On 12 July 2024, the Congregation of Saint Ottilien received sad news from Abbot Christian Temu regarding the death by automobile accident of three members of The Abbey of Our Lady Help of Christians in Ndanda, Tanzania.
Fr. Cornelius (Clement) Mdoe OSB, Fr. Pius (Peter) Boa OSB and Brother Bakanja (Epimack) Mkenda OSB had suddenly passed on through a fatal road accident. The accident took place in Mtua, about 60km away from Ndanda, while on the way to Dar es Salaam. The brothers had come to Ndanda to celebrate with the community the Solemnity of Saint Benedict, in which eleven brothers had made their profession (five solemn, six temporary vows). This day will go down in the history of our community as the saddest moment – so far.
Ndanda, as it is called, is a significant Benedictine monastery founded in 1906 by German missionaries from the Congregation of Missionary Benedictines of Saint Ottilien. The abbey has played a pivotal role in the religious, educational, and social development of the region, establishing schools, hospitals, and various community services. It serves as a spiritual center, promoting the Benedictine ethos of prayer, work, and hospitality. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant community that integrates local culture with monastic traditions, contributing to the spiritual and social welfare of the Tanzanian people.
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