Tanzanian Missionaries bring hearts for service to the United States
Fr. Epitasy Makala, C.PP.S., and Fr. Marco Loth, C.PP.S., two Missionaries of the Precious Blood from Tanzania, left behind everything familiar to embark on an adventure of service. With open hearts, they arrived in the United States this summer, carrying the prayers of their families, the resilient spirit of the communities they’ve served, and a selfless commitment to ministry. Their journey marks a powerful moment in the global mission of the Precious Blood family, reflecting both its reach and its unity in faith.
Their first impressions were shaped by kindness. “We had a very friendly welcome from our brothers and the people here,” Fr. Epitasy says. Hospitality has eased the transition as the two priests settle into their ministries — Fr. Epitasy at St. Joseph Parish in Dayton and Fr. Marco at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue.
A call nurtured in family and community
Faith has been central in Fr. Epitasy’s life from the beginning. The 11th of 12 children, he grew up in a Tanzanian family that produced two priests and a religious sister. From the example of parish priests who welcomed children into parish life, he discerned a call to join the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. After years of seminary formation, he professed vows in 2001 and was ordained in 2011.
Much of his priesthood has been spent in administration, including years as procurator of the province, where he arranged logistics for volunteers and visitors. Later, with a finance degree, he took on leadership roles at the provincial headquarters. Now, for the first time, he will serve in a parish setting. “It is the right time to open a new chapter in my apostolate,” he says. “So far, I’ve never been in a parish.” The new opportunity, he says, will “let me have a parish experience — to speak to people, to see how things are done.”
Leaving family and community is difficult. “It is not easy to leave. I am still feeling that homesickness,” he admits. “Am I going to make it? I will be back after two years, but that feels too much.”
A life shaped by parish ministry
Fr. Marco was born in Manyoni, where the Missionaries of the Precious Blood have served for generations. From his youth, he felt drawn to their spirituality. His formation began in 2005, and after studies in philosophy and theology, he was ordained in 2016.
His ministry is rooted in parish life. He served as assistant pastor at St. Nicholas Parish in Dar es Salaam, studied education, and later became pastor of St. Andrew Parish, one of the largest parishes in the city. For six years, he accompanied parishioners through baptisms, weddings, funerals, and daily life.
When asked to come to the U.S., he accepted with openness. “It was a new experience, so I received it and accepted it. I am happy to be here. First of all, I want to learn from the Missionaries who are working here, and of course to give what I have to the shrine.”
Precious Blood ministry in Tanzania
The two priests are keenly aware of the differences between Tanzanian and American parish life. In Tanzania, especially in rural areas, parishes often struggle with limited resources. Sunday offerings might total less than $50, forcing communities to rely on farming, small businesses, or outside grants. Poverty prevents many families from sending children to school or providing more than one meal a day. Yet faith remains strong, with lay companions and religious working together to sustain the mission.
A vital part of this work is carried by the Precious Blood Companions, lay men and women who partner with the Missionaries. “They help us in the ministry,” Fr. Marco says. “They go all around Tanzania preaching the Precious Blood and helping those in need — the poor, the sick. That should be the ministry of the congregation, because we have the witnesses there.”
Building bridges across borders
Now in Ohio, the two priests see both differences and connections. In Tanzania, parishes lack resources but are marked by strong community bonds. In the U.S., resources are greater, but parishes face the challenge of staying connected in a culture where faith can be overshadowed by individualism.
“We know there will be surprises along the journey,” Fr. Epitasy says. “But we are here, ready.” Fr. Marco agrees. “It is a new apostolate. I will learn, and I will give what I can.”
Their arrival is a testament to the shared mission that binds the Precious Blood community across continents. Whether in a Tanzanian village or an Ohio parish, the mission is the same: to proclaim Christ’s reconciling love.
Fr. Marco’s path
Fr. Marco was born in 1982 in Manyoni, a parish long administered by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. He is one of eight siblings, though two sisters have died. His primary education began in 1992, followed by seminary studies in Singida. After a year of discernment, he entered Precious Blood formation in 2005, completing philosophy, a canonical year, and theology at Jordan Seminary in Morogoro. He was ordained in 2016 and assigned to parish work in Dar es Salaam. As pastor of St. Andrew Parish, he guided a large and vibrant faith community for six years. His appointment to the U.S. marks a new chapter of learning and service.
Fr. Epitasy’s journey
Born in 1970s Tanzania, Fr. Epitasy is the 11th of 12 children. His early schooling was split between his village and town, where his sister helped him complete primary education. He entered seminary and studied at the Salvatorian Institute of Philosophy and Theology (now Jordan University College). Formation included a “special year” focused on community life and the charism of the Precious Blood. After ordination in 2011, he became procurator of the province, organizing hospitality for volunteers and visitors. Later, he earned a finance degree and served in provincial leadership. Now, for the first time, he will experience life in a parish.