Main Stream: Diocesan

The charism of the Usambara Sisters is to proclaim the Gospel and serve Christ through education, evangelization, and comprehensive social outreach, especially among the poorest and most marginalized communities. They commit themselves to teaching religion and formal education in schools, providing health and social services, caring for orphans and vulnerable children, and supporting human dignity and spiritual formation through their ministries.

The Congregation of Our Lady of Usambara (C.O.L.U.) was founded in 1954 in the Usambara Mountains of northeastern Tanzania by Monsignor Eugen Arthurs of the Rosminian Congregation, with foundational support from the Precious Blood Sisters (C.P.S.). What began as a small local initiative to respond to the spiritual and social needs of the region grew steadily into a flourishing indigenous congregation. The first formation team was led by Sister Willibalda Giesbers (CPS), and over time leadership passed to Tanzanian sisters as the congregation matured. Over the decades, the Usambara Sisters expanded their service throughout the region, establishing schools, health centers, and educational programs while maintaining a strong commitment to evangelization and service to the poor. Today they number over 500 sisters engaged in education, healthcare, catechesis, and social outreach, deeply rooted in the local Church of Tanzania.

info@dioceseoftanga.org P.O. Box 31, Tanga, Tanzania