Issue No. 21: March, 2005
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
Easter
season: We contemplate on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ-Our Salvation and
hope who renews our daily lives
Who will
roll the stone away +Bp. Martin Kivuva
LESSONS
LEARNT IN DEVELOPMENT—D.D.S
A NIGHT
WITH OUR LORD AND HIS MOTHER MARY
Sundays and special days of
February
BISHOP KIOKO
CATHOLIC HOSPITAL MACHAKOS RE-OPENS.
Farewell Fr. Alphonse Kawinzi Kilolo
Very early in the morning on
the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Magdala and the
other Mary went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried.
These three women were going to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body. However, they foresaw one major obstacle to
their noble intention. A huge stone had
been placed at the entry of the tomb. So
as they braved the chilly morning, they wondered who could push the stone away
for them, so that they could enter the tomb and anoint the Lord’s body.
Like these three women, we too
have stones in our lives. Stones that
tend to slow or
discourage us from carrying out God’s will.
Some of our stones are quite huge, others are reasonably sized. Whether big or small, size does not matter;
all are stones. The huge stone did not bar the women from continuing with their
mission. They were determined, and carried on.
Getting to the tomb, the women found that the angel of God had rolled
the stone away! Before them, stood the empty tomb, a sign that Jesus
is risen, a sign of life.
We too need our stones rolled
away for us. We constantly ask who
will roll the stone away for us? We are called upon to talk about our
stones with the risen Jesus. Rolling away the stones in our lives requires a
lot of courage, faith, perseverance, determination, patience and prayer. During this Easter season, the risen
Christ calls us to roll away stones in the lives of others, may they be
stones of poverty, Ignorance, disease or bad governance. St. Theresa in her prayer reminds us
that,
Christ has no body now on
earth yours, No hands but yours, No feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which is to look
out Christ’s compassion on the world.
Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless
people now
LORD JESUS BY YOUR CROSS AND RESSURECTION YOU HAVE SET US FREE, YOU ARE THE
SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD. ROLL OUR STONES
AWAY
Happy Easter, ALLELUA! Allelua!
Fifty Religious from our Diocese
assembled, at the pastoral Centre and had a wonderful day of reflection and
celebration with Rev. Fr. T. Sequeira S.J
Father stressed in his
presentation that there is only one vocation i.e. to follow Jesus Christ
through the living
out of our Baptismal promises and it is the duty of every baptized Christian to
proclaim the good news. We consecrated
religious have received many privileged opportunities to equip us to live our
Baptismal & Religious Consecration.
Christ is our Spouse and example so we continue and strive to be Christ
for others.
Bishop Martin joined us at noon
and celebrated the Eucharist. We all appreciated the Bishop’s presence and his
support and encouragement made us realize that we are not alone in fulfilling our mission of
evangelization.
Thanks to the pastoral centre
staff who prepared a delicious lunch for us
Compiled by Sr. Anna R.N.D.M
After Diocesan Development
Services (DDS) involvement in Development for many years, the office in
collaboration with her main stakeholders - the Church Councils, held an
Evaluation “Lessons Learnt in Development” workshop at
Four Main Topics were discussed
exhaustively i.e., our areas of Development, Successes, Challenges and the
Lessons Learnt – what we should do and what we should never do
in Development work.
Among the success areas noted
was Trainings. The Diocese has made
great strides in training its people in areas of Leadership, Management, Civil
Rights and Gender Issues. Leading in challenges experienced was Poverty,
HIV/AIDS and Mismanagement of Resources.
Among the Lessons we have learnt
which we should do are: *Enhance DDS links with the Parish Development Committees (PDCs) *PDC to be more integral-incorporate With
other Parish
Organizations.
*Link PDCs with other
Development Agencies
*Have Parish Yearly Development Plans
*Enhance Transparency in Finance to reduce cases of corruption
DDS to re-organize her Development *Approach to respond
to changing times.
Among the Lessons Learnt which we should NEVER do in Development are:
*Never impose
Development ideas on people *Never leave out the involvement of
the Parish Priest in Parish Development Activities *Never give up or despair
Never over-rely on External Donors.
This was the project of the
year, drawing the “Lessons Learnt in Development”.
Follow up workshops will be done
in Deaneries and Parishes with facilitation from those who represented the
Deaneries. Thanks to Bishop Martin Kivuva for giving us the needed moral support during the
workshop, and Mr. Hubert Heindl of Apte for the facilitation and professional advise.
Francis Kikolya,
DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATOR
On
30th of December the Legion of Mary members of Mbooni
Parish came together to thank God for all the blessings which the Lord had
bestowed upon them during the year 2004. The whole night was spent in prayers,
hymns, meditation, Eucharistic celebration and Adoration. The night Mass was
conducted by Rev. Fr. Athanas Mueti
and before mass all the legionaris went for
confession. The Adoration was the most important worship.
All the
mysteries of the Rosary wererecited with appropriate songs.
Sr. Tressie gave talks on Legionary and their work. The relationship between the members of the presidia and the need
to understand and co-operate with one another. So that the Legionaries can show
the light of Christ through Mary to the other members of the Church. The
Legionaries prayed for Bishop Martin and his intentions. And
also prayed for all priests, religious and the entire diocese. Morning
Mass was celebrated by Fr. In- charge Rev. Fr. Patrick Maseki.
The night vigil ended.
Spiritual directress, Sr. Tressie D’ cruz
4th Sun. of Lent
1 Sam: 16: 1, 6-7,10-13; Eph 5: 8-14; Jn:
1,6-9,13-17, 34-38
See the world with Gods eyes
We are confused and confounded by what is true and what is false? How can we discern truth from falsehood?
Daniel’s call teaches us an important lesson that the perception of truth comes
from the “inner eye” of the heart.
The Pharisees are confined in
their lack of comprehension to accept Jesus but the blind man passes from the
external event to the truth and makes a surrender in faith, saying “Lord, I
believe’. Thus the one who was blind is able to perceive the truth and those
who claim to have the eyes are incapable of seeing! Our responses to persons
events and the challenges of life during the 4th week of Lent
depends on the way we perceive the truth.
To see the truth is to perceive reality and be the children of light
(Eph: 5:8) and
the consequences are we see life and the whole of creation with God’s eyes who
is the TRUTH. 5th Sun. of Lent
Ez: 37: 12-14, Ps 130; Rom:
8:8-11Jn: 11:1-45
The Promise of a New Life in Christ.
Today the world is questioning
themselves, who I am? What is the
purpose of my existence? Can my inner
vacuum be filled by some thing meaningful?
Will I ever enjoy the everlasting happiness? How long can I be demoralized and deported in
this world of selfishness? When will the
world become selfless
As an answer to these questions Ezekiel announces the Resurrection
the spirit of God, Creator and liberator who will give new life to this people.
Ps. 130 assures us that for Christians the cross of Jesus shows clearly how
seriously God takes sin, and how his love is always prepared to offer us
forgiveness.
PASSION SUNDAY ( PALM SUNDAY)
Is: 50:4-7 Ps 21.
Phil. 2:6-11 Mtt: 14: - 27:66
Today is known as passion Sunday or Palm Sunday. The two titles express contrasting
themes. The reading of the passion
focuses our attention to the human suffering and death – agony of Jesus. The solemn procession expresses the triumphal
entry of Jesus into
EASTER SUNDAY
ACTS 10:34, 37 – 43 Ps. 117 1cor: 5:6-8 John 20:1 – 9
Christ’s triumph over death is
proclaimed today and we come with Easter joy to celebrate the fulfillment of
his promises. These are all summed up in
the Easter prefaces:- In him a new age has dawned the
long reign of sin is ended, a broken world has been renewed and we are once again
made whole.
The Psalmist invites us to give
thanks to rejoice and be glad because all who believe will have their sins
forgiven through HIS NAME Acts: 10:43.
Easter challenges us to a new beginning and a fresh start:- The darkness in my life can turn into Christ’s light. The
sadness in me can be strengthened by the power of the resurrection. The failure
& experience can be over come by Christ’s victory. The loneliness I feel
can be changed into a life of companionship with the Risen Christ. Alleluia
Amen
Compiled by
Sr. Anna R.N.D.M.
TAWA CATHOLIC
Tawa Catholic Parish was opened in 1981 by the Holy Ghost Fathers. It was born from Mbooni
Parish were it took some of its Out-stations while others were taken from Kiteta, the present Muthetheni
Parish. It is situated along the foot of
Mbooni Hills.
Fr. Column Duggan, the first Priest was here for 14 years (1981 –
1995). After him the Parish was handed
over to Diocese. The Diocesan priests who worked there are: Fr. George Makau, Fr. Daniel Kasomo, Fr.
Peter Ndei and Fr. Daniel Mwanzia
who handed over to Fr. Josephat Kyambuu
the present Fr. In-charge.
Fr. Kyambuu
took over on 6th June, 2003 and worked with Fr. Michael Wambua who was transferred to Kabaa
Parish . At
present, Fr. Boniface Mutua is the Assistance Priest.
Tawa
Parish presently has 15 Out-stations.
The Parish is divided in to two Zones i.e. Iiani
and Tawa.
These two Zones are more or less the same as regards their support to
the Church. Despite the efforts of the
African Clergy on this aspect some Christians feel that the white Priests were
good because they did not ask much from them.
Tawa
Parish has two private Secondary Schools, Our lady of Assumption– Tawa Girls run by the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi and
Holy Ghost Memorial Tulimani Girls run by the
Community. There is a good repport between the priests and the school administration.
The Parish has also two Catholic
Sponsored Primary Schools i.e. Tulimani and
Vocations: Upto date Tawa Parish has produced two Priests – Fr. Patrick Munyao and Fr. Anthony Muasya. The Parish
has two senior Seminarians
(one in Philosophy and the other in Theology).
It has many Religious Sisters.
Priests and the Seminarians
have been organizing Seminars for Small Christian Communities at Out-station
level.
Sometimes last year through the
Office of Education in the Diocese we invited the Diocesan C.R.E. Adviser (Sr. Aruna) to come and share with our Primary Schools
Teachers. Following the Seminar the
Teachers themselves were able to organize a bigger Seminar, this time for all
the Teachers on 28th December, 2004.
Beginning of last year (2004)
the Parish invited our Bishop for his first Pastoral visit since his
Consecration as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
During the Bishop’s visit it was a great moment of opening the widows as Pope
John XXIII said, “to allow fresh air” in our
Parish. In the course of his stay
the Christians requested the Bishop’s blessing as they planned to put up a new
Parish in Iiani Zone. He gave them the” Go ahead”
This is one of the Parishes Project of this year.
We are grateful to our Bishop
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde
who really has enriched us by his words of encouragement and appreciation on
his visit to our Parish last year. His
visit gave the Christians a lot of power to forge ahead. He came so “that all my
be one” hence the Motto for uniting all the people of God is freshly
echoing in our minds.
Rev. Fr. Josephat Kyambuu,
PARISH PRIEST.
Eucharist
Is the Heart of a Parish
The parish is
the "Most immediate and visible expression of the Church living in the
midst of the homes of her sons and daughters," said the Pope, when meeting
the participants in audience today.
Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity,
accompanied the participants, who included the five members of the Executive
Committee of the dicastery (all cardinals) and 37
council members.
"The parish," the Holy
Father explained, "is the vital cell in which the participation of the
laity finds its natural place in the building and mission of the Church in the
world."
"It is a presence that
constantly invites every man to confront the ultimate meaning of life; it is a
door open to all, so that each one can access the path of salvation," he
said.
"In a word, the parish is the
place par excellence for the proclamation of Christ and education in the faith.
Precisely because of this, it is in need of renewal to become an authentic
community, capable of a truly incisive missionary action," the Pope
insisted.
In this Year of the Eucharist, the
Pope reminded the assembly's participants that the "Eucharist is the heart
of the parish, source of its mission and presence that renews it continually.
In fact, the parish is a community of baptized persons who express their
identity above all through the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice."
The Pontifical Council for the Laity
assists the Pope in all matters concerning the contribution that the lay
faithful make to the life and mission of the Church. The council's plenary
assembly ends Sunday. Zenit
After
closure of the above facility for renovations and restructuring, Our Hospital
management Board has the pleasure of announcing to all that
A twelve
member newly constituted Management Board,
A new
customer friendly reception personnel and area,
Meet our experienced Doctor,
our Hospital Administrator clinical officer and Nursing staff headed by kind
and caring Matron.
You will find all our staff Self-motivated,
friendly and welcoming.
A NEW
CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS WING
OPEN 24HRS
OUT-PATIENT
Catholic Media
Centre:
Book shop,
Cyber Café and a Library
A seminar on Education Promotion
was held in Kangundo on 1st Feb. 2005. Rev. Fr.
Michael Muange working in conjunction with the Area
Education Officer - Kangundo Division, invited all
Catholic teachers in all the Primary Schools in the Division together with the
Head teachers of the same schools for the above referred seminar. This seminar was a follow up to an earlier
one held at the Parish for Catholic teachers only last year.
The AEO - Mr. Kata attended the same and was impressed by the present
action the facilitators gave the teachers -
Mr. David Ngulli and Sr. Aruna
both from the Diocesan Education office, and resolved to have all Head teachers
in the Primary Schools regardless of their denomination attend such future
seminars - Hence their participation at the current seminar.
In all the
seminar was attended by a total of 153 teachers including Head teachers and
Deputy Headteachers.
The Head teachers were 43, Deputy Head teachers 15 and the rest Catholic
assistant teachers.
In attendance also was Rev. Fr.
Boniface Nzomo of Kanzalu
Parish and two Tac-tutors from the Divisional
Education office.
The participants were very happy
with the way the seminar was conducted and the knowledge shared by the
facilitators who included Sr. Shelja - REA, Mr. David
Nguli - the Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Muange and Rev. Fr. Nzomo.
However, besides the success of
the meeting, the teachers cited some obstacles which come their way as they
Endeavour to realize the dream of a wholistic
education, like:
lack
of seriousness on the side of the ministry in stamping out some youth demanding TV programme Phonographic
materials allowing drugs and other intoxicating substances to be
accessed by the school going children.
The meeting was a great success
and the teachers requested that similar meetings be called every now and again
with all teachers regardless of their denomination and status. From the Ed. office
A
big thanks to Liliane Fonds
Organisation who enable the
mediators to reach both mentally and physically handicapped children especially
in Mbooni. On 20th of December, 2004 was
an important day for 63 parents of the disabled in Mbooni
Parish to come together and shared their joys and gratitude. During the meeting
Mr. Kanuku the (officer in-charge of the Mbooni sub district Educational Assessment and Resource
Centre) gave them encouraging knowledge on the various causes of the
disabilities and treatment. All the parents were urged to feed their children
on a balanced diet.
Sr. Tressie
encouraged the parents to take care of their children as gift of God. They were
also encouraged to take care of their spiritual life, by requesting baptism for
these children. As a result about 20 parents have taken their children for
baptism and the others promised to follow their example. Sr
also requested the parents to develop ADL (Activities of Daily Living) skills
to make them self reliant.
The parents proposed a common
prayer day for the disabled children at Mbooni
Catholic Church. Sr. Tressie encouraged the parents to
come to Church together with their children who are able to participate in the
Eucharistic celebration. The parents expressed their gratitude and promised to
co-operate with the mediators.
Srs. Betty and Tressie C.C.R
It was a calm afternoon 24th
Feb. 2005 the Bishops Archbishop Ndingi and Bishop
Martin Kivuva arrived early for prayers in the
chapel.
Later our priests and Christians
arrived and the body of the Late Fr. Alfonse Kilolo
was brought in the church. During the
Eucharistic celebration led by His Grace Archbishop Ndingi
and His Lordship Martin Kivuva spoke about the
mystery of death and how Fr. Kilolo was prepared
during his last days in the hospital.
After mass
over 30 priests led by the classmates of Fr. Alphonse and Bishop Martin carried
his body to the van singing a hymn to our Mother. 5.15 P.M the body arrived at Machakos Cathedral and the Holy Mass was celebrated by
Bishop Martin assisted by the seven classmates of Fr. Alphonse. Later the night vigil begun with Holy Rosary
and Vespers by the Bishop, the clergy and the religious in the Cathedral, after
which the masses and prayers went on until morning.
On 25th Feb. 2005 His
Lordship Martin led a big congregation
especially from Cathedral and Kangundo Parish for a
Requiem Mass, His Lordship sung and
spoke in detail about the mystery of our
Faith – “ Hili ni Fumbo la Imani, Kristu Alikufa, Kristu Alifufuka, Kristu Atarundi tena”. He
commented on the gospel of John: 11 and said that the Jesus who called Lazarus
out of the tomb, also called Fr. Alphonse with the same words: “Untie Alphonse
from all the Pains and sins and welcome him to the eternal bliss”.
The last journey of Fr. Alphonse
ended at Katoloni were he was buried. We thank His
Grace Ndingi Mwanaá Nzeki,
the family members and all those who were present for their
prayers and presence during this time of grief.
May
the soul of Fr. Alphonse rest in Peace Compiled by His Classmates
March-2005
1st Meeting with the Bros of St. Peter Clever
at Bishop’s parlor.
4th Tala Boys
13th Kyale Parish
18-20th Matiliku-Kikumini
20th Palm Sunday, Mlolongo
21st Hospital Board Meeting
24th Chrism Mass at 10.00 AM
25th Good Friday - Cathedral
27th Easter Sunday– Cathedral
April-2005
2nd Kanzalu
Parish
4-8th KEC
8 -10th Katangi Parish
22-24th Mwala Parish
27-30th Diocesan
Deanery Workshop
For every minute you are angry with
someone, you lose 60 seconds of happiness that you can never get back.
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box - 344, Machakos
Tel. 254-44-20484; Fax-254-44-21308
E-mail: uwo@felmu.co.ke