Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Eusebius Nzigilwa, the current Auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es salaam, as the new Bishop of Mpanda Catholic Diocese.
The appointment was announced on 13 May 2020 by the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Rev. Dr. Charles Kitima.
“Rt. Rev Eusebius Nzigilwa takes over from Most Rev. Gervas John Nyaisonga who is now Archbishop of Mbeya since 2019,” Fr. Kitima announced in a press release.
Commenting on the appointment, President of the TEC Most. Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga appreciated Pope Francis on the appointment while congratulating the faithful of the Diocese of Mpanda for getting a new bishop.
“I am grateful with the appointment as Mpanda is the Diocese where I have been. It is good news for the faithful of Mpanda that their prayers have been heard. Bishop Nzigilwa is my brother, I know his talents and abilities. I urge the people of Mpanda Diocese to rejoice at this appointment as they have found the right person to serve them as caretaker. I also congratulate Bishop Nzigilwa and pray for him in his new mission,” he said.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam Most. Rev. Jude Thaddeaus Ruwaichi OFM Cap has also congratulated Bishop Nzigilwa for his appointment and prays for his success in his new obligations at Mpanda.
Bishop Nzigilwa, has been auxiliary Bishop Dar es Salaam and Titular Bishop of Mozotcori since 28 January 2010.
Born on 14 August 1966, in the town of Mwanza, Tanzania, Bishop Nzigilwa attended secondary school at St. Peter’s Junior Seminary in Morogoro. After secondary education and a year of military service, he entered the major seminary in 1988. He was ordained a priest on 23 June 1995 for the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.