The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, is to embark on a series of walks in rural deaneries throughout the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe this Lent to raise funds for the Diocese of Kondoa.

There’ll be seven walks in all, each between 10 and 15 miles in distance. The first will take place on Thursday 19th February – the second day of Lent – when the Bishop will begin by visiting the sixth century ruins of St Columba’s monastery on Tory Island before continuing on the west Donegal mainland.

On each walk, Bishop Andrew will connect with local churches, stopping to pray for the people and clergy of Kondoa and for the success of Derry and Raphoe’s partnership with the Tanzanian diocese. Local parishioners will be welcome to join him on each journey.

Arrangements will be made in churches here allowing people to contribute to ongoing mission and ministry in the Diocese of Kondoa. Its Bishop, Rt Rev Given Gaula, signed a 5-year partnership agreement with Bishop Andrew in October 2024 involving a shared commitment to prayer, mission, and support in their dioceses. Bishop Given will be visiting Ireland during the season of Lent.