November and early December saw the visit to Ireland by the Provincial of the Rosminian Fathers’ East Africa Province, Fr. Firmati Tarimo I.C.
The purpose of Fr. Tarimo’s visit was primarily to express gratitude for the support received from Ireland by East Africa over the years, and to pay his respects to the Rosminians that worked in Africa and have since gone to the Lord. Fr. Tarimo was pleased to meet with the families of some Rosminian brethren buried in Ireland, particularly those of the late Fr. Peter Kenny and Fr. Maurice Reen. He also visited and prayed over their graves and those of Br. Jim Kane and Fr. Tom Marley who died in recent months.
Additionally, the visit gave Fr. Tarimo the opportunity to visit Rosminian ministries around Ireland. Upon his return to Tanzania, Fr. Tarimo wrote of his visit to Rosminian communities in Cork, Clonmel, Glencomeragh, Kilcurry, and Dublin:
“In each community I was well received and made welcome. I was very happy to see the Spiritual works at the Glen, St. Oliver’s Parish and St. Brigid’s Parish. In the two parishes, I was impressed with the celebration of the month of November, dedicated to the Holy Souls. I believe this can be very enriching for the parishes here in the East Africa Province as well.
“Community life and care of the elderly brethren was another thing that caught my attention. I believe I saw true love among the brethren, especially in the administering of care for the elderly brethren.”
The visit also presented the opportunity to reaffirm the continued bonds of love and solidarity between Ireland and East Africa now and into the future. In addition to meeting the brethren, Fr. Tarimo also met with supporters of the Rosminians that have been a rock of friendship over the years. Ireland has been a most valuable and willing source of support during the years of Rosminian ministry in East Africa. As the East African parishes and projects continue to develop and prosper in the years ahead, those bonds of love and solidarity will continue to be relevant, important, and cherished as much as ever before.
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