Tanzania: Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha was appointed by Pope Francis as the Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese on July 3, 2018. He was ordained as Bishop on September 15. After completing six months of taking charge, Dr. Saldanha spoke with Rev. Fr. Victor Machado about the SAME Mission in Tanzania, East Africa. Here are the excerpts:
You have completed six months as Bishop. What has your experience been like?
In the past six months, after my ordination, I have had to make a lot of adjustments in my life, from the academic to the administrative and pastoral. Meeting the priests, religious and the lay faithful, listening to them, forming various councils and committees for the smooth functioning of the diocese and attending to various problems made great demands on my regular time table. These demanded a lot of time and energy. But now, things are falling in place.
According to you, what are the most important priorities in the Diocese of Mangalore?
The important priority of the diocese is building the faith of the community, deepening the faith we have already received and spreading the faith. Here, the lay faithful, religious and diocesan clergy need to work together. The second thing is protecting the environment and conserving water, through the Laudato Si Project. The third is to build bridges between the people of various faiths and create a feeling of fellowship, Bandhutva. We belong to one Earth, we are nurtured by her ingredients, we must learn to love all and teach others to love one another.
What was your notion about the SAME Mission before you came to this mission?
I had known of the SAME Mission through the various reports from those who worked here, especially through Fr. Alwyn D’Souza. I had learnt that the Boys’ Science Secondary School was also established. I knew that life is tough here, being in another culture with very few facilities. We need to depend totally on the providence of God and the generosity of the people, as there is no regular financial support system.
What do you appreciate about this mission after having come here personally?
I appreciate the mutual, brotherly affection of priests working here. You testify that you belong to each other. That’s wonderful. I appreciate the progress done in such a short time in establishing the parish mission, the “Rupert” project, and above all, the school infrastructure and academic performance. I appreciate the foresight to grow further by adopting farming, providing water and other facilities to the poor.
What would you say about the faith of the people over here?
The people have a simple faith. They are poor financially, but they have a generous heart. They love sincerely. They have understood that God is at work amidst them. They are ready to come from distant places and spend time together to nourish their faith. The sharing of responsibilities in this direction is exemplary, as each takes care of different sub-stations.
Do you think this mission is on the right track? What are your suggestions to improve this mission?
I think the mission is on the right track and is being stabilised. The mission as pastoral care of the Christians is taken care of. Yet, a little more visiting of individual families and learning about their situation will help us focus on the right approach to inspire them towards Christian values. The school ministry will help in mission ad gentes. The boys are to be trained in the practice of Christian and human virtues, keeping Christ as a model. The mission inter gentes, among the people, needs to be taken up, so that the people of other faiths, cultures and the poor get a sufficient amount of attention. We must also engage them in common action.
Do you have any comments about the priests working in this mission?
There is a lot of care and concern and sharing of responsibilities among the priests. That is really praiseworthy. Each one is interested in the wellbeing of the other and there is a mutual trust and brotherly spirit. Other priests can learn much from them.
Should the priests of the Diocese of Mangalore be more involved in this mission?
I believe so. Every priest, religious and lay faithful should feel that the mission belongs to each one of them. At the same time, the message and updates from the mission should also reach the priests and people. Internos and Raknno should be used to spread the news.
Are you happy that this mission was taken up? In what ways can the Diocese of Mangalore be involved in this mission?
I feel happy that our diocese has taken up this mission and with a lot of hard work, it has been brought to the present level. We are the first diocese in India, I believe, to take up a mission in the African continent. Fidei Donum priests of other dioceses have already gone to the Latin American countries, apart from providing spiritual and financial assistance. The diocese can help by adopting students and families.
What is your message to us?
First, believe that God is working in you and through you. You are doing Christ’s mission. Second, bring Jesus Christ into the lives of the people and students by living the Gospel so that many may be attracted to Christ. Third, inspire the youth here to be missionaries in their own land.
