| Diocese Newsletter - ÛW’O
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 79: March, 2010
3/6/2010
Thousands gathered at Komarock shrine on the 6th of February 2010. This was the long awaited day when the nine deacons from the Catholic Diocese of Machakos were to be ordained. It is also the day when the Diocese makes a journey to Komarock for pilgrimage. In his opening speech, Bishop Martin welcomed the visiting bishops, (Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi Rt. Rev. David Kamau and His Grace Most. Rev. Peter Kairo from the Archdiocese of Nyeri) and in a very special way the Archbishop Peter Kairo since they were in the same class in the Seminary although one used to be standing in front of the class while the other sat behind and listened!
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 79: February, 2010
2/5/2010
The 6th of February year 2010 will be a great day for the Catholic Diocese of Machakos. All vehicles will take the roads leading to Komarock Shrine. This is because the Diocese will be ending the year for the youth whose theme was “Young people, Christ is our Ray of hope and launching the year for the priests – “You are the salt of the earth, You are the Light of the world…Mt. 5:13-14”. Nine deacons will also be ordained on the same day to grace the occasion. What a blessing!
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 78: January, 2010
1/23/2010
We thank God for the gift of the year that has just ended 2009 as well as this New Year 2010 which has begun. In a very special way we thank God for the gift of rains, which are giving us great hope for a bumper harvest!
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 77: December, 2009
1/23/2010
A new liturgical Period of ADVENT is here which also marks the moving from liturgical year B to liturgical year C. This is a period of 4 weeks of deep reflection of the great mystery of salvation. A period of preparation for the second coming of Christ and in particular a memorial of his birth over 2,000 years ago. Christ becoming one like us. His birth during the most festive season of Christmas is a moment of grace for the family and the bigger community of believers.
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 76: November, 2009
1/23/2010
The month of November is dedicated to praying for the souls of the faithful departed. In Macabees 12:38-45 refers to the great need of offering prayers and sacrifices (expiatory) for the dead. We are encouraged to do the following in all the Parishes:
1. Offer Mass for all the faithful departed from our Parishes.
2. Do sacrifices, penance, mortification and offer prayer for the souls in Purgaroty. 3.Visit the burial places and pray for our people.
4. Pray for those who may die in this month for a Holy death.
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 75: 0ctomber, 2009
1/23/2010
His Excellency, Alain Paul Lebeaupin, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki, His Grace Archbishop Boniface Lele and our Lord bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde the Bishop of Machakos cut a cake during the celebrations to mark the 40 years of Evangelization in the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 69: April, 2009
1/23/2010
The Triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the passion narrative that we read from the Gospel according to St. Mark invites us to reflect on our Salvation. It is no longer an event past over 2000 years ago but an event enacted and lived daily by those who know the kind of King that Jesus is. The Jews made an ironical welcome of Jesus into the city of David. He is entering into the city as a King, liberator and a descendant of Davidic dynasty, but in a while he will come out of the city as criminal, condemned to carry His cross and be crucified amidst sinners. When we listen to the passion narrative, we are left with a question: Who actually was responsible for the death of Jesus.
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| ÛW’O Issue No. 68: March, 2009
3/3/2009
"The time has come, and the Kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel."
This was the initial announcement of the Gospel by Jesus. The three verses of the Gospel give a summary of Jesus’ mission. It is presenting a time span of more than forty days observing that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before He started preaching. John is already arrested at the start of Jesus’ mission. We notice His preparedness for the mission.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 57: March, 2008
3/10/2008
The Catholic Diocese of Machakos regrets to announce the death of Bishop Urbanus Joseph Kioko which occurred on 2nd March 2008 at Mater Hospital. Bishop Kioko was born on 13th May 1928 in Kilungu, Kauti Vilage. He was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Machakos on 7th October 1973. He worked for 30 years as the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 56: February, 2008
2/13/2008
The setting of the sermon on the mountain reflects the event of the Israelites in the wilderness at Mount Sinai. Just as Moses was God’s spokesman in delivering the Law, here Jesus assumes the authoritative role of God’s spokesman, who sets forth the nature and demands of God’s kingdom. It is no longer a law of an eye for an eye, but one of a blessing for a curse. It is a law of humility. The beatitudes remind us that we should be humble and as Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians; we have to take what the world regards as foolishness to be a Divine reality.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 55: January, 2008
1/15/2008
“Joy to you, O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Lord”.
When the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce to her that she was to bear Christ, she got shocked and the Gospel tells us that Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary easily saw the will of God in all that was happening to her. She never got disappointed but knew how to “treasure and ponder” every thing and she was capable of discovering the loving plan of God in all that happened.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 54: December, 2007
12/7/2007
Every year, the church gives us a period of four weeks to prepare for the feast of nativity. During the advent season we reflect on the promise of the Messiah and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we start the Advent, the prophet Isaiah urges every one to forsake war and to live in peace forever. The tone reaches a climax in the words, “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” We think of the violence, hatred and divisions in the families and communities. Christ being the prince of peace calls us to bring peace to the sinful world. We should come out of the darkness of sin and live in the light as we wait for the second coming of the Son of Man. Let us make practical resolutions on how we can realize peace wherever we may be.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 53: November, 2007
12/7/2007
God loves all His creation especially human beings whom he created in His own image and likeness. In the history of Salvation, Jesus says he came so that we may have life and have it in abundance. Hence God does not intend to loose any of his creation but to reconcile us with himself. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will make them worthy of his call so that they may be glorified in Christ. When Christ visited the home of Zacchaeus, he did not only want to show himself to Zacchaeus but also to bring salvation to him. To the Jews Jesus had done something wrong but for Jesus, it was an act of salvation. This tax collector made a true confession which was accompanied by acts of charity and reparation. Jesus wants us to give up our sinful life and be united fully with him. How often do we Christians disregard sinners and fail to bring them the Good news of salvation?
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 52: October, 2007
12/7/2007
These are strong words that God speaks to the Israelites through the prophet Habakkuk. The prophet had cried to God despairingly because of the state of Jerusalem where injustice and oppression prevailed. The prophet wonders why God has allowed this misery and violence to continue. Is this not our experience today? We pray for peace yet war seems to prevail. We pray for unity yet we see divisions. It is in such moments when like Timothy, we are called to stand by our faith and witness Christ through the Holy Spirit. Lastly Christ reminds us that we need not pride on what we achieve because we are only serving our master. O Lord increase our faith.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 51: September, 2007
9/3/2007
If we humble ourselves before God and people, we are assured of a great reward. Christ humbled himself, became Word Incarnate and died on the cross. Saint Paul reminds the Philippians that due to his humility Christ becomes the master of all creation. In the Gospel, Christ reminds the people who were at the meal with him that whoever humbles himself will be exalted and whoever exalts himself will be humbled. This is a warning to leaders that they should seek to be servants not masters. It is only God, the just judge who can reward us sufficiently. Jesus calls us to be humble stewards of the flock entrusted to us and remember that, the humble will find favor with God. If we humble ourselves, we learn a lot from others for even the most knowledgeable people have a lesson to learn from others.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 49: July, 2007
7/4/2007
Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church when the spirit descended on the apostles. This year it was celebrated with a lot of joy in Kithimani. The spirit descended on the Kithimani community and a church was born thus the ‘Holy Spirit Catholic Church’ was opened on 27th may 2007 by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos. It was curved from Matuu parish which had 42 stations.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 48: June, 2007
6/2/2007
The mystery of trinity can not be proved or disproved by rational arguments alone. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been many councils dealing with this topic yet we still remain without an empirical prove of the trinity. We read in the Old Testament some texts which lead us to reflect on God of the three persons. In the New Testament, The Son mentions the Father and the Holy Spirit. In St. John’s Gospel Chapter 17, the Son manifests the Unity he shares with the Father.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 47: May, 2007
5/12/2007
On the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together…..Jesus appeared to them while the doors were closed’! Easter Monday this year, one would have thought that the priests are resting somewhere after the tough Holy Week Liturgies. This was not so in Machakos Diocese. We demonstrated solidarity rallying behind a project dear to them all, Good Samaritan Centre.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 46: April, 2006
3/31/2007
Easter celebrations begin with what is commonly known as the Easter triduum. The three days, mainly Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are accompanied with intense spiritual exercises aimed at creating the spiritual awakening to the importance of the climax of Easter celebrations. The three days are unique in the life of the whole Christian community, climaxing in the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 45: March, 2006
3/5/2007
When the Lord promised Abraham a land to live in, he confirmed the promise with a covenant. The covenant rite was different from any other made before. Abraham slaughtered the animals and God passed between them. Abraham did not pass through because this covenant was unconditional. Abraham lived by faith and the promise made to him came true.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 44: February, 2007
2/5/2007
On 3rd February over 10,000 faithful came from all the corners of the Diocese and beyond for a pilgrimage on Komarock Hill. We gathered for a DIOCESAN PRAYER DAY at the shrine of Mary Mother of God, Komarock. As a Diocese we all climbed the Hill in prayer and supplication.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 42: December, 2006
12/5/2006
Though we commemorate his birth every year for many centuries now, the Christmas event is made new and meaningful by letting our whole self be immersed into the mystery of God becoming man.
“The word became flesh and dwelt among us!”
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 41: November, 2006
11/24/2006
The Month of November is the month of all Saints and all Souls. It is in this spirit all are reminded of our final destiny, Heaven. Therefore, the church in a very special way put a side days to pray for those who are on their way to that final Home.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 40: October, 2006
10/18/2006
In today’s Gospel Jesus disciples refuse to recognize the authority of a successful exorcist, who doesn’t belong to their company and they hoped Jesus would do likewise! But Jesus refuses to do this. Instead, he invites his fragile, threatened followers to a wider vision of God’s goodness and commands them to leave the outsider in peace.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 39: September, 2006
10/18/2006
In the 1st reading Moses insists on the witness value of keeping God’s word by observing God’s law. “Keep them observe them and they will demonstrate to the people your wisdom and understanding” In the 2nd reading, James shares the same concern of Moses that God’s people be ‘doers of the word and not hearers only” In the gospel Jesus accuses his accusers of being hypocrites by quoting the prophet Isaiah, “this people honour me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 38: August, 2006
8/2/2006
The Transfiguration is a preview of the glory which will enentually come during which Jesus experienced that he is the CHOSEN ONE of the Father; but when one realizes that being chosen involves suffering and rejection, that realization is profoundly terrifying. Being the son involves the mission of suffering and rejection; experiencing the glory of resurrection involves the prior experience of the cross.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 37: July, 2006
7/2/2006
Today’s gospel give a double vivid, miracle story and the similarities depend on the unwavering faith of Jairus and the woman who have come to realize that all the money in the world cannot secure life, only Jesus has the power to raise us from the dead.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 36: June, 2006
6/2/2006
3rd June is a great feast of the Church in Eastern Africa, Marking the feast of the Martyrs of Uganda. For me, this day marks the day when the Mother Church placed a great responsibly on my shoulders, to shepherd the People of Machakos Diocese through the intercession of the Great Martyrs of Uganda. In collaboration with the priests’ religious men and women, with our lay faithful God has used the weak to humble the mighty.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 35: May, 2006
5/2/2006
It was on 1st May 2006 when the Christians from all over Machakos Diocese gathered together at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos to celebrate the sacrament of Ordination of our eight brothers.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 34: April, 2006
4/12/2006
Holy Week which starts with Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter Tridium (i.e. Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday) bares the central themes in the history of our Salvation. On Good Friday, Christ chose to be faithful to the will of the Father even when it meant being crucified.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 33: March, 2006
3/12/2006
The Period of Lent is here. This year, Ash Wednesday, falls on the first day of March. The ashes applied on our forehead remind us of our mortality and Gods promise of Eternal life.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 32: February, 2006
2/12/2006
The Parish of Kasikeu welcomed the Little Sisters of St. Francis to the Parish, the 26 years old Sisters convent was blessed and opened and named after John Paul II who served the Church for 26years.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 31: January, 2006
1/12/2006
As the Year 2005 draws to a close I wish to take this moment to reflect with you the year that we have journeyed together. A lot has happened, with Gods grace has been evident and so the many ways and even challenges that came our way, with Gods grace we overcame them and these challenges made us grow as church and as a Diocese
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 30: December, 2005
12/6/2005
In life there are times of high intensity, and times of consolidation where experiences sink in before the next high. One could never survive on highs or lows alone. A journey in cycles, like waves of the ocean, high tides and low and high again, on and on.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 29: November, 2005
11/15/2005
The feast of all SAINTS DAY which falls on 1st November every year marks all Saints Day, a day we commemorate heroes of our faith many of whom we are named after or we have named our children and our Holy places like churches.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 28: October, 2005
10/19/2005
It is not ideologies that save the world, but only a return to the living God, our creator…. True revolution consist in simply turning to god who is the measure of what is right & who at the same time is everlasting love
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 27: September, 2005
9/14/2005
We venerate your cross lord: we praise and Glorify your holy resurrection: because of the wood of the cross, joy has come into the world.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 26: August, 2005
8/3/2005
Since World War II and particularly the late 1960s and early 1970s the world has witnessed the emergence of an enormous variety of sects, cults, denominations and movements. Various reasons, ranging from crisis of values and norms to counter-cultural rebellion against the materialist individualism, have been advanced.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 25: July, 2005
7/13/2005
This year alone the Catholic Diocese of Machakos has lost two (2) priests. On February 2005 Fr. Kilolo died at a tender age of only 31 while recently in June we buried Fr. Maliti, aged 58. Last year too we lost a number of priests. Probably these subsequent deaths could have been a source of worry and anxiety to many. It is obvious, more so in the African culture, to ask questions when a family losses so many members in such a short time.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 24: June, 2005
6/24/2005
"Come to me, all you who labour & are burdened, & I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek & humble of heart & you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, & my burden light."
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 23: May, 2005
5/15/2005
Eucharist, the source and strength of our Christian life be the very essence of our life that flows in our vain. May the feast of Corpus Christi be an event to renew our commitment to the Eucharistic Lord.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 20: February, 2005
2/20/2005
The season of Lent is here once again, an invitation to return back to ourselves, to take the risk of that journey which we fear. May we discover ourselves once again in this Holy season.
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| ÛW’O - Issue No. 19: January, 2005
1/6/2005
A New Year is at our door step, a newly given opportunity. Let’s face the challenges this year brings, be committed to who we are and what we are asked to do.
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