On September 3, 2024, Bishop Severine Niwemugizi entrusted the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Katoke, Biharamulo, Diocese of Rulenge-Ngara, Tanzania, to the Doctrinaries.
During a moment of prayer with the faithful, diocesan priests, and men and women religious from other congregations, the outgoing parish priest, Respicius Rugemalira, handed over the parish to Father Deus Nzambimana, who will be joined by his brothers, Father Godfroid Nshimirimana and Father Paul Sibomana. Present at Father Deus’s installation were the Superior General of the Congregation, Father Sergio La Pegna, the Councilor, Father Binay Kumar Guria, and other Burundian brothers.
Founded in 1987, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Katoke, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is one of the parishes of the Diocese of Rulenge-Ngara, led by Bishop Severine Niwemugizi. It is located in western Tanzania.
In line with the charism of the Congregation, the three Burundian Fathers Deus Nzambimana, parish priest, Godefroid Nshimirimana, and Paul Sibomana, who constitute the first doctrinaries community in Tanzania, have aimed for a living pastoral ministry that glorifies God through the teaching of Christian Doctrine, rooted in the Word of God and close to people’s lives.
Three points guide the life and pastoral work of the Fathers in Tanzania.

Catechetical training: In addition to the ongoing practice of Christian doctrine in the parish, the Congregation operates a Catechetical Center. Training lasts six months to help catechists achieve the necessary level of pastoral competence. This is an important resource for future catechists and pastoral workers.

Sacramental life: the regular celebration and administration of the sacraments—Masses, baptisms, weddings, etc.—thanks to the presence of three priests in the parish are a precious gift.

Small self-financed projects: the launch of agricultural and livestock farming activities to support the parish’s economic needs. The life of the Fathers and the faithful is important to the community. The environment is favorable for agriculture and livestock farming, but a well will need to be dug to provide sufficient water for the parish, the Catechetical Center, and the villagers.