Issue
No. 102 January 2012.
The Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ of communication of the
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
THAT ALL MAY BE ONE
PASTORAL/
LITURGY. THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT.
EDUCATION AGAINST HUMAN
TRAFFICKING
END OF P. M. C ( PONTIFICAL
MISSIONARY CHILDREN YEAR CELEBRATIONS- MASII DEANERY
2011 CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE
PASTORAL CENTER KATOLONI
BEATITUDES: - THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
AND MEANING
THE DAWN OF THE NEW YEAR 2012
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ay this NEW YEAR be a song of THANKSGIVING, an offering of PRAISE, a celebration
of GOD’S LOVE in HIS Amazing GRACE!” This is my new year wish for one and all.
Looking back at last year, despite many challenges like of famine, deaths,
destruction of property for some of our faithful, the hike of essential
commodities among others, God surely
blessed us. The long awaited opening of Father’s house in Mary Mount was done
on the 30th of October. Five Deacons were ordained priests, new Parishes
opened ( the latest ones being Mbuani Parish which was done on the 10th
of December and Kaunguni Parish which was
done on the 17th of December 2011) and many catholic catechumen in the Diocese
received the sacrament of Confirmation. On the 12th of November 2011 the
“Mercy Convent” of the Franciscan Clarists
Congregation was officially opened as well as the Morning Star nursery School”
along with Mercy Mission dispensary in
Kiongwani Parish.
These and many other events which took place in the Diocese and were not
recorded in the newsletter are a true blessing from the Lord.
We thank God for the success of these events which brought joy to the
Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
That is why we have every reason to begin the New Year with Hope. St. Paul
in his letter to the Philippians 4:4 reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always.
Therefore, Keep the smile, Leave the
tear, Think of joy, Forget the fear, Hold the laugh, Leave the pain, and be
joyous, because it’s a new year!
Happy New Year!
By Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS
PASTORAL/LITURGY. THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT.
CATHOLIC
CHARISMATIC RENEWAL - MACHAKOS DIOCESE. Continued from
Issue
No. 101
The
CCR Machakos Diocese was officially launched on 22nd January 2004 at Nzaikoni Parish by His Lordship,
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde. He appointed Rev. Fathers Lawrence Muthini and Joseph (Yusufu) Waema as
Chaplains. Since then it has been organizing Seminars and Retreats at Diocese
and Parish levels. Many people have been attending from all over the Diocese
and beyond. Today Parishes with Charismatic Movement are; Muthetheni, Kangundo,
Kithangaini, Kaumoni, Masinga, Ngunga, Mukuyuni, Kitwii, Athi-River, Nzaikoni
and Matuu. The Priests are always with these groups as Spiritual directors. In April 15th—17th, year 2006, through
Bishop’s office the Leaders from these Charismatic Prayer Groups together with
the Diocesan Chaplains met to evaluate their progress and to determine the way
forward.
The
following was agreed upon:- The Charismatic movement members must adhere to the
proper traditional teaching of the Church. 2. The group works under the guidance
of the Parish Priests working in the Parishes.
By
Fr. Lawerence Muthini.
Kithangaini
Parish.
EDUCATION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
On the 24th to 27th November 2011 173 Lay leeaders from
Machakos Diocese gathered for a very important meeting at the St. Josephs'
Pastoral Centre Katoloni. The main objective of the meeting was to
Evaluate the activities of 2011 and plan for 2012.
There
are many challenges that came up in our 2010-2011 plan of action and most of
them came up again. Some of the challenges are ; Human Trafficking, the high
number of new leaders in need of training in the Diocese(95 percent),
lack of civic education on the new Kenya Constitution among others.
Since
November last year we have been carrying out education against Human
trafficking with an aim of helping the people of Machakos to come in terms with
this challenge which is both pastoral and family challenge. We had a training
of Trainers where we managed to train 20 and after that we did the same to our
2010 leaders who were 150 in number.
This
totaled to 170 who went through the training and proper sensitization. The
leaders together with Caritas office started the sensitization activity where
we covered 22 parishes and in November 2011 we shared the information with 173
Lay leaders at St. Josephs Pastoral Centre in Machakos.
All
those who have gone through the training or heard the information were
happy and this will continue to trickle down.
The
total number of people sensitized is 16, 789 in the 22 parishes.
THE
IMPACT.
Many
of our people are now aware that Human trafficking is a reality and a serious
challenge which need to be addressed continuously.
Many
people were able to access printed information for reading.
People
have become more open to report when they sense some dangers on the above
topic.
This has
enhanced reconciliation in families who were reached by this project.
Our
leaders expressed the need to train more people so that the information can
reach the whole Diocese.
The
project acted as an eye opener to many other challenges.
We
would like to thank Bishop Martin for his great encouragement and support in
our pastoral activities, Sr. Maggi Kennedy, the team members of this
project and the Caritas office for taking the challenge to roll down this
project. We look forward to do more in the year 2012.
Sr.
Bernadette Munyao
Women
and Men Coordinator
Machakos
Diocese.
END OF P. M. C YEAR CELEBRATIONS- MASII DEANERY
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he colorful celebration which took place on 16th of December
2011 began with a vibrant procession from Masii township to Christ the King
Parish in Masii grounds at 11am. Masii township
was coloured by young soldiers of Christ who passed through its streets, headed
by the PMC (Pontifical Missionary Children) flag and the statue of the Child
Jesus. The Eucharistic celebration done by the assistant Dean Fr. Paul Mutuku
as the main celebrant and concelebrated by priests from all over the deanery
and was attended by the faithful both leaders and their PMC Children from
Katheka, Mbooni, Tawa, Muthetheni, Mbumbuni and Masii Parishes. Fr. Dominic
Musau who is the PMC director as well as the Youth Chaplain in the Diocese
graced the entire celebration where he gave a brief history on the origin of
PMC and its mission. He empowered the children to become strong ambassadors of
evangelization to the other Children. Before the final blessings different
speakers gave their word of gratitude to the celebration organizers and
encouragement to the children. Sr. Kawinzi the PMC coordinator in the Diocese
encouraged parents to listen to their children in order to create a good avenue
of assisting and taking care of them. The entertainments by the children
from Masii Parish brought the
celebration to a climax allowing each person present to relax and just enjoy
the moment with the children.
KOMAROCK DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE
On the 4th of February 2012,
God willing the Catholic Diocese of Machakos will have their Annual pilgrimage
to Komarock. This will be a great moment for the Diocese to close the year of
the Children and launch the year of CHRIST THE TEACHER.
This will also be the time to
launch all the Pastoral activities of the Year.
It will also be a special
moment for some of our young men who are serving as acolytes in the Parishes to
be ordained Deacons. I am sure you do not want to miss the joy of being
together as a Diocese witnessing to one another the joy of being a family of
God as we pray for one another and the needs of our Nation -Kenya which
continues to go through many challenges.
See you there.
“That all may be one”. (John 17:21)
By Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde
CATHOLIC
DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS.
2011 CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE PASTORAL CENTER
KATOLONI
It was
a moment of joy and jubilation as the Bishop, clergy and religious gathered
together on the 27th of December 2011 to celebrate life together.
The celebration began with the
Eucharistic celebration led by Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde at St. Joseph
Pastoral Centre Katoloni. During his homily he urged all to continue being
united and carry on the motto of the Diocese “That all may be one “ as we
spread the good news to all. Quoting from the Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
AFRICAE MUNUS of his holiness Pope Benedict the XVI to the Bishop’s, clergy,
consecrated persons and the lay faithful on the church in Africa he said,
“Those who bear the honor of
the divine priesthood… should lend their ministry only to the service of the
altar and give their time to prayer alone”.[163]
109. By devoting yourselves to those whom the Lord entrusts to you for
their formation in Christian virtues and their growth in holiness, you not only
win them to the cause of Christ but also make them protagonists of a renewed
African society.” To the priests he quoted again “Given the complex situations
that you encounter, I ask you to deepen your life of prayer and your ongoing
intellectual and spiritual formation.” Those who were celebrating their first
profession, Perpetual and Jubilees where showered with gifts.
The celebration was crowned by the cutting of the cake which was shared as
a sign of solidarity.
By the Communication team.
NEW APPOINTMENTS
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he new
year 2012 has come with new changes. We congratulate the following in their new
appointments as we pray for them in their new apostolate and service..
1.
Fr. Patrick Muoka:- Pope Paul
Junior Seminary- Rector/ Education Secretary
2.
Fr. Nicodemus Mbelenzi:- Pope Paul Junior Seminary Vice
Rector
3.
Fr. Peter Mbondi:- Pope Paul Junior Seminary –Teacher
4.
Fr. Vincent Kithuva:- Pope Paul Junior Seminary &
MIDS, Spirituality/ Counseling, Cathedral:- Pastoral
services
5.
Fr. George Katua:- St. Camillus
Hospital Chaplaincy
6.
Fr. Joseph Mutiso:- Makaveti Parish Fr. In
Charge
7.
Fr. Bernard Musyoki– Cathedral
Parish Fr. In Charge
8.
Fr. Christopher Musyoki:- Masii
Parish Fr. In charge
9. Fr.
Boniface Nyiki:-
10.
Fr. Sylvester Muli:-
St. Francis of Assisi Kaunguni New Parish Fr. In Charge
11.
Fr.
Charles Kyallo—Chaplain CUEA (Catholic University of Eastern
Africa)
May
the good Lord grant you the zeal you need to continue to serving Him in His
vineyard.
By
the Communication team.
STUDENTS CORNER
As a new term knocks the doors so forcefully,
students are a puzzled lot. Holiday is full of fun and play. Yet, school life
is unavoidable. The thought of being in school another couple of months, wakes
them before dawn. Not out of a self given programme but that is how things are. Is school that stressing and why not enjoy!
You will miss it once out?
While Form Ones of 2012 are
enthusiastic about being in High School, Second and Third Formers may agonize,
‘ not again waking early and cold births, fourth Formers counting the days in ‘balance’ to be under
the authority of teachers and the 2011 Fourth Formers wait anxious of the
results yet wishing they were busy somewhere busy studying. Every moment of a
student need to be a moment of grace, joy and construction not of regrets and
utopia dreams. However all will depend on the on the lenses we use, and the
jury we use to judge the case of a student’s life. As I browsed the internet I thought this is all
a student need to think of school life. Later they will emerge a happy lot;
Happy to study , Happy to live, Happy to play, Happy to pray, Happy to feel
confused, Happy to get clarifications and Happy to be- STUDENTS!
We congratulate all those Schools in our Diocese who excelled in last years
KCPE
Wishing you a very happy and fruitful Academic Year!
By Sr. Juliana Muragu, D.S.H CRE ADVSISOR,
BEATITUDES: - THEIR SIGNIFICANCE AND MEANING
The Fifth Beatitude
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Mercy is
love toward those that are miserable, those that are wretched, and those that
need some type of help or assistance.
The merciful are those that are tender hearted and who truly feel in the
deepest parts of their beings the pain and the suffering of those who need
mercy. But most importantly is the fact that the merciful are those special
individuals who go out of their way and make the effort to help.
Having compassion on the those that are in any way hurting is only the first
part of having mercy. Doing something about it, is the all important second
part.
We as
believers must show mercy to all men and we are to do this by both sympathizing
with them and by taking care and tending to their needs. And we must do this
with readiness and gladness, with affection and tenderness, always ready to
give and to forgive.
Our
Lord instructs us to show the same type of mercy to others that he shows to
each of us. He talked much about showing mercy and a good example is found at 2
Corinthians 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all
our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any
trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God".
Therefore,
to be merciful as a Christian does not mean to perform isolated, occasional
acts of charity. A Christian is to be habitually merciful, and all acts of
mercy should be done in a thankful and cheerful manner.
Just
imagine how absolutely wonderful God would feel if in the act of being merciful
he heard you say, "Praise be to you God for this opportunity that you have
given me to help someone else in need.
Thank
you Father for letting me is of some assistance to another human being."
So doing an act of mercy in a thankful and loving manner has to make God our
Father just beam with joy.
The
merciful are indeed those special people who love all men as themselves: The
merciful truly believe that whatever mercy they desire from God, they in turn
will show to all men everywhere. The merciful are the ones who realize that our
Heavenly Father demands that we be merciful, and they also realize that our
acts of mercy will be repaid a thousand fold.
Mercy
is extremely important to Jesus Christ and much of the Bible either directly or
indirectly deals in some way with mercy and kindness shown to others.
This
beatitude is also very concerned with mercy through the act of daily
forgiveness. Of forgiving offenses that have been inflicted upon you, and in
which you show mercy towards everyone who wrongs you regardless of the reasons
and regardless of the circumstances. Our Lord demands that we forgive one
another just as he is constantly forgiving you.
Matthew
6: 14-15 points this out so very clearly. "For if you
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But
if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive
your trespasses".
Many
ask why Christians should be merciful.
Well
for one thing, God shows us mercy, not when we are good, but when we are
miserable, helpless, wicked, ungodly, and powerless.
He
shows us mercy when we are his enemies and we are disobedient, unrighteous,
dead in trespasses and sins, foolish, ignorant, suffering, and miserable due to
the consequences of our sin. Yet God looks upon our misery and wretchedness and
truly feels our pain and is very happy to extend his mercy to each of us. So
instead of pouring out his just wrath upon us, he is compassionate toward us.
He freely justifies us, forgives our sins, extends his mercy upon us, and fills
us with his own righteousness. And that is one reason why we ought to be
merciful every day to the miserable, the helpless, the wretched, and the needy.
Secondly,
each one of us needs the mercy of God each and every day. We need to be aware
that we are still miserable sinners, and because of that, we are still in need
of God's mercy every single day.
If we
are honest and examine ourselves in the light of God's Word, then we will
realize that indeed we do sin daily. And because we sin daily, we need God's
forgiveness and mercy daily, and if God is willing to give us his mercy every
day then we in turn should be happy to extend mercy to others also on a daily
basis.
Another reason for having
continuous mercy is that being merciful is a test of our Christianity. If you
are not constantly being merciful then there is only one explanation. You have
not understood the grace and the mercy of God and you are outside of Jesus
Christ. We who have received God's rich mercy are merciful because the grace of
God makes us that way.
SUNDAY COMMENTARIES
Mary Mother of God
Num.6:22-27;
Ps.67 Gal. 4:4-7; Lk.2:16-21 Today being the world peace
day, the word of God is calling on every Christian, through their faith to see
their daily happenings as part of the overall plan of God. Peace is God given
but evil and selfishness takes it away. As the year begins, we have to give ear
to the spirit of God and follow the example of Christ so that during the year
we may not be the causes of war, divisions, hatred, sin or any evil, but we
must be makers of peace. Mary, the model of all mothers, brought the King of
peace into the world and through Him we become sons and daughters of God.
FEAST OF EPIPHANY
Is. 60:1-6; Ps.73 Eph.3:2-3, 5-6; Mt.2:1-12 In
our Christian communities there’s perhaps confusion, discord, jealousy and many
other forms of sin. But Jesus is the star that guides all people to God. It is
by accepting to be sons and daughters of the light that we will be able to
change the world. If we allow the light of the Holy Scripture to speak to us;
our good works and the sacraments to be our starting point. The magi stand for
all the people of the world who let themselves to be guided by Jesus’ message
of peace and love. They are the image of the church made of people from every
race, tribe, language and nation.
2nd SUNDAY IN
ORDINARY TIME
Is. 62:1-5, Ps96; 1Cor6:13c-15a; Jn2:1-11
Christ has begun his public life and he is appointing those with whom he
will accomplish his mission. God calls people by name because he has a plan or
each one of us. He keeps calling until we hear his voice.
If we are not sure of his call, he
sends someone closer to Him to help us.
He calls us to holiness so that we may fight evil. The Christ we seek
everyday is a God who forgives, cleanses and saves. A man follows Christ not
because of anything that Jesus did but because of everything that Jesus is.
Thus he calls men to a task wherein they could win something for themselves
only by giving their all to him and to others.
3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jon.3:15-10, Ps. 25; 1Cor.7:29-31; Mk.1:14-20
The call to repent is the core of Christ’s mission. Jonah’s message is that
we are sent to convert people not by threats of God’s punishment, but by
pointing out his love and mercy. We should not let sin, materialism, secularism
or people lead us to waste time instead of looking for our salvation by
attending to the mission of Christ. To repent and believe demands total
commitment. Conversion implies complete change in our way of thinking and
acting. By this we become true Disciples of Christ. Real repentance means that
a man has come, not only to be sorry for the consequences of his sin, but to
hate sin itself. To believe in the good
news simply means to take Jesus at his word, to believe that God is the kind of
God that Jesus has told us about, to believe that God so loves the world that
he will make any sacrifice to bring us back to himself, to believe that what
sounds too good to be true is really true.
4th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Dt.18:15-20; Ps.95; 1Cor.7:32-35; Mk. 1:21b-28
Through the
sacrament of baptism, we receive three important offices: priesthood, kingship
and prophecy. Today we are reminded that we are prophets who are to speak only
the mind of God and not ours or any new and antichrist doctrine. Our mission is not to prophecy the future
only but to warn, encourage, teach and show God’s love to his people. Christ is
our prophet who teaches with authority for he knows the wish, will and mind of
the father: forgiveness and love.
He taught
with personal authority. When he spoke, he spoke as if he needed no
authority beyond himself. He spoke with
the finality
By Fr.Vincent Mulwa
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BISHOP’S DIARY
JANUARY 2012
4th -Office Official opening Deans Meeting.
6th:- Kithunguini Sec. School–
Nzaikoni Parish
7th– 8th:- Kasikeu Parish
–Confirmation
13th—Pastoral Centre
14th –15th Mutituni Parish
19th– Diocesan Leaders meeting
21st-PMC Athi -River Deanery
27th– Pope Paul Seminary BOG
28th Ordination CMI -Mt. Sinai
29th-Mlolongo Parish– Sabaki
Outstation.
FEBRUARY
3rd– B. O. G Kikoko Cottage
Hospital
4th Diocesan
Pilgrimage-
Komarock/
Ordination
13th—Metropolitan meeting
Kitui Diocese.
17th our Lady of good Counsel
Athiriver
18th –19th Kangundo Parish
25th –26th Kikumini Parish
Remarkable events Corner News brief.
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P.O. Box - 344 -90100 Machakos
Tel. +254-44-20484; Fax. (044)-21308
Office
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com
Website: http/www.machakosdiocese.org
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