Spiritual Centres

In faithfulness to our mission “to prayerfully and simply give prophetic witness to Franciscan sister-brotherhood in the world, while attending to the spiritual and other basic human needs, especially those of the poor and marginalized, promoting peace and justice for all,” the Capuchin Friars in Tanzania dedicate themselves not only to education and social services but also to the spiritual nourishment of God’s people.

Two important centres — the Padre Pio Shrine and the Mbagala Spiritual Centre — provide spaces of prayer, reflection, reconciliation, and encounter with the Lord. They stand as signs of our Franciscan commitment to foster peace, fraternity, and closeness to God among the people of Tanzania.

Padre Pio Shrine

The Padre Pio Shrine was inaugurated in September 2021, marking the centenary of Capuchin presence in Tanzania. Its establishment symbolizes our desire to continue serving the Lord with renewed zeal and to enrich the spiritual life of Tanzanian Catholics.

The shrine includes the Padre Pio Chapel, where two daily Masses are celebrated and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered at any time. Pilgrims also find prayer paths featuring the Stations of the Cross and the Mysteries of the Rosary, creating a space for meditative walks. The shrine further provides a hall for seminars and retreats, as well as hostels for those engaged in longer spiritual activities.

The Padre Pio Shrine is not only a sacred place but also a living sign of God’s mercy, inviting all the faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, sacraments, and reflection.

You can explore more on Padre Pio Shrine at the Shrine's page

Below is the geolocation of the shrine on google maps.

Mbagala Spiritual Centre

The Mbagala Spiritual Centre, owned and managed by the Capuchin Friars, offers another home of prayer and retreat for the people of God. Located in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, the centre was established as a place where individuals and groups could step aside from daily routines to encounter the Lord in silence, prayer, and fraternity.

The centre encompasses a chapel for liturgical celebrations, a hall for seminars and retreats, and hostels for those desiring to stay longer for spiritual exercises. With its welcoming and serene environment, the Mbagala Spiritual Centre is especially suited for retreats, recollections, and workshops that help people to listen to God’s voice and be renewed in faith.

Guided by the Franciscan spirit of simplicity and fraternity, the centre remains a haven for all who seek closeness to God, inner peace, and renewal of spirit.

You can explore more on the centre's page