Tanzania :  Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese and his delegation was accorded a warm welcome at Simanjiro  Mission  in the Region of Manyara of Tanzania, East Africa during his visit there recently.

The Simanjiro Mission has a connection with Mangalore the Rome of the East. Fr Fredrick Castelino of Beluvai Parish worked  in Simanjiro from 2002 to 2007.  The Simanjiro Mission Superior at present is Fr Peter Pinto of Shirthady Parish.

The Bishop and his delegation were welcomed to Simanjiro Mission with   Maasai dance and songs. The Bishop was also presented a  ‘shuka’ (Massai blanket ) and ‘Rungu’ along with a ‘Maasai’ Cross. The Bishop expressed his pleasure over the good works done by SVD Fathers in the remote place and blessed the Mission.

The Simanjiro Mission has a Catholic population of nearly 4000 and runs a 45 bed hospital. Flying medical services are also available once in  a fortnight here  and vaccine is administered  to pregnant women and children  below five years.