sign of the flourishing of the Missionary Work through the life of one of her local religious congregations, that is, the Sisters of the Congregation of Usambara C.O.L.U. The Usambara Hills – Tanga, exulted during the installation of the Fifth General Superior, whose term of service falls within the time when the Congregation is journeying towards her Diamond Jubilee to be celebrated in the year 2029. The celebration of the Holy Mass has been led by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Rt. Rev. Stephano Musomba, O.S.A
In October 7th, 2024, the Sisters of the Congregation of Usambara C.O.L.U, have witnessed the event of the installation of Sister Servatrix Joseph Shemaghembe to be their General superior who will lead them for a period of 6 years before another election according to their constitution. Sister Servatrix leads this Congregation as the 5th Native General Superior, after her they have led: Sr Inviolata Mndeme (1976-1988), Sr Maura Kimario (1988-2000), Sr Leonia Mdoe (2000-2012) and Sr Gaspara Kashamba (2012-2024). The first General Superior before the five mentioned, was Sister Wilbalda Giesbers (CPS) from the Congregation of Precious Blood (the guardians/animators of this congregation) who, after seeing that the members already had the ability to lead themselves, entrusted them with the leadership of the Congregation.
Sr. Servatrix was born on October 17th, 1969 in the mountains of Usambara, Tanga Region-Tanzania. She starts her journey to lead the Congregation at the age of 55. With her, the leadership team includes: Sr. Vincent Ami, Sr. Gotfrida Marandu, Sr. Focas Mjema and Sr. Evetha Kilamba. Professionally, Sr. Servatrix is a teacher and therefore, in this profession, she has been able to serve at the school (St. Mary’s Mazinde Juu Sec. School) for a long time, and abroad especially in the United States. It is a great hope that with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, she will use her teaching profession to nurture and guide the Congregation following the footsteps of her predecessors, and especially the footsteps of her Divine Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Worth to note is that, the Congregation was founded by the late Bishop Eugene Arthurs Rosminian I.C, who at that time requested the Congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood to establish C.O.L.U because this area was an Islamic zone, so deep evangelization was needed. It has now a total of 510 members. It was founded in 1954 and therefore this year marks 70 years since it was founded. The mission of this Congregation is Evangelization based on teaching religion (with particular attention to the catechesis of children) and the provision of social services such as education at all levels (kindergartens, primary schools, Secondary’s, Colleges and Universities) as well as healthcare services (in dispensaries, health centers and hospitals). Consequently, to ensure that their evangelization is deep, the members get both the spiritual and secular education to be able to evangelize well the people of God taking into account the signs of the times.
Prepared by Sr Anagladness Mrumah