What You Need to Know
As the New Year approaches, religious leaders in Tanzania are calling on believers to express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the past year. They emphasize the importance of thanksgiving, responsibility, and perseverance as key values for success in the upcoming year. Clerics from various denominations encourage citizens to remain faithful and proactive in their lives.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. RELIGIOUS leaders have urged believers to express gratitude to the Almighty God for the gift of life and the many blessings received throughout 2025 as they usher in the New Year. “As we conclude this year, let us extend our gratitude to God.
Let us thank Him for the gift of life and for enabling us to fulfil our responsibilities in our families, workplaces and daily routines.
The fact that you have managed to be here today is by the grace of God,” Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, Jude Ruwa’ichi, said during the New Year Eve prayers held in Dar es Salaam while addressing Roman Catholic faithful.
Archbishop Ruwa’ichi reminded the faithful that, despite the challenges experienced in 2025, God continued to grant them abundant blessings. “I ask God to receive the thanksgiving prayers of each one of us,” he said.
He further urged believers to continue praying for God’s guidance and protection in 2026.
Meanwhile, during New Year’s Eve prayers at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Azania Front Cathedral, Assistant Bishop and Dean, the Reverend Chediel Lwiza, appealed to believers to thank God for the achievements they recorded, including good health and the opportunity to enter the New Year.
Bishop Lwiza also urged worshippers to care for the health of others.
“I was pleased to hear about the plan for universal health insurance. Such an initiative deserves our prayers because it is a very good and encouraging development,” he said.
Pastor Dr Eliona Kimaro of the Kijitonyama ELCT urged Christians and the wider public to take bold, deliberate steps towards economic self-reliance in 2026, describing the process as an “impossible journey” that requires faith and action.
Dr Kimaro encouraged believers not to abandon their visions and dreams, but to keep pressing forward with determination.
“As 2026 begins, you must have the drive to keep moving forward. Do not give up on your vision and dreams. The God who makes things happen is there,” he said.
He cited civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, who said: “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl—but whatever you do, you must keep moving forward.”
The pastor noted that God’s power is often revealed when people take initiative, urging citizens to work hard, stop complaining and avoid remaining stagnant.
Dr Kimaro also emphasised the importance of gratitude, observing that many people fail to appreciate help they receive.
“Lack of gratitude often causes emotional pain to those who offer support,” he said.
He urged believers to embrace gratitude, action and perseverance as key values for success in the New Year.
In Kilimanjaro Region, Chief Priest of Christ the King Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Moshi, Father Prosper Siayako, called on the faithful and all Tanzanians to be responsible citizens and work hard in the New Year.
Fr Siayako made the call during his homily at a Holy Mass to mark the New Year 2026, held yesterday (Thursday) at Christ the King Cathedral in Moshi.
“Let us thank God for granting us the chance to enter the New Year (2026). Having received this blessing, everyone should remember that God’s decision to allow you to see the New Year comes with responsibility,” he said.
He noted that everyone has a calling, whether in marriage or religious life, and should use the blessing of a New Year to fulfil their duties for the benefit of the family, the Church and the nation.
During the Mass, Fr Siayako also delivered New Year greetings from the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Moshi, His Eminence Ludovick Joseph Minde, and led the congregation in special prayers for families, the Church and the nation, urging continued prayers for peace as a foundation for development.
In a related message, he encouraged believers to forgive one another, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Glory of Christ Tanzania Church Bishop Joseph Gwajima urged believers to take advantage of their God-given purpose to live successful and meaningful lives.
He said every human being is endowed with a gift from God that defines the purpose of his or her life.
The tradition of expressing gratitude during New Year celebrations is deeply rooted in many cultures, including Tanzania. Religious leaders often play a significant role in guiding their communities through reflections on the past year while setting intentions for the year ahead. This practice fosters a sense of unity and purpose among believers, encouraging them to acknowledge their blessings and responsibilities.
In Tanzania, the New Year is not only a time for celebration but also for spiritual reflection. Clerics from various denominations use this occasion to remind their congregations of the importance of gratitude, community service, and personal growth. Such messages resonate deeply
