Wednesday 11 July 2012

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


By

Fr. Stanislaus Mutajwaha, PhD
Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, Tanzania
(Writing from USA)


Conclusion:

I considered it fitting to post the conclusion of my short “Memoirs of His Eminence” at this time when we are remembering his 100th Birthday.  But as I said at the opening, my memoirs were going to cover a very limited segment of his Eminence’s life, extending over a period of less than two months as I escorted him from Dar es salaam on his last journey to Europe and again on his last one to Bukoba.  I hope more will continue to be said and probably much more still will be published by this blog or some other initiative to give a more comprehensive and wholesome picture of His Eminence for the benefit of posterity. This way, our generation that was lucky to have known him, learned something constructive from him or even probably in one way or another participated in reaping some of the fruits of his sweat will feel satisfied for trying to do him the justice he truly deserves as a token of our gratitude.

Given the nature and limited scope of my memoirs anybody would laugh if I tried to draw from the limited facts a conclusion that claims to summarize the complete story of this great man.  I can therefore only repeat that these memoirs are just an aspect of a larger picture. Still, I think that when properly handled, especially in the light of many other generally known facts the few insights drawn from our limited aspect can serve as a reliable window to interpret the weight and meaning of the larger story itself. That being the case starting from our memoirs we can legitimately attempt general reflections on the life and achievements of His Eminence as a religious leader and shepherd. And this is what this conclusion is all about.

But while planning to conclude my memoirs with reflections rather than making an additional narrative (that someone could read over very fast like a paragraph in a novel) I thought it was even more appropriate putting those reflections concisely in a style that stands somewhere closer to poetry than prose. It is a kind of Birthday Message in the memory and honor of Rugambwa His Eminence who, while he has preceded us into the other side of life remains dear to all of us as model, inspiration and challenge. This message hinges on the fact that while he ascended the heights of office and honor he did not forget his brothers and sisters.  On the contrary, he used his position to work for the betterment of their condition at all levels, spiritual and social. But finally let there be no ambiguity:  those “brothers and sisters”  he strived to minister are inclusive, because for His Eminence,  like anybody else who has the right understanding of human existence,  the world of brothers and sisters extends beyond the borders of a region, nation or continent. For that reason His Eminence could rightly be called a Prince of the Church. 

A reflective poem by Fr. Stanislaus Mutajwaha


(NOTE: Read from the first line left to the first line right then second line left to second line right and proceed in that order)

A Moment of Reflection
on the occasion of the 100th   Birthday of
Laurean Cardinal Rugambwa;
Exemplar of humble service

Laurean Cardinal Rugambwa, His Eminence;
Leader and exemplar of humble service
A century today, great child was born;
His mother was there, the event in memory to fix
Unleash your joy, Happy Birthday to sing;
For this day saw, his mother’s broadest smile
Rugambwa who came, from villages low;
To ascend the heights, eye for brother with him
Education he sought, when few would dare;
Fruit of which was dear, and gain no cheap
After years of work, his aspiration became;
A choice very fine; and a blessing for all
New vigor he brought, to his Master’s vineyard;
Like a fresh artist eager, to sing his aria
Committed to serve, and as priest to live;
Would never give in, from purpose to waver
At an hour foreknown, though only by God;
His star would rise, bells of joy would go
Rugambwa the priest, really rose in fame;
But for his brother, never remained aloof
Duty first at heart, his flock to graze;
By example he taught, how to grow in faith
Increase of fame, misled him not;
Foremost a priest, his soul’s desired plateau
Neither wealth nor might, he considered a goal;
No glitter or litter, derailed his aim
At the helm as leader, he found his rise;
But in stooping to serve, he felt no ebb
Like those who think, all giving is virtuous;
His Eminence gave, be little but all
Rugambwa did care, his gifts to share;
Whichever his measure, the returns were double
Unlock his log, his legacy to view;
What a story so deep, mostly written in deeds
Gauge well and see, for like many he rose;
But fewer like him, in honor compare
All guilds teeming, schools and churches;
Hospitals booming, and more so ever
Many achievements made, but key how simple;
Any little he got; for brother would giv
But now it’s time, for wreath and garland;
Our prayers to send, all, you and I
When hosts of saints, that dawn ’l assemble;
Lord reward his love, with joy beatific
Angels receive him, and show him in;
                                                                                                               To take his place, in eternal abode.