Apostolates and Ministry Works of the St. Gemma Sisters in Tanzania
The Congregation of St. Gemma Galgani is actively engaged in apostolic and missionary work across nine Catholic dioceses in Tanzania. Their ministries include education, healthcare, pastoral care, social services, and vocational training, serving the needs of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Below is a structured outline of their apostolates, organized by diocese and district.
1. Archdiocese of Arusha (Arusha Region)
Mateves, Arusha
In the Archdiocese of Arusha, the St. Gemma Sisters run two major apostolates. St. Gabriel Home for Children Born in Prison is a shelter for children of incarcerated mothers, providing a safe, nurturing environment where they receive education, emotional support, and social reintegration services. The sisters work closely with government and social welfare authorities to ensure these children have a future beyond prison walls.
The St. Gemma Galgani Pre and Primary School is a pillar of Catholic education in the region, offering quality learning opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans and children from impoverished families. The school provides holistic development, integrating academic excellence, moral formation, and Christian values to prepare students for a brighter future.
2. Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam Region)
Bunju
The St. Gemma Daycare Centre in Bunju was established to meet the growing need for early childhood education and childcare services. The center caters to children whose parents work during the day, ensuring their proper upbringing through structured learning, moral instruction, and social development activities.
Parish Ministries in Dar es Salaam City
The sisters serve in several parishes, including Upanga Parish, where they are engaged in religious instruction, catechesis, and community empowerment through a tailoring program that helps women achieve financial independence. Similarly, at Ursino St. Peter’s Parish, the sisters focus on catechetical instruction in Catholic institutions, nurturing faith formation among children and adults alike.
At Makoka Parish, the sisters are involved in multiple ministries, including parish work, healthcare, and running a technical hostel for girls. They provide young women with vocational training and accommodation, helping them build self-reliance and secure employment.
Mlandizi and Mikocheni
The Mlandizi Community Daycare Centre extends the sisters’ work in early childhood education, ensuring children from underprivileged backgrounds receive proper care and foundational learning. Meanwhile, the St. Gemma Sisters Centre in Mikocheni serves as a retreat house, offering lodging and a place for spiritual renewal. The sisters at this center also provide religious education in primary and secondary schools, while working in hospitals to care for the sick and provide pastoral support.
3. Archdiocese of Dodoma (Dodoma Region)
Dodoma City
The Generalate House in Dodoma serves as the administrative headquarters of the congregation, coordinating all apostolates and community services. The St. Mary’s Hostel provides safe, affordable housing for young women, including students and working professionals, ensuring they receive moral and spiritual guidance.
The sisters run several educational institutions, including the St. Gemma Daycare Centre and St. Ignatius Pre & Primary School, both of which focus on holistic child development. The Amrosini House serves as a residence for elderly and sick sisters, while St. Gemma Hospital in Miyuji provides critical healthcare services.
The sisters also operate the Miyuji Cheshire Home for Children with Intellectual Disabilities, a center dedicated to special-needs children, providing rehabilitation, therapy, and early intervention programs.
Parish Ministries in Dodoma Diocese
The sisters are active in parish ministries throughout the region. They support faith formation and pastoral care in Bihawana, Chikopelo, Mlowa Bwawani, Kigwe, Bahi, Itiso, Nzali, and Hombolo parishes. Additionally, they run Chikopelo Upendo Tailoring Centre, which provides vocational training for young women, and Diocesan WID/GAD, a rural development program focused on women’s empowerment and gender advocacy.
4. District of Mpwapwa (Dodoma Region)
Lumuma and Mpwapwa District
The St. Gemma Health Center in Lumuma is a key medical facility that provides maternal and child healthcare services to rural communities. The sisters also run Formation Houses for Novices and Second-Year Postulants, preparing young women for religious life through theological education and spiritual formation.
The sisters are engaged in pastoral care and healthcare services in Mbuga, Kinusi, and Rudi Parishes, offering catechesis, community outreach, and support for vulnerable populations. They are also engaged in running academic institutions such as Franco Badian Pre and Primary School.
5. Diocese of Kondoa (Dodoma Region)
Kondoa Town and Surrounding Parishes
The Motherhouse of the Congregation, located in Kondoa Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, is the historical and spiritual home of the congregation, where new members receive their initial religious formation. The sisters also run a VETA Computer and Tailoring School and the Poloni Orphanage House for orphaned children.
In surrounding areas, the sisters provide healthcare and pastoral services in Itololo, Kinyasi, Haubi, Goima, Farkwa, Kurio, and Ovada Parishes. These ministries focus on religious instruction, faith formation, and medical services to improve the quality of life for the local communities.
6. District of Kongwa (Dodoma Region)
Kongwa and Kibaigwa
In Kongwa Town, the Mwl. Nyerere Hostel for Girls offers safe accommodation for young women pursuing education. The sisters also work in Kongwa Government Hospital, providing medical care to underserved communities.
At St. Clara Seminary in Mlali, the sisters manage hostel facilities and offer religious formation to young seminarians. Additionally, in Kibaigwa, they run community-based programs focused on youth development and vocational training.
7. Diocese of Morogoro (Morogoro Region)
Tungi Parish, Morogoro
In Morogoro, the sisters are active in Tungi Parish, where they provide catechetical instruction, pastoral care, and youth ministry programs. Their mission focuses on deepening faith formation and fostering community engagement in Christian service.
8. Diocese of Singida (Singida Region)
Sanza Parish, Singida
In Singida, the sisters serve at Sanza Parish, focusing on pastoral care, faith formation, and healthcare services. Their mission involves supporting local communities through catechesis and ensuring access to essential health services for those in need.
9. Diocese of Tanga (Tanga Region)
Korogwe District
The sisters run Chang’ombe Community Daycare in Korogwe, which provides early childhood education and care for young children. The daycare emphasizes academic, social, and spiritual growth, ensuring a strong foundation for young learners.
The apostolates of the Congregation of St. Gemma Galgani in Tanzania are extensive and impactful, touching the lives of many through education, healthcare, pastoral care, and social services. Each diocese hosts multiple ministries that reflect the sisters’ deep commitment to serving the poor and marginalized, bringing hope, dignity, and opportunities to communities in need. Through their work, the sisters continue to live out their mission of love and service, following the example of St. Gemma Galgani.