“Often religious communities restrict their visions of ministry to their local provinces or countries. However, that’s not the case with Salvatorians,” said Fr. Tom Tureman, SDS, USA Province Provincial. “With the arrival of these young missionaries from our Tanzania pro-province we are reminded again that our mission does not end at the border.”
Fr. Edward Lupaka, SDS
in a family of eight children, Fr. Edward Lupaka, SDS, is the sixth child of his parents, Yustina and Thobias. He grew up in Tanzania in the Mtwara region where he was an altar server at his Benedictine parish starting in his primary school years. He was intrigued by the priests of the parish, who ultimately helped plant within him the seed of discernment toward the priesthood.
While attending the minor seminary, St. Benedict Namupa in the diocese of Lindi, Tanzania, Fr. Lupaka came to know Salvatorians who were studying there. Influenced by their community life and strong sense of brotherhood, Fr. Lupaka approached them to learn more about the charisms and spirituality of the Society of the Divine Savior. Their guidance ultimately led to the realization that he, in turn, was drawn to the Salvatorians.
In October 2010, he entered the Salvatorian formation program at the St. Joseph Namiungo Formation House in the Diocese of Tunduru-Masasi, Tanzania. He earned his Philosophy and Theology degrees, and was ordained a priest in August 2022, at Jordan University College by Bishop Lazarus Vitalis Msimbe, SDS, the Bishop of Morogoro, Tanzania.
Fr. Lupaka began his ministry as a formator at the St. Joseph Formation House, and then, in 2023, was appointed Superior of the House and chairman of the religious until being asked to travel to the USA. He was welcomed at the Provincial House of the United States Province this past November and has been learning many things, especially concerning the culture, traditions, and regulations of the country. “My presence in the USA Province is the continuation of the work of making Jesus known to all and responds to our Founder’s vision for universality,” said Fr. Lupaka.
He begins his ministry at St. Pius X Parish in Wauwatosa, WI, this summer as associate pastor.
Fr. Colman Mtenga, SDS
Born and raised in northern Tanzania — the Kilimanjaro region — into a family of 11 children, Fr. Colman Mtenga, SDS, is the eighth child of his parents, David and Maria. The Salvatorian charism and spirit were closely aligned with Fr. Mtenga as he discerned God’s call to serve as a religious priest. His formation spanned different levels and took him to many places, beginning at Namiungo as a candidate and postulant, then to Nakapanya for his novitiate year, then at Tshabula in the Democratic Republic of Congo for Philosophy classes, and finally to Mater Salvatoris Scholastic where he earned his degree in Theology at Jordan University College in Africa.
After his ordination in 2023, he was quickly assigned to the Namiungo Formation House for pastoral ministry where he served until his Provincial Superior and council made the decision to appoint a few members to travel to the USA to minister.
Fr. Mtenga arrived at the USA Headquarters in November 2025. He has been acclimating to community life here, earning his USA driver’s license, and participating in classes at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Hales Corners, WI. Classes are designed to help him learn about ministry differences in the USA, as well as to help him with dialect transitions.
“Since arriving in the USA, life has been good,” said Fr. Mtenga. “I appreciate the kindness of people I have encountered, and I am looking forward to the ministry that I will be assigned to in the coming months.”
His favorite quote from the Founder, Blessed Francis Jordan, is: “Omnibus et ubique,” which means “to everyone and everywhere.” He said, “I like this quote because it highlights the universality of Salvatorians and that we are all called to preach and teach the work of God to all creatures —
everywhere without distinction.”
Fr. Nicholaus Paschal Nkoronko, SDS
The most recent to arrive in the
United States is Fr. Nicholaus Paschal
Nkoronko, SDS, from Tanzania.
After 21 hours of travel, just days
after his ordination in late November,
he arrived at the USA Provincial House
in Milwaukee, WI. He is the sixth of 10
children born to Victoria Joseph Yongora
and Paschal Nkoronko Ngoma.
Fr. Nkoronko was ordained a deacon
in May 2025 at St. Peter’s Basilica in
the Vatican. On November 29th he
was ordained a Salvatorian priest in
Masasi, Tanzania. Beyond his academic
contributions, he served his province
in Tanzania through technical work,
including electrical and plumbing
projects.
“I firmly believe that God calls us and
places us exactly where we are meant
to serve,” said Fr. Nkoronko. “For me,
becoming a Salvatorian was a central
part of God’s plan. Their charism and
spirituality deeply moved me.”