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Fr. Felician Nkwera dies at 89, mourners gather in Dar es Salaam
2025-05-11
Africa-Press – Tanzania. Father Felician Nkwera, 89, the founder of
the Marian Faith Healing Centre in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, has died.
His passing has drawn scores of mourners to the centre he established,
where he spent his final years in spiritual service.
Fr. Nkwera died on the night of Thursday, May 8, 2025, at TMJ
Hospital, where he was admitted following a sudden drop in blood
pressure.
According to officials at the centre, the revered religious figure
began feeling unwell that morning but continued with his daily
activities until his condition worsened later in the day.
Deogratias Karulama, chairperson of the Healing Ministry at the Marian
Faith Healing Centre, told The Citizen that Fr. Nkwera was initially
taken to a local hospital, where doctors noted his low blood pressure.
He was later transferred to a hospital in Kinondoni, where his
condition appeared to improve. However, during the journey back home,
his health rapidly deteriorated, prompting another emergency stop at
TMJ Hospital, where he passed away.
Fr. Nkwera was previously a priest in the Catholic Church but was
later excommunicated by church leadership. Despite the controversy, he
remained a spiritual figure to many, drawing large followings to his independent healing ministry.
At the centre, worshippers held prayer services on Friday, many
visibly emotional and struggling to hold back tears. Karulama
delivered the news of his passing with a message of reflection and
gratitude.
“Father often joked with us. Whenever we told him to eat, he would
say, ‘Let’s wait until the Pope is found.’ Fittingly, he passed
shortly after the Pope’s announcement,” Karulama recalled.
He continued: “His final days were filled with advice and spiritual
counsel. He reminded us often that ‘those who sin will perish.’ He
believed in prayer and always urged us to pray for the
nation—especially now as we approach the general election in October.”
Fr. Nkwera is also remembered for his vast contributions to Kiswahili
language and literature. He authored over seven books that are widely
used in secondary schools and colleges across the country. His
influence shaped generations of Swahili language scholars.
“Many of us in the field of Kiswahili passed through his teachings. He
deeply understood both language and literature,” said Prof. Aladin
Mutembei of the University of Dar es Salaam.
Source: <
https://www.africa-press.net/tanzania/all-news/fr-felician-nkwera-dies-at-89-mourners-gather-in-dar-es-salaam>
Dr. Musa Hans, Director of the Confucius Institute at UDSM, echoed
this sentiment, noting Fr. Nkwera’s enduring legacy in promoting
Kiswahili globally.
“He was one of the early linguists who believed in taking Kiswahili
beyond Tanzania’s borders. His contributions continue to influence how
the language is spoken and taught in many parts of the world,” said
Dr. Hans.
Funeral plans are pending as some of Fr. Nkwera’s relatives are
currently abroad. The centre said it will share updates once
arrangements are finalised.
His passing marks the end of an era for a man remembered both for his
spiritual devotion and scholarly impact—a figure whose life work
straddled religion, language, and national consciousness.
--
Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
Web:
http://www.khanya.org.za/stevesig.htm
Blog:
http://khanya.wordpress.com
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