Diocese of Zanzibar – Tanzania Epspacal Cofference

About the Diocese

Diocese history

The Diocese was officially established in 1980, building on Catholic mission work that began in the 19th century. Its first Bishop, Bernard Ngaviliau, guided the local Church through its early years, laying a strong foundation for growth, community service, and interfaith engagement.

History of Evangelization

Established 1860 as Apostolic Prefecture of Zanguebar, on vast East African territory split off from the Diocese of Saint-Denis-de-La Réunion in Réunion
1883: Promoted as Apostolic Vicariate of Zanguebar, hence entitled to a titular bishop
November 16, 1887: Renamed as Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Zanguebar, having lost territory to establish the Apostolic Prefecture of Southern Zanguebar
Lost territories repeatedly : in 1904 to establish the Apostolic Prefecture of Benadir, on 1905.09.14 to establish the Mission sui juris of Kenya and on 1906.05.11 to establish the Apostolic Vicariate of Central Zanguebar
Renamed in 1906 as Apostolic Vicariate of Zanzibar
Suppressed on 1953.03.25, its territory being used to establish the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nairobi
Restored but demoted on December 12, 1964 and renamed as Apostolic Administration of Zanzibar and Pemba
Promoted on 1980.03.28 as Diocese of Zanzibar

Ordinaries

Apostolic Prefects of Zanguebar

Armand-René Maupoint (1862 – 1871.07.10), while Bishop of mother diocese (Saint-Denis-de-) La Réunion (Réunion) ([1857.02.14] 1857.03.19 – 1871.07.10)
Antoine Hormer, C.S.Sp. (1868 – 1877)
Jean-Marie-Raoul Le Bas de Courmont, C.S.Sp. (1883.10.27 – 1883.11.23)

Episcopal Leadership

Leadership of the Diocese

Bernard Martin Ngaviliau, C.S.Sp. — Bishop: 1980 – 1996
Augustine Ndeliakyama Shao, C.S.Sp. — Bishop: 1997 – present

Statistics

The Diocesan Curia

Parishes

St.Joseph’s Cathedral Parish (in the Old Stone Town)
Our Lady of Rozari Parish (Kitope 20km Northern side)
St. Antony of Padua Parish (Machui-15km to the East)
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, (wete-Pemba)
St.Michael the Archangel Paish (Mpendae)
St Augustino Parish (Kiboje)
St Mark Parish (Legeza Mwendo)
The Holy Spirti Parish (Cheju){Pilgrimage center}
St. Francis Xavier Parish (Chake Chake- Pemba)
Mary Mother of Perpetual help Parish (Bumbwi Sudi)
All Saints Parish – (Nungwi)
St. Vincent De Paul (Kiembe Samaki) designated parish

Priests

DIOCESAN PRIESTS 20
RELIGIOUS PRIESTS 4
RELIGIOU SRS 53
CATECHISTS 56
LAITY 102.

Diocese Address

P. O. Box 3011, Moshi

Tel: +255272752089

Fax: +255272750934

E-mail: bishopshouse_moshi@yahoo.com

CDNK Sisters Bishop’s House Moshi

Diocesan Chancery

P. Box 3041 Moshi

Tel: +255272752127

Fax: +255272751982

E-mail: catdi.moshi@gmail.com

Official Website

https://www.catholicdioceseofzanzibar.org

Cathedral

The Catholic Diocese of Zanzibar is located on the islands of Unguja and Pemba in Tanzania. Covering around 2,400 km², it serves a population of roughly 1.4 million people, with about 11,600 baptized Catholics. The Diocese is dedicated to nurturing faith, education, and social development in a predominantly Muslim region.

Bishops

Augustine Ndeliakyama Shao C.S.Sp