The Catholic Diocese of Mbeya in Tanzania has issued a diocesan invitation to all parishes, church institutions, and the Catholic faithful to observe this coming Sunday with special prayers for the deceased victims of post-election violence, as well as for those recovering from injuries.
Paul Samasumo -Vatican City.
Father Henry Mwalyenga, Chancellor of Mbeya Diocese, writing in KiSwahili, said that the Sunday prayers should be characterised by faith, unity, and love.
Mass to be celebrated by the Archbishop
“This Sunday’s Mass, which is the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Church, will be held on 9 November 2025. All parishes within the Greater Diocese of Mbeya are requested to hold special prayer sessions for our deceased brothers and sisters, as well as all those injured during the recent national elections held on 29 October 2025,” the letter from Fr. Mwalyenga reads.
The letter continues, “Additionally, on that same Sunday at 9.00 AM, there will be a special Diocesan Mass to pray for these brothers and sisters, which will take place at the Kanisa la Hija, Mwanjelwa Catholic Church in Mbeya. We kindly ask all parishes and priests within the Mbeya Deanery, especially those in Mafinga and Mporoto, to encourage the faithful to participate in this Mass, which will be presided over by the Archbishop and the Auxiliary Bishop. We are all urged to join wholeheartedly in this prayer, invoking God’s mercy on the souls of the departed and praying for the healing of those injured. Let our prayers be filled with faith, unity, and love.”
Unprecedented Violence
A 6 November 2025 AP news analysis on Tanzania discussed a country still coming to terms with the unprecedented national violence.
“Tanzania is reeling from violence surrounding elections on Oct. 29 that some international observers say fell short of a free and fair vote. Authorities face questions over the death toll after security forces tried to quell riots and opposition protests in the East African country. Leading opposition party Chadema has asserted that hundreds were killed. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, received more than 97% of the vote, according to an official tally. Her main rivals, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, were barred from running in what rights groups have called a climate of repression. There have been reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings, according to Amnesty International.”