On 2nd September 2025, the Parish of St Peter Claver, Mbezi Louis, joyfully celebrated its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of faith and service under the pastoral care of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers (OCD).
The celebration was presided over by His Grace Rt. Rev. Jude Thaddeus Ruwaichi, the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, and concelebrated by Carmelite Friars and Deanery Priests.
The faithful of St Peter Claver Parish, inspired by the melodious parish choir, filled the atmosphere with deep joy and thanksgiving, reflecting the true spirit of the Jubilee.
A highlight of the day was the inauguration and blessing of the new Adoration Chapel, established as a permanent memorial of the Silver Jubilee celebration.
In his homily, Archbishop Ruwaichi encouraged the faithful to continue demonstrating spiritual maturity through steadfast faith. He reminded the community that, as Jubilarians, they are called to remain firm in their faith and commitment to Christ.
At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, the Archbishop expressed his appreciation for the apostolic work and dedication of the Carmelite Friars within the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.
On behalf of the Carmelite community, Rev. Fr Malale, OCD, thanked the Archbishop for his trust and confidence in the Carmelites, allowing them to serve in the Archdiocese.
Rev. Fr Silvester Msemwa, OCD, together with the Chairman of the Parish Laity Council, extended heartfelt thanks to all parishioners who contributed to making the Silver Jubilee celebration both auspicious and memorable.
Brief History of St. Peter Claver Parish, Mbezi Louis
The origins of St Peter Claver Parish are the believers of the Kimakonde Community who came together to pray at the prayer centre in the Makondeni area in 1964 in a clay hut. In 1973, Magomeni Parish raised the prayer centre into an outstation and relocated it at Mbezi Louis. The Mass at the outstation was offered once a month. In 1975, the outstation was placed under the jurisdiction of Msewe Parish under Fr Romano, a Consolata Missionary Priest.
In 1982, the construction of the church building began and was completed in 1983. The inauguration of the church was carried out by the Papal Ambassador (Nuncio), Archbishop +Gian Vincenzo Moreni.
The parish continued to grow, and the number of faithful who were thirsty for the Gospel and the teachings of the faith grew at a satisfactory pace, thus making the celebration of Sunday Masses held twice a month. On the remaining Sundays, the services were led by the catechist.
In 1998, His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo arrived in Mbezi Louis to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to 183 candidates from the parishes of Mbezi.
His Eminence was very pleased with the large number of believers and directed the leadership of the parish to begin the process of expanding the house used by the catechist so that it could be used as a priest’s residence.
He recommended that the church building be expanded to accommodate the large number of the faithful. This work was done with great cooperation between the hierarchy and the faithful.
Mbezi Louis Parish was officially declared as a fully fledged parish on March 12, 2000, from Ubungo Msewe Parish. The parish was handed over to the Order of the Discalced Carmelite (OCD). Fr Richard Castellino (OCD) was appointed as the first parish priest.
