Ordination
Thursday
on the 17th July 2008
Ordination
of John Fabian Itaru
M.Afr
in Moshi Cathedral, MOSHI DIOCESE, Tanzania.
Photos
& text sent by Don Anderson Provincial M.Afr.(Thanks)
. 
JOHN FABIAN ITARU returned from his studies in Abidjan in June and was ordained priest together with 11 other sons of Moshi Diocese in Tanzania on 17 July 2008. Moshi is fertile territory for diocesan, religious and missionary vocations. So, no surprise to see two diocesan candidates among the twelve elect which included Apostles of Jesus, Franciscan Capuchins, OSS and a Dominican! The ordaining Bishop was Rt. Reverend Isaac Amani. The Cathedral was packed, the singing and participation enthusiastic; a great day for the Moshi spirit.
After the refreshments shared by the ordinands, their families and clergy with the Bishop, we all dispersed to continue the celebrations back in the home parishes. Mengwe Parish celebrated the home-coming of 2 ordinands, John and his 'twin', a Capuchin who also lives in the parish. The initial parish welcome was generous and John's parents had pride of place in receiving honours - the fuller celebration followed two days later. John's first function since ordination was, sadly, the burial of an uncle who had died 4 days previously. We accompanied him in this service and the extended family was very appreciative of our presence.
The Thanksgiving Eucharist was celebrated on 19 July, together with diocesan clergy originating from or associated with Mengwe Parish, and a good number of MSOLA sisters and confreres on home-leave, including Bartho Mrosso who also originates from Mengwe! A grand occasion for all the generations, and John was 'crowned' with the symbols of chief. The traditional 'ndafu'(roasted goat) and 'mbege' (local brew) were essential to the feast!
John will soon take up his appointment, not in Congo where he did his stage, but in Mozambique, and we wish him all the blessings he needs in his new ministry, especially the gift of learning languages!
