Massawe was born at Mango in the Diocese of Moshi, Tanzania, on 10 June 1951.[1]
He attended the diocesan minor seminary of St. James of Moshi from 1966 until 1969, studied philosophy at the major seminary of Ntungamo in the Diocese of Bukoba from 1970 until 1972, and theology at the major seminary of Kipalapala in the Archdiocese of Tabora (1972–1975).[2]
He was consecrated priest on 29 June 1975.
Between 1986 and 1989 he was teacher and vice-rector of the diocesan minor seminary of San Giacomo di Moshi. From 1990 he studied at Walsh University in North Canton, in Ohio, graduating in 2003. During this period he exercised his ministry in several US parishes, and then moved to his homeland at the Cathedral of Christ the King of Moshi.[3] Between 1999 and 2004 he was chaplain for the diocesan congregation of the Brothers of the Redeemer.[2]
As chair of the governing board for Mwenge University College of Education, Massawe oversaw its transition to full University status in 2014, as Mwenge Catholic University, the second Catholic University in Tanzania.[7]
