Brothers of Jesus the Redeemer

This morning I visited a friary called Kilacha. This friary houses about 30 brothers of Jesus the Redeemer. Their farm is about 80 acres and they have animals, vegetables, and field crops. They also have a tree nursery and they produce grafted mangoes and avocados and many other trees. Sales from the nursery help to pay for the needs of the friary. These needs include funds to allow the brothers to continue their education.

When a man is accepted to become a brother, he comes to the friary for five years. At the end of that time, the friary will determine his education level and will send him to school. The education levels are called ‘forms’ and they range from 1-6. They roughly correspond to grades 7-12. In order to progress to the next form, students must pass the examinations. Brothers at the friary are sent to school to progress through the forms of education. From what I understand, many of the brothers enter form 4 but they may also have to start with form 1. Once they complete form 6 they may apply to a university. There they will study for degrees in English, geology, history, science, or other areas. Once they have a university degree, then that will be sent to serve in different areas of society – schools or hospitals for example. Brother Adolph lives and works at St. Amadeus school and is helping me with my project. He is one of the brothers who recently graduated from the university with a degree in English and Swahili.

In this way the friary is able to make a great contribution to society. Their mission is to develop educated and well formed brothers who will bring the love of God to Tanzania. They have a great influence on their neighbors. This has been a model used within the universal Catholic Church for a long time. Its effectiveness has been proven over the centuries and in many cultures. I have the privilege of being welcomed into this community and of making a small contribution to their mission. The Catholic Church has deep roots here and will bear much fruit.