By the grace of the Lord, CANA has continued to be present, is growing and gaining strength in Tanzania. CANA is active in Arusha (in the North Eastern zone), Dar es Salaam (the business capital of the country), Morogoro and Dodoma regions/Dioceses (centre) and Iringa (southern highlands).
One of the good news is that most couples have happily made their commitments to continue being in CANA this year. Couples of all age ranges meet together during these events and, besides other things, happily share their memories of when they first joined CANA, the joy of being in CANA and how God is using them to renew their own couple and touch other couples. In many cases, the church has welcomed the request from CANA members to make their commitments during a Mass Service, thus evangelizing other married couples to reflect on their situation and mobilize them to join CANA. In one such services in Turiani, the Parish priest asked each couple making their commitments to hold a Cross, reflecting deeper how Christian marriages are sacraments and rely on the Lord in their growth and sustainability.
During one fraternity meeting, a couple remarked “Our brothers and sisters, we cannot tell you how much we have been eagerly waiting for you to arrive at our home! It is such a delight to meet up again to pray together, share our laughter and challenges we encounter as couples (testimonies) and enjoy a drink and/ or bites. The prayers have always been very fruitful and testimonies strengthening our faith and life as a couple and family.”
The CANA retreat, planned to be held in Dar es Salaam this year, is a moment for personal and couple spiritual uplift… We are optimistic that many couples will seize the chance and move onto the next level in our couple lives.
Bishops in Same and Tanga Dioceses have also welcomed CANA and plans are already underway to conduct sensitization seminars and plan CANA weeks or CANA 1,2,3…. Who knows, that’s going to be our next phase. Together lets pray for growth and sustainability of CANA in Tanzania!
