Dar Catholics pray for peace during referendum

Hundreds of Catholics gathered at Msimbazi Centre grounds in Dar es Salaam yesterday to pray for peace and harmony ahead of the referendum to approve the proposed draft constitution next year.

Polycarp Cardinal Pengo celebrated Mass on this colourful thanks giving occasion for the Catholic Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam.

The thanksgiving event brought to Msimbazi several representatives from parishes in Coast and Dar es Salaam regions as well as Zanzibar
They prayed for the country’s entire referendum, specially praying for God’s mercy so that peace prevails during the process as opposed to ongoing quarrels among politicians as well as misunderstandings in the public.

The believers called on authorities to ensure the new constitution respects life, protects citizens’ rights and lessens potential conflict that may arise if the process goes contrary to what the public expects.

Cardinal Pengo thanked the believers for their prayers while he was being treated in hospitals within and the outside country.

“Thank you all for prayers that have  enabled me today to stand before you… pray more so I continue to recover more as well and do more good as a sign of thanks,” he said.

The Cardinal said: “Today we gather here to deliver our thanks to Almighty God, with each parish making progress in contributions compared to previous years.”

He promised to protect the contributions, saying: “I will be at the forefront to look after the money collected from you to ensure it goes to right place.”
It will not be used for unnecessary activities or personal use, he added.