Love and hospitality in action: A call to serve God in others

By Sr. Ernestina Patrick Lasway SAC

Founded on 18 June 1652 in Nancy, France, by Emmanuel Chauvenel, the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Charles Borromeo (Trier) continues to live its mission of love and service across the world. Today, the Congregation is actively engaged in pastoral and social ministry in Tanzania, responding to the spiritual and human needs of the people. At the heart of the Congregation’s life is its charism: “Union with God in Enduring Love.” This charism calls the sisters to nurture both the spiritual and physical well-being of all people.

The journey to Tanzania

The Sisters of Charity of St. Charles Borromeo arrived in Tanzania in 1985, coming from the Netherlands. They established their first community in Mtinko, in the Diocese of Singida. Over the years, the Sisters have served faithfully in various apostolates, including education, catechesis, and pastoral care.

As their mission expanded, the Sisters recognised a growing need among religious men and women, priests, and lay faithful for a place of silence, rest, and spiritual renewal. This discernment led to the establishment of a Retreat House, Seminar Centre, and Events Hall in the Archdiocese of Arusha.

This is a response to the invitation of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of St. Mark: “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while” (Mk 6:31). The St. Carolus Retreat Centre was envisioned as a sanctuary where people could encounter God in prayer and reflection, away from busy schedules.

St Carolus Retreat Centre, Tengeru

The St. Carolus Retreat Centre in Tengeru, Arusha, was officially opened on 14 October 2017. As Sr. Agatha explains, the centre was established: “In response to the needs of our time and to share the charism of the Congregation, by offering both spiritual and physical care, that is, prayer spaces for individuals, groups on retreat, and those simply in need of rest.”

St Carolus Retreat Centre, Tengeru

Located near Arusha, a city known as a hub for tourism and international activity in Tanzania, the centre welcomes guests from across the world.

Hospitality as ministry

Hospitality lies at the very heart of the Sisters’ mission. Sr. Juliana and Sr. Michaella, who serve at the centre, describe welcoming guests as a profound way of serving God. “It is a great joy to welcome and serve guests, especially those from within and outside Tanzania. When a guest arrives and later leaves with joy and peace, it gives deep consolation. Through this service, we learn from our guests, and they also learn from us. We are simply servants, ensuring that everyone who comes here encounters God,” the sisters explained.

In addition to accommodation and retreat services, the centre has a large multipurpose hall used for seminars, conferences, meetings, and celebrations, including confirmations, weddings, and priestly ordinations. Through this ministry, the Sisters witness to their charism of love, generosity, and excellence in service.

St Carolus Retreat Centre, Tengeru

Care, sustainability, and self-reliance

Caring for guests also means ensuring wholesome food and safe accommodation. To support this, the Sisters maintain vegetable gardens and fruit orchards, providing fresh produce for daily use. “By growing our own food, we are confident that what we serve is fresh and safe, as we avoid harmful chemicals,” notes Sr. Agatha.

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The Sisters also run small livestock projects, including poultry, cattle, pigs, and rabbits. These initiatives help reduce costs while ensuring guests receive nutritious meals, reflecting the Sisters’ commitment to responsible stewardship and sustainability.

Mission with the local community

Faithful to the vision of their Founder, the Sisters carry out their apostolate in collaboration with the surrounding community. They offer catechetical instruction in schools and parishes, as well as life-skills education, enabling people to become more self-reliant. Through this shared mission, communities experience the presence and love of Christ expressed through the Sisters’ daily service.

Fruits and challenges of the mission

Since its establishment, the Tengeru Retreat Centre has welcomed guests from many parts of the world for retreats, seminars, and meetings. The steady flow of visitors is a sign of appreciation and trust. “We appreciate and thank the guests who come from near and far. Their remarks and recommendations help us to improve our services,” says Sr. Agatha. This feedback helps us meet the needs of visitors at the right moment.

Like any ministry of hospitality, challenges exist. Among them, fluctuating numbers of guests and occasional health concerns require flexibility and attentiveness. Fortunately, nearby medical facilities ensure that guests receive appropriate care when needed.

Decorating the hall for the annual meeting at the Center

A home away from home

The St. Carolus Convent and Retreat House truly embodies its motto as a home away from home. With Sisters skilled in hospitality, catering, and languages, guests speaking Swahili, English, German, and French feel welcomed and understood. All who seek rest, renewal, and spiritual nourishment are warmly invited to experience the peaceful environment just outside the city of Arusha, where the Sisters of Charity of St. Charles Borromeo continue to serve God through love, prayer, and generous hospitality.