Abbot Octavian Massingo, OSB, Installation at Hanga Abbey

On July 9th  Fr. Octavian Massingo, OSB, was installed as the new abbot of Hanga Abbey. He was elected in January 23, 2016. He was not installed sooner so that he could finish his Master's Degree studies which he completed this last June. 

In the photo: Abbot Octavian at the superiors chair ni the abbey church.

The installation ceremony took place during vespers in the presence of the monks of Hanga Abbey. The ritual was carried by Abbot Anastasius of Peramiho abbey in the name of the abbot president of St. Ottilen Congregation, Archabbot Jeremias. It involved the installing abbot to lead the new abbot to the official superior chair in the abbey church and being given a document of his installation. Then all the monks present had the opportunity to shank hands with the new abbot. Finally, the new abbot gave his first abbatial blessing to the monks.

Later on on July 30 the new abbot will receive a blessing by the archbishop of the archdiocese of Songea in which ceremony many people and invited guests will attend.

In the photo: Abbot Anastasius installing the new abbot at the abbatial chair in the abbey church.








Monks shaking hands with the new abbot



  








Abbot Octavian is blessing the congregation at the conclusion of his installation ceremony

Visitors of June 2016

In the month of June Hanga abbey had an opportunity to host visitors from USA. Two couples from the US: Mike and Jean Bandfield from Klamath Falls, in Oregon; and Tony and Ginger Peacock from Monterey, California; they came to see the water projects supervised by the abbey. All were amazed by the accomplishments made in helping local villages to have access to clean water. We thank them for blessing us with their presence and for their support of the clean water project.

From left: Mike Bandfield and his wife Jean (second); Ginger and her husband Tony and last Miss Krista from Austria.

Enjoying clean water at a village

A section of the pipe of the main supply line (above).

Seminar for Novices at Hanga Abbey

1.      In March, during Lenten season, the novices from our three Benedictine abbeys of Hanga, Mvimwa and Peramiho met at Hanga abbey for a seminar of a week. Also there were novices from the diocesan monastery of St. Paul in Lighano of the archdiocese of Songea. The instructor for the seminar was a nun from St. Getrude convent of Imiliwaha in Njome diocese. Indeed it was a great opportunity for these youngsters to be together for social time and spiritual nourishment. To all of us it is encouraging to see these young men in formation, a hope for the future of our religious communities. God be blessed!

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Hanga Abbey Monks Elect a New Abbot

Abbot Octavian (left) with his younger brother

 Abbot Masingo with abbot Thadei on the day of ordination in 2010

Abbot Octavian with archbishop Norbert Mtega on the day of deaconate ordination.

On the 23rd of January 2016 the monks of Hanga Abbey gathered to elect a new abbot. The lot fell on Fr. Octavian Thomas Masingo, OSB, to be the third abbot of Hanga Abbey. A native of Dung'unyi parish in Singida, northern Tanzania, Abbot elect Masingo was born on 27 April 1975, and made his first monastic vows at Hanga Abbey in July 2003. He was ordained on 17 June 2010 after completing his studies in philosophy and theology at Peramiho Major Seminary in the archdiocese of Songea in southern Tanzania. Abbot Octavian has earned a Bachelor Degree in administration from Catholic University of St. Augustine in Mwanza in 2013. At the time of election abbot elect Octavian had been in studies for his Masters Degree in administration which he will complete in July, 2016.

Abbot elect Octavian will assume leadership office as abbot of Hanga on the 1st August, 2016 after completing his studies. He takes charge of the abbey from the retired abbot Thadei Mhagama, OSB who led the abbey from 2004 to 2015. And abbot Thadei was preceded by abbot Alcuin Nyirenda, OSB, who reigned from 1994 to 2004. Meanwhile the abbey is under the supervision of prior Jerome Mlelwa, OSB.

We thank God for sending us the new leader and we pray for abbot elect Octavian that the good Lord my sustain him in his leadership.

A Retired Bishop and a Monk, Placidus Gervas Nkalagna, OSB, Dies

A retired bishop and a monk of Hanga abbey Very Reverend Placidus Gervas Nkalanga, OSB, died on the 18th of December, 2015. He was 97 years old. He came to Hanga abbey and became a monk after retiring as a bishop of Bukoba, in northwest Tanzania, 30 years ago. He was known for his simplicity and humility in the community. He spent most of his energy and time for the Formation House in Nakagugu where he established a big banana garden, the work for which he had great passion. He also built a beautiful church at the center. He will be greatly missed by Hanga community. May he rest in peace!

Bishop Placidus Nkalanga (middle) and Policarp Cardinal  Pengo (with crozier) when bishop Nkalanga wa celebrating his 25th anniversary as a monk.

Bishop Nkalanga in his banana garden at Nakagugu Formation House where he spent most of his time to tend the garden and the youths under formation.

A photo of Bishop Placidus Nakalanga, OSB, taken in 2011 on day he celebrated 50 years as a bishop.

Muhukuru Village Working to Get Clean Water, in southern Tanzania.

Water project at Mikayukayu village

Digging a trench and laying pipes

Both men and women participate in digging the trench; even kids!

Surgery Services Begin at Hanga Abbey

Early September this year 2015 the first surgeries were carried out at the long waited service at Hanga Health Center run by the Monks of Hanga Abbey. It was a joy to the patients and to all who are served at the center. The surgery unit has been under construction for about three years and came to completion in May, 2015. It has been establish to serve the large rural area serving more than 12 villages around Hanga Abbey with population of 40,000 people or so. With the surgery service comes the blood transfusion service which is very important to the women in labor and anemic people especially the children. We express our gratitude to all the donors who have contributed to this worthy cause to serve the poor.

Below are pictures of surgeons and nurses in the process of performing surgery; and  two women first to have surgery during delivery at the new Surgery Unit.
                                                                         

The Surgery Unit

Preparing the equipment for surgery