Letter of Condolences and Support Sent to Santa Marinella Sisters from General Chapter

Four sisters from the Congregation of Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (Congregazione Suore Carmelitane Missionarie di S. Teresa del Bambino Gesù) and their driver were tragically killed in an automobile accident in Tanzania. A fifth sister remains in very serious condition in the hospital.

More details have become available. The sisters were on their way to the airport for a flight to Dar es Salaam. They had participated in the perpetual profession of three sisters on Saturday and visited the local bishop on Sunday morning. The accident occured around 11PM in Mwanza, Tanzania.

The deceased are Sr. Lilian Gladson Kapongo, general superior of the Congregation; Sr. Maria Nerina De Simone, a general councilor and the general secretary; Sr. Damaris Matheka, provincial councilor for the Province of East Africa; Sr. Stellamaris Muthini; and their driver, Mr. Boniphace Msonola. Sr. Paulina Crisante Mipata is in hospital and is in serious condition.

We remember the sisters, their families, their co-workers and the Sisters of the Congregation in prayer during this time.

pdf Read the letter of the General Chapter to the Congregation (358 KB)