Magufuli, retired leaders attend the 150th anniversary of evangelism

President John Magufuli

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Roman Catholic believers from different parts of the country are attending a special prayer in Bagamoyo to mark the 150 anniversary of evangelism in Tanzania Mainland.

Bagamoyo. President John Magufuli has joined members of Roman Catholic Church to commemorates 150 anniversary of evangelism in Tanzania Mainland held at the Bongololo Grounds in Bagamoyo, Coast Region.

Hundreds of worshippers including former President Benjamin Mkapa, former National Assembly Speaker Anne Makinda also attended the prayer.

The church is marking the anniversary to remember the start of evangelism by missionaries back in 1868, who started by collecting abandoned slaves in Bagamoyo port in a rehabilitation camp.

Trumpets are being blown as songs were sung for at least five minutes as believers are rejoicing to show the African Christianity.

In his clarification, Fr Paul Chiwangu said blowing the trumpets was a sign that the church was going to begin an important session.

He said the trumpets were blown when the ten commandments of God were received in Mount Sinai, noting that according to the Bible, trumpets were also blown when the Jewish were celebrating the events.

"The dance was also used to rejoice successful crossing of the Red Sea. The same will be done today, trumpets and dances will be blown,” he said.

The Dar es Salaam archbishop cardinal Polycarp Pengo said the church is marking the 150th anniversary through promotion of peace, unity and union.