Memoirs of Cardinal Rugambwa: His Last Journeys to Europe and Bukoba

By

Fr. Stanislaus Mutajwaha, PhD

Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, Tanzania

(Writing from USA)

(5) Packing

The Jubilee celebrations over, it was now time to think of our journey back home. It was now time for packing. But probably to His Eminence’s thinking this time meant something more significant than simply putting together our luggage for the flight. In one of the wardrobes I had counted not less than four red cassocks and other garments. He will have worn those on various occasions while in Rome. Besides, there were several other personal effects in other cabinets of his apartment. One might have thought that these things would preoccupy His Eminence’s mind. But by the impression I got, they never did.

By that time His Eminence was above 84 years old. Although he was definitely aware that he was a Cardinal he also knew equally well that at his age he was no longer counted as one of the electors. (Cardinal electors are those who have the right and duty to participate in the election of a new pope). He was aware that despite his advanced age he could in principle still be chosen Pope even if he could not cast a vote for one, but considering his health condition maybe he did not think that such a thing still remained a likely probability.  In fact, back at Collegio San Pietro in the evening of the celebration of the Pope’s Jubilee His Eminence expressed his doubts whether after his departure Rome would ever see him again. For that reason, we might say that for His Eminence, the period between Pope John Paul’s Jubilee and our flight back to Tanzania via Belgium was his time for packing together all his old memories of his presence in Rome first as student priest, then his being created Cardinal, his later participation in the Vatican Council II and his many other visits thereafter including the present one. If, as he was thinking, this was going to be his last time in Rome and Europe in general, then his real package for Africa was a collection of the different facets of the name he had made over the years in his capacity as the first African Prince of the Church – and all that embodied in his person. With that accomplished, His Eminence was ready to fly back home.

The Greatness of Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa –Was Something in the Name?

By

Deogratias Rweyongeza, PhD

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

There is something unique in the way the Haya people of northwestern Tanzania assign ethnic names to their children. In this patriarchal and strongly hierarchical society, the paternal grandfather assigns names to all his grandsons and granddaughters. Those who are born after the passing of their grandfathers have names assigned by their fathers. This practice not only guarantee that the paternal side and clan has the first right for the children over the maternal side, but also allows the grandfather or father to instill a vision of the future of their children in the symbolism of the names. Occasionally, names may be assigned that connote the circumstances of the past for good or ill. Consequently, the Haya names are not just names but they mean something. Rugambwa means “the great one”; “the famous”; the one who the people will always talk about in great esteem.

In the months leading to his 100^th birthday and official reburial in the Bukoba Catholic Cathedral he built and consecrated in 1968 before being named Archbishop of Dar es Salaam in 1969, a lot has been said about Cardinal Rugambwa. Those who were young when Cardinal Rugambwa was a bishop in Bukoba speak of the Bishop who would walk around Rutabo Parish compound to talk to young children playing in the streets; early alumni of Rugambwa Secondary School speak of their regular visits to the Bishop’s House at Ntungamo Major Seminary to get lessons on life issues from the Cardinal; in the mid 1980s, I read a book about Cardinal Rugambwa where it was mentioned that as a Bishop in Rutabo, Rugambwa would visit bars and homes that were selling liquor during work hours and order them to close and everybody go to attend their banana and coffee fields and all would obey. Undoubtedly, Cardinal Rugambwa created in Bukoba an educational infrastructure that until now has not been matched by anyone else including the government. It is difficult to imagine how Bukoba would have been without the pioneering work of Cardinal Rugambwa. Bukoba is Cardinal Rugambwa and Cardinal Rugambwa is Bukoba. This is what it means to be “Rugambwa” (the great one); “the visionary”; “the noble”; “the worker”; “the servant”. Names mean something and sometimes those who bear them when blessed and principled, deliver.

We read in Psalms 1: 1-3 that “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the ways of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but delights in the law of the Lord, and on this law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by the stream that yields its fruits in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prosper”.

We further read in Psalms 112: 1-3 that “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house; and his righteousness endures for ever”.

Cardinal Rugambwa is the spiritual father of Bukoba, Tanzania and Africa; and for us in Bukoba he was also the provider of our earthly needs and a symbol of modernity. This is why, although Cardinal Rugambwa died as an Archbishop in Dar es Salaam, he will be remembered and cherished much more in Bukoba. When Cardinal Rugambwa died and his body was transferred to Bukoba, one Anglican Bishop for a diocese in Mwanza was the graduate students at St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. At that time, this bishop went to Bukoba to witness the burial of the Cardinal. When he returned to Edmonton, he told me that he had never seen anything like this. He spoke of a sea of people along the roads in Bukoba where the Cardinal’s body passed with serene as though God has appeared on earth. Yes, this is it what means to be “Rugambwa” (the great one). Personally I remember sometimes in the 1980s when Cardinal Rugambwa had a jubilee cerebration at Rutabo Parish. I recall seeing a sea of people similar to those described by the Anglican bishop.

The star of Laurian Cardinal Rugambwa endures for ever!

Memoirs of Cardinal Rugambwa:  His last Journeys to Europe and Bukoba

 By

Fr. Stanislaus Mutajwaha, PhD

Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, Tanzania

(Writing from USA

(4) Celebrations of the Holy Father’s Golden Jubilee

The time between our day of arrival in Rome and the Holy Father’s Jubilee celebrations was not very long. Still one could pick up one or two moments worth of special note.  The first is connected to his name as the First African Cardinal. A few years had elapsed since His Eminence was in Rome the previous time. For that reason the majority of the priest students at Collegio San Pietro were now seeing him for the first time even though they had already heard much said about him, especially since he was the most important alumnus. At supper time, the first with this group of students, the Rector introduced his Eminence to the community before the meal could start. In response His Eminence spoke a few words in Italian in appreciation of the introduction adding a brief word of encouragement to the students to work as hard as they could. The applause that followed his few words was almost deafening.

The following day, in the afternoon, as we waited for the arrival of one official from the Vatican to bring the program of the forthcoming festivities his Eminence sent me to the Rector who gave me a closed envelope to bring to His Eminence.  Noticing that the envelope was not addressed, His Eminence immediately saw a possibility that not everyone could have easily seen, namely that this envelope might still be used to serve another purpose.  I saw him take an envelope opener from the drawer and carefully open the envelope without ripping or tearing it. This took him some time and I was wondering why. When I asked him why he did that, His Eminence answered that it is the times of scarcity he had gone through not only as a young Bishop of Rutabo Diocese but also even later as a Cardinal that taught him this. Elaborating the matter his Eminence cited experiences about his struggles that might sound scarcely commensurate to the image of the builder of a magnificent Cathedral in Bukoba, modern complexes of Ntungamo Seminary, the unbeatable Girls’ Secondary School of Rugambwa and Segerea Senior Seminary in Dar es Salaam.

His Eminence was still narrating his story when the official from the Vatican arrived bringing with him various documents concerning the Jubilee celebrations and matters of protocol for updating the Cardinal.  When I showed this official the ticket that I had obtained to allow me into St. Peter’s Basilica to participate at the Jubilee Mass but wondering which area the ticket was sending me to, the official noticed that it was good enough. But he also advised that escorting His Eminence into the Basilica to the place where the Cardinals were going to vest for Mass would finally bring me to a section that is even closer to the altar for a better view. And that is what finally happened.

On the day of the great celebration I escorted His Eminence right into the Basilica. As we walked the distance from where the car left us passing through entrances manned by the Papal Swiss Guards, you could hear some people guess correctly, “This will be Rugambwa, the First African Cardinal”.  As we arrived the Cardinals were already beginning to gather.  I left him exchanging greetings with his fellow Cardinals and went to find myself a place.  From my seat, during the celebration of the Mass I could pretty easily see the majority of the Cardinals.  At one moment, when my eye fell on His Eminence seated among those Cardinals from all over the world in their brilliant vestments, my mind recalled a contrasting image: the picture of Rugambwa the pastor who times of scarcity had taught not to ignore the possibility of using a used envelope as he struggled to do some greater good for the brothers and sisters entrusted to his care with the limited resources available to him.

To be ontinued!  

Memoirs of Cardinal Rugambwa: His last Journeys to Europe and Bukoba

By

Fr. Stan Mutajwaha, PhD

Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, Tanzania

(Writing from USA)

(3) Rome. Signor Orlando, a driver resident at Collegio San Pietro Apostolo, very well known to His Eminence, was at the Fiumicino Airport waiting to pick His Eminence. He had been sent by the Administration of Collegio San Pietro Apostolo. He had the specific assignment to drive his Eminence wherever and whenever he needed to go within Rome and its suburbs. As we drove from the Aeroporto di Roma Signor Orlando spoke about the heightening excitement of whole city at the upcoming event of the Holy Father’s 50th anniversary celebrations. As we reached Collegio San Pietro, all the staff members, priests, brothers and nuns were there to receive his Eminence. He was led to his special apartment.

The main element that makes this apartment so special is probably not so much its elegance but the history behind it. The apartment was offered to His Eminence in the early sixties when he was created Cardinal becoming the First African prince of the Church. It would remain securely locked when he was away. Any time he came to Rome it was always there for him. There was no confusion about that and no other visitor used it. The story behind this special offer is that, while doing his studies as a young priest in Rome in the 1940s Rugambwa resided at Collegio San Pietro. His later elevation to the College of Cardinals was received as a great honor to Collegio San Pietro and its very history. So, the Collegio allocated a whole apartment for his exclusive use on the main building.

To be continued: The next post will cover the period from the day of our arrival in Rome, the Celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee of Pope John Paul II and departure for Belgium.

Memoirs of Cardinal Rugambwa:  His last Journeys to Europe and Bukoba

By

Fr. Stan Mutajwaha, PhD.

Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, Tanzania

(Writing from USA)

(2) From Dar es Salaam to Rome

 We flew by the British Airways from the now Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam to Rome via London.  Though thorough as they ought to be, our check-in and passport control formalities went as fast as they could be probably because we entered through the VIP lounge. His Eminence was travelling on a diplomatic passport and my documents were in order.  Our reserved seats were next to each other in the economy class.  When we boarded the plane His Eminence chose to sit along to the aisle. So, I took the window. We had hardly had the time to fasten our belts when one air hostess came and requested His Eminence to go and take a place in the business class. His Eminence thanked the air hostess for the courtesy but explained that he was unfortunately not able to accept the promotion since doing so would have meant leaving me behind in the economy class. The air hostess went and spoke to I do not know whom and returned very soon later. She repeated the offer but now assuring His Eminence at the same time that there were two places in the business class ready, one for each of us. His Eminence thanked her again and said to me, “Now that they have found places for both of us, let us go”.  I had never flown business class before but now I did and without a proper ticket. It made me remember the words someone had told me a couple days before while this journey was being arranged: “You are accompanying a titan”.

As the plane readied for takeoff, His Eminence was pressing the beads, quietly reciting his rosary. When he was ready with the rosary, he introduced a conversation. At one point he asked if I still remembered the very scary turbulences we had met about five years earlier as we flew over the Alp Mountains between Italy and Switzerland. His Eminence was referring to one occasion when he had asked me to escort him from Rome to Aachen in Germany where he had an appointment with the Directors of Missio-Aachen.  He was going to present and discuss one development project for the Archdiocese of Dar es salaam with the officials of this Missionary Funding Organization. On that bad weather day and in those clouds that plane probably shook more than usual and I am not sure whether there were many passengers on board who will have enjoyed that kind of situation. So, no wonder that almost five years later His Eminence still remembered those turbulences. But, luckily on this entire journey nothing similar happened.  

Laying the Foundation for Gender Equality: The vision and work of Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa

By

Cecilia K. Rugimbana

Consultant on Gender & Development

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

There is a lot that has been said about the good and commendable work of the Great Son of Africa, Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa. Indeed we are all proud to be associated with his name and his work while he was still here on earth and hope that one day we will join him to sing and praise the Lord.

There is yet a lot more that could and will said about his work which is recognized all over the world. That he was the first African cardinal is an honour not only to his name but to the African race which historically was defamed and underdeveloped by historical events such as slave trade and the colonization of African kingdoms in the 17^th-19^th century. Among these were, in East Africa, the great lakes kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Kitara, Karagwe etc.  In the south, they included the Great Zulu Kingdom and that of chief Rumanika were colonized through the deceptive and malicious activities of the mineral prospectors.  Chiefs were made to sign dubious treaties which were interpreted as willingness on the part of those chiefs to give up their land and authority in exchange of beads and guns! The role of the missionary and explorers in the colonization of Africa is or was part and parcel of this process, but later on with technological changes in the colonizers economy, the missionaries were also in the forefront to advocate for sovereignty of the colonies and to end slave trade in ’overseas territories ‘They set exemplary activities in the development of the colonies in the field of education and health by introducing institutions providing social welfare in those areas.

In Bukoba (then representing Kagera region)[1] even to date the schools and hospitals set during colonial rule have managed to pass the test of the time. Looking around now, it is true that, more than ever before, there are several schools reflecting the current development polices underlining the role of the private sector in production and the delivery of social services including health, water and education. Private schools have mushroomed   all over the place. However before this two -decade development phenomenon, schools were strongly associated first, with missionary work before the nationalization policies of the first phase government.

Kashozi Parish in Bugabo division is the oldest parish in the region, and marks the work of missionaries in the region over a century ago. The parish had, as part of the package, a dispensary and later on a primary and middle school (for girls). Similarly Mugana Parish in Kiziba division had a dispensary (now a district designated hospital) a girl’s home craft centre and middle schools (Standard 5-8) for boys and girls separately. Muleba district, Rubya parish also hosted similar institutions. In addition Kagondo and Ndolage Hospitals were also established by missionaries (Catholics and Lutherans respectively).  Ndolage had also a nurses training institute for primary school leavers. This pattern seems to have been repeated elsewhere in the country where missionaries were involved.

It was under this context that Cardinal Lauren Rugambwa ordained as a priest in 1943 was to work in. As a clergy it is on record that he quickly expanded existing (primary) schools while also establishing new ones. He also mobilized resources (both human and material) for the support of these institutions

An outstanding example is the Rugambwa Girls High school. Opened in 1965, it was and till recently remained the only girls secondary school in the area. The significance of this school lies in the fact that Cardinal Rugambwa had made a very significant observation, an observation that at his time and even today may be taken for granted, but had it not been for him, efforts to promote girls education in Kagera would be 4-5 decades backward.

Kagera and Kilimanjaro regions are known for successful endeavors in education compared to other regions in Tanzania. However, the society in Kagera being patriarchal in structure showed preference to boys in terms of education opportunities against girls. By mid 1960s, Bukoba had 4 secondary schools, none of them targeting girls. These were Nyakato (Government owned), St Thomas More (Ihungo), Kahororo and Grewal  (Bukoba) secondary schools. The last school was basically for the Asian Community, while St Thomas More and Kahororo were owned by Catholic and Lutheran Church respectively. You will note that there was no girls secondary school by that year. The establishment of Rugambwa GIRLS HIGH school therefore was a milestone in achieving gender equality by promoting girls education in the region, and by proxy, in the nation.

As mentioned above, education institutions during colonial rule and soon after independence were strongly associated with missionary work or establishment. Lower primary schools (standard 1-4) were found throughout the region and these were accessible to both boys and girls. After standard 4 pupils were screened to join middle schools (standard 5-8). By 1965 there were limited numbers of the middle schools for girls including Mugana, Kashozi, Rubya and Kashasha all owned by missionaries as well as at Rwamishenye which was a government owned school.  After standard 8, only a few successful students would be selected to join secondary schools or Teachers Training Colleges mostly in Mwanza or the East Lake Region as it was known by then. Generally there were limited opportunities for joining secondary schools in the region because of the few secondary schools existing at this time. Boys had at least 4 secondary schools but there was none for girls as was already mentioned above. Gender equality in education was therefore not only culturally constrained by patriarchal structures of the society, but also institutionally constrained by lack of facilities for the girl child, as well as lack of supportive policies promoting gender equality in education and related opportunities.

It is in this context that that we view the work Of Cardinal Lauren Rugambwa in promoting girls education visionary and an important contribution to this nation. The Cardinal was much ahead of both the current Education Policy and The Education Act which spells out gender equality principles in providing education opportunities for both girls and boys. He did not only raise funds for the construction and furnishing the school, but went further to equip the school with professionals in school administration and academic delivery. The Maryknoll sisters who by that time were already at Marian college (Kilakala) and other places were the first administrative and academic staff at Rugambwa, including Sr. Maryward (Catherine), Sr. Ann Bernadete, and Sr. Connie among others. These were reinforced by an equally strong team of academic staff including Miss Perry, Mrs. Welsh and Theresa Kaijage (later became Professor Theresa Kaijage at the University of Dar es Salaam) and together the team did a great job in shaping the academic excellence of the girls, their moral and disciplinary orientation as well as provided spiritual and ethical guidance to the young ladies (as they were often referred to by the sisters), many of whom continued schooling at tertiary level, thanks to the good foundation of the committed and loving staff.

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has been praised for its commitment toward gender equality as reflected in the signing of the International Treaties and Conventions such as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW 179), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and others. Although there is limited action by the government in the domestication of the international treaties, it is strongly observed that there has been progressive steps toward institutionalizing gender equality especially in decision making posts where the fourth phase Government led by President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has given an exemplary lead to appointments in the government that takes into consideration gender balance. We are all aware of the gender sensitivity in the appointments of judges, cabinet ministers, heads of departments (directors) and heads of government agencies. Among these are first products of Rugambwa High school, thus underlining the significance of the visionary and preparatory work in providing a foundation for gender equality in the service of this nation by the late Cardinal Rugambwa.[2]

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[1] The name Bukoba used in this script covers a wider geographical  area than the present. Bukoba Dioses. For Example at one time it  covered the present districts of Bukoba rural and Urban, Misenyi,  Muleba, Karagwe and Ngara Districts.

[2] Among these are  Professor Anna Tibaijuka Retired UN Undersecretary and Head of the UN HABITAT program, now minister for Lands and Urban Development; Judge Regina Mutembei; Magdalena Rwebangira  a promininet

 lawyer and private advocate; Patricia Kakwezi Magogo retired  member of the cabinet secretariat; Magdalena Ngaiza Associate Professor UDSM; the author of this article Cecilia K. Rugimbana a well-known consultant 0n Gender and Development, Mrs  Generose Kamuzora a retired member  of the Planning Commission to mention but a few.

Memoirs of Cardinal Rugambwa:  His last Journeys to Europe and Bukoba

By

 

Fr. Stan Mutajwaha, PhD.

Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, Tanzania

(Writing from USA)

(1) Introduction:

 Dr. Deogratias Rweyongeza of Edmonton has created this blog to make it possible and easy for all of us to share our good memories of Cardinal Rugambwa.  I was privileged to accompany His Eminence on two of his last but significant journeys while still alive. The first was the journey from Africa to Europe the continent where in the year 1960 Rugambwa was elevated onto a unique pedestal as the first African Cardinal. The second was a shorter though not less important journey that took him from Dar es salaam to Bukoba the place of his birth, childhood and earlier ministry first as diocesan priest and later as a Bishop. Without a doubt the few words that I heard His Eminence say on these journeys and the things he did during those few days, roughly one year before his death cannot totally define the kind of person he was. Still, they could serve as indicators into the character and beliefs of the man whom we can all rightly feel very proud of acknowledging as our star.

The main reason for His Eminence’s last journey to Europe was to participate in the celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Priestly Ordination of Pope John Paul II, November 1996, in Rome. The Holy Father had extended his invitation to all the priests from all over the world who were ordained in 1946, the year of his ordination and all the Cardinals - the Princes of the Church. Pope John Paul II wanted these to join him as he thanked God for his 50 years of the priesthood, which according to the title of the book he wrote to mark the event he regarded as “Gift and Mystery”.

(2) Aim and approach:  The aim of this account is to share my viewpoint of the greatness of Cardinal Rugambwa judging from the few but very enlightening occasions I was lucky to be close to him. In order to avoid making the reading too long and tedious, I shall be posting short paragraphs, once in a while. It is only at the end of my story that I shall highlight the inferences that the different incidents could lead us to draw, even from this tiny segment of a honorable life, for a larger and more comprehensive picture of the true legacy of our beloved Laurean Cardinal Rugambwa, who among the people in Bukoba went by the name Nyakutununta.

To be ontinued: The next Post will speak about His Eminence’s flight Dar es Salaam to Rome.