St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dar Es Salaam: A Symbol Of Faith In The City Of Peace

St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the religious hub and shining beacon of Catholicism in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s most populous city “Haven of Peace.” This beautiful Gothic Revival church, whose two spires pierce the heavens like stone prayers, was constructed between 1897 and 1902 under German colonial rule. It is the mother church, seat of Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, and a constant, visible reminder of the enduring Christian presence in this thriving, predominantly Muslim coastal city. For the Catholic pilgrim, to approach near this cathedral is to enter into a sanctified space, a prayerful and peaceful sanctuary that is a testament to power of faith and its capacity to create a home for soul in midst of turbulence of  world.

The spirituality of St. Joseph’s Cathedral transcends considerably its beauty as a work of architecture or as the administrative centre of local Church. It is a living witness to the complex and often bitter history of Christianity in East Africa. As one of oldest European-built churches in Tanzania, it is a symbol of the double legacy of missionary era: the sincere, altruistic efforts to bring the light of the Gospel, and the troubling convergence of mission with machinery of colonialism. The cathedral has stood in quiet witness to Tanzania’s prolonged and tortured journey towards independence and still remains an integral part of nation’s ongoing process of national reconciliation, healing, and development. It serves as a reminder that the Church, though not of the world, is ever in it, dedicated to being a sign and instrument of unity, justice, and peace. To pray within its portals is to become one with generations of believers who prayed for nation, through times of conflict and times of hope. Its doors lead one into interior of St. Joseph’s Cathedral that produces an atmosphere of profound holiness which stands in lovely contrast to the hectic city outside.

The vaulted, high ceiling and sturdy stone pillars create a sense of strong verticality, and eye and soul are directed upwards to heaven, an architectural representation of natural inclination of the soul towards God. The stained glass windows are a particular joy, not only as ornament but as visual catechesis. They illustrate ordinary biblical action from Annunciation to Pentecost with saints of African continent, such as St. Charles Lwanga and his companions. This visual selection wonderfully combines global Christian story with local one, teaching faithful that Communion of Saints is a sufficiently global family, in which Africans have joined and continue to play an essential role. The light that filters in through these windows colors have in a whorl of color, making sitting in prayer a bath of divine light. The cathedral itself is a rainbow hub of faith, reflective of the multicultural, multilingual flavor of Dar es Salaam. Services are conducted regularly in English, Swahili, and other local languages, reflective of the universality of the Catholic Church and its awareness of many cultures.

Tourists are not only visitors to this place; they are treated as fellow pilgrims and are openly invited to attend Mass and participate in liturgical life of cathedral. To be able to do that is to experience the unique and beautiful blending of African and European liturgical forms that makes Catholic worship in Tanzania so often bright with vigorous, rhythmic music, kinetic gesture, and a profound sense of shared joy and awe. It is Church, in all its beautiful diversity, gathered around one altar of Christ.  Aside from its religious primary function, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a reflection of social outreach and community development, an embodiment of Church’s preferential option for  poor and Corporal Works of Mercy. The parish attached runs a range of programs for most vulnerable of society’s members: poor person ministries, orphanages for children left behind by AIDS or poverty, and HIV/AIDS support groups.

This is Church social teaching in action, a christification of Jesus’ instruction to love our neighbor. For those guests who would enjoy learning more about these significant ministries, it is most often possible to arrange to visit some of outreach programs sponsored by cathedral, which gives a tangible witness to living faith that inspires such ministry. A Pilgrim’s Reflection: Attend Mass even if you don’t share language. Instead of focusing words, focus on ritual, posture of community, music, and silence. Pray for Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, for its bishop, priests, and religious. Pray for the interfaith work being accomplished in this city, and for grace to be a beacon of Christ’s peace and love in your own community, as is this cathedral in its city.