Issue No. 25: July, 2005
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
The
precious blood of Christ becomes part of us as we partake of the Holy Eucharist
each day during the sacrifice of mass.
DIVINE MERCY DEEPENED IN
MACHAKOS DIOCESE
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. What is wrong with Machakos? Why are priests dying one after the
other? These are normal questions that
may be raised. As though that is not
enough then we have the greatest tragedy of over 50 people die from poisonous drink. Then, the several girls
from one our catholic Sponsored schools fell sick from food poisoning, the list
can go on looking at all the negative and bad things happening around us.
This is a moment to
stop and also see how God has touched the hearts our people to come to the help
of those who suffer in our society. Though a tragedy we have been challenged to
think and act together with others who are not necessarily of our Catholic
community. The coming together to pray for the dead by all denominations, the
challenge posses to our Political leaders to be part of the suffering community
and more outpouring of love for the families many from near and far. The
Government has intervened to support the families. Like Job of the old we
together may want to ask is the Lord testing our faith in Him. Or is he testing
unity as a faith community? Which ever the case, one thing is sure WE ARE
NOT ALONE!
For, when
human hopes and strength appear to be
failing and destroyed we who are
believers know that God is present and on our side so, let us place our hope in
Him because “our hope is in God who
made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124: 8) and
nothing will separate us from the love God.
LET US ALL
TAKE COURAGE GOD CARES.
May the
Souls of all those the Lord has called to himself, Rest in Eternal Peace!
Machakos
diocese and Kitui Diocese have teamed together to translate the Liturgical
Books. We have had 2 meetings already
held in Machakos and Kitui and the third one will be held at Katangi. We have 2 priests and lay people who have offered
to assist us in this translation. We
are also in the process of compiling a Kikamba Hymnal Book. Our choirs from the Parishes/Deaneries
usually have competition on a given set piece or their own Composition. This is one way of evangelizing through
Music. With the same team (choir from
the deaneries) we have now compiled a draft of the Kikamba Hymn book, which we
hope to prepare for printing. We are grateful to our Seminarians studying at
Christ the King, in co-operation with Fr. Charles Kyallo from the Diocese, for
having produced a book by the name Kyeni Kya Muklisto with reflections
on the Sunday Readings which will assist our Catechists & Sunday School
Teachers.
DREAMS AND PLANS FOR 2006
We
want to continue to run several
communication workshops and seminars for the priests, religious and our lay
people. This will be the answer to one
of the greatest identified needs for ongoing formation for all parties, and
a means of enlightening the priests on their role in the church and the
society. We will continue to publish
the newsletter and share it with our lay faithful for communication creates
community. The translation of the liturgical books and the Kikamba Hymn book is
our 2006 big dream. We feel having the communication office the Diocese has
plans to open a MEDIA CENTRE, which comprises of a Bookshop, Cyber
Café/Library and a canteen. The
building is ready; thanks to the collaboration with the Daughters of St. Paul
for training one of our ladies who will run the bookshop. As for the Cyber Café
we are yet to purchase the computers, but we have a young man with the skills
to operate this section of our Media Centre.
With
funds available this year, the diocese plans to send one of the priests to
study communication in Day Star University, this will alleviate the challenges
of trained personnel.
JOYS
We
are happy that our priests are contributing the articles concerning the events
happening in their parishes. By this we feel encouraged and supported. We thank too one of the Christians who has offered
to publish the monthly Newsletter for free.
May God bless him.
LIMITATIONS
In
the office we are really limited in circulating the Newsletter due to lack of
full time personnel to execute the plans. We have no one trained in
communication for the office, but there is good will. All are working part-time
with busy parishes and other commitments.
We
are grateful to all our collaborators both local and abroad who have encouraged
and supported us. Missio Achen for funding the communication workshop, Catholic
Media Council and Directors of our Catholic media centres for their interest by
offering useful and helpful suggestions.
May God bless you all. We will be inviting you for the opening of our Media Centre when all will be ready.
To
our national communication office we invite you on the ground to assist shaping
our media landscape. Compiled
by: Communication office,
Fr.
Sebastian Kol, Fr. Alfonse Muema & Sr.
Julina Kimanzi
1ST
YEAR OF THE PONTIFICATE OF BENEDICT XVI
18 MAY
2005
The Diocese of Machakos had a wonderful exhibition this year. The show
began on May 25th and ended on 27th of May. All the Diocesan
Departments took active part in this show. Our vision of evangelizing the world
took an active role in it. BUILDING AN AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL WORKING
NATION was the theme for this Year. Based on this theme we presented our
stand.
THE DDS OFFICE: which aims at promoting Social and Economic Development that responds to
human needs and results to reduce poverty
levels? We achieve this by coordinating and providing direction to development
Programme and Projects in the Diocese, facilitating fund-raising for Development
Financial Resources and participate in Development and Human rights forums and
Enhance accountability of resources meant for development. We use the
participatory group approach which empowers the people to tackle their
development needs. We are proud to say that right now DDS works with 600 local
development groups which are co-ordinated at Parish level by Parish Development
Committee. The DDS office conducts training workshops for group leaders,
project leaders and church councils. The office also facilitates implementation
of development and relief projects in the Diocese.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT: Put forward that the catholic education is focused on allowing the child to
grow and face the challenges in their professional and personal life. Our
vision is to invite the young to participate in the transformation of our world
into the Kingdom of God., where love, justice, human dignity and conservation
of created things are fostered. Their acceptance of environment as God-given
responsibility to conserve and develop it, thus building a community that is
serving the humanity. We are proud to say that we have 352 Catholic sponsored
primary schools and 114 Secondary Schools.
MEN AND WOMEN DEVELOPMENT: The main aim of this development is
to facilitate the spiritual formation of men and women, which is done through
retreats, Pilgrimages, seminars, and workshops. We train them for their on
going career and roles. Catholic men and women association is strengthened to
ensure that the motto of the Diocese is known and lived and to ensure a good
co-ordination between Parish, Deanery and Diocese. We also assist them to start
income generating Projects for self reliance and eradication of poverty, by
doing this we help in building a working nation.
COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION: That helps the physically
handicapped children to attend nearby school especially for those who can not
walk long distances. And to make it easy for the physiotherapist and other
medical personnel to visit the disabled children at the small Homes, and to
involve the community and other leaders individually to contribute to help the
handicapped children thus raising public awareness of the needs of children
with disabilities. By bringing out the great potential from the disabled, we
the Catholic Diocese of Machakos build up a Working Nation.
CATHOLIC TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE: catering for the unemployed and
underemployed. Our motto is to train your hands to feed you for ever. By
training their hands to feed them for ever, we build up an Industrial working
nation.
COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME: reach out to the Orphaned
Vulnerable Children. This Project assists with Educational Materials, Medicine,
and balanced meals. At present we have 85 Children, a group of volunteers from
small Christian community have committed themselves to ease the stigma and
rejection experienced by these vulnerable Children, whose parents are living
with HIV+ or have died of Aids. By reaching out to these neglected children in
the society we support a working Nation.
CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION OFFICE:
A centre that promotes the sharing of information about the Gospel and other
Church activities in the Diocese. Through the Diocesan Communication Desk we
shape and mould human society, we communicate values, form consciences, provide
role models and motivate human behaviors. When these needs of every human
beings are met then we can together build a working Nation.
CATHOLIC BOOK SHOP: In order to build up an
agricultural and Industrial working Nation, we need to be strengthened
spiritually. To become a nation with Character, we need to give ourselves for
the process of reflection. We provide materials for prayer and reflection. By
helping others grow spiritually, we provide a room for them to respect every
created thing in the world.
BISHOP KIOKO CATHOLIC
HOSPITAL: It is impossible to build up an agricultural and
industrial working Nation without the Healthy Men and women in our World. That
is what we do, keeping in mind our motto, to love and serve as the rising sun.
Our Health team was available with Modern facilities/ Rescue facilities with
the direction of Hospital Matron, demonstrating quality, efficient and
affordable Health Care to the people of God. Our Renal Unit was good news at
the show ground.
We were privileged to have our beloved Bishop Rt. Rev. Bishop Martin Kivuva
to bless our stand. He showed his encouragement and support by his very
presence with us. Our Sincere attributes goes to his Lordship for his tireless
contribution and support to DDS staff members and Bishop Kioko Hospital at
large.
Our stand also was visited by the
Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Nandazaba, who appreciated our work in the
Diocese. We are also happy to share with you that we were placed number 2 for
the best religious stand and number 3 for the good interpretation of the
theme. Our Diocese tried our best to
evangelize the message of Christ that is LOVE, through this show. We thank
every one who had played an important role in achieving our goal.
Towards the end of May and early June our Diocese was privileged to have
Fr. Renato Tisot an Apostle of the Divine Mercy. He was able to celebrate Holy
Mass and preach in 7 small Christian Communities of the Cathedral Parish, to
the whole Parish of Mbitini, Kithangaini and part of Kyumbi Parish. He also met
the religious at Kitui Diocese for the same. The climax was the solemnity of
the Corpus Christi in the cathedral Church where His Lordship Martin Kivuva was
the main Celebrant. Our Bishop strengthened our Love for the Eucharist, by
making us realize that our God is a God of love and mercy; therefore, He does
not condemn us when we wander away from Him. Instead, He calls us back, and
waits for our return with open arms like a loving and forgiving Father. In the
Eucharist, Jesus enlightens our mind, strengthens our will, renews our heart
and transforms our life. Therefore He is ready to shower His graces upon
us. Knowing that the Eucharist is the
Centre of our life, Our Bishop led the people of God in a graceful and solemn
Eucharistic Procession. This journey with the Eucharistic Lord was a moment of
grace for all of us. We were moved and were able to experience the abiding
presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. We thank our Bishop and our priests who
led us to have this experience. The Images of Mercy were blessed including the
Icon of the Divine Mercy which is already enthroned in the Cathedral Parish.
Our Bishop also said that we don’t adore these Images, but they are there to
help us, go back to our creator, who is full of love and mercy.
and motivate human behaviors. When these needs of every human beings are
met then we can together build a working Nation.
CATHOLIC BOOK SHOP: In order to build
up an agricultural and Industrial working Nation, we need to be strengthened
spiritually. To become a nation with Character, we need to give ourselves for
the process of reflection. We provide materials for prayer and reflection. By
helping others grow spiritually, we provide a room for them to respect every
created thing in the world.
BISHOP KIOKO CATHOLIC HOSPITAL: It is impossible to build up an agricultural and industrial working Nation
without healthy men and women in our World. That is what we do, keeping in mind
our motto, to love and serve as the rising sun. Our Health team was available
with Modern facilities/ Rescue facilities under the direction of the Matron,
demonstrating quality, efficient and affordable Health Care to the people of
God. Our Renal Unit was good news at the show ground. Our sincere attributes
goes to his Lordship for his tireless contribution and support to DDS staff
members and Bishop Kioko Hospital at large. Our stand was visited by the
Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Nandazaba, who appreciated our work in the
Diocese. We are also happy to share with you that we were placed number 2 for
the best religious stand and number 3 for the good interpretation of the
theme. Our Diocese tried its best to
evangelize the message of Christ that is LOVE, through this show. We thank
every one who had played an important role in achieving our goal. Compiled by:
James Mutiso, Sr. Shelja & Sr. Juliana
The origins
of this image are connected with the vision that Sister Faustina had in the
Convent at Plock, Poland, on February 22, 1931. According to the Diary of St.
Faustina, Jesus said, Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with
the signature: Jesus, I trust in you. I desire that this image be venerated
first in your chapel, and then throughout the world. (Diary, 47).
He continued, I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep
coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image (Diary,
327). In our Diocese this year of the Eucharist more than 10,000 copies of this
image has been blessed and distributed to the families, however, to mark this
special year we have signed below the words “Jesus I love you” Instead
of “Jesus I trust In You”. There is very close link between the meaning
of the image and the liturgy of the Second Sunday of Easter, the Feast of
Divine Mercy. On that day throughout
the Church the Gospel reading from St. John is about the appearance of
the Risen Christ in the Upper Room, and the institution of the sacrament of
reconciliation (Jn 20: 19-23). The rays of blood and water flowing from the
saviour’s pierced Heart (not visible in the image), and the scars on His hands
and feet marking the wounds of the crucifixion, recall the events of Good
Friday (Jn 19: 17-18, 33-37). The Divine Mercy image makes manifest these two
scriptural events that most fully reveal the message of God’s merciful love for
us. This image portrays God’s great mercy which was fully revealed in Christ’s
Paschal Mystery. It also reminds Christians of their obligation to place their
trust in Him and love their neighbour.
The image, as Jesus related, is to be a reminder of the demands of my
mercy, for the strongest faith is of no avail without works (Diary,
742) Our Lord promised the grace of
eternal Salvation to those who venerate the image with complete trust and
charity for their neighbour. Jesus also promised great progress on the road to
Christian perfection, the grace of a happy death, and many other graces and
temporal blessings which people who practice mercy will ask Him for with trust.
By means of this image I shall be granting many graces to souls, so let every
soul have access to it (Diary, 570).(Read the next issue to know more
about the Feast of Divine Mercy and what the mother Church proposes). Sr. Juliana Kimanzi A.S.N
14 Sun
Zec: 9:9-10, Psl:144, Rom: 8:9,11-13, Mtt:11:25-30
In the first reading we are requested to “Rejoice heart and Soul” because
‘Your king comes to you; victorious, triumphant humble and riding on a
donkey”. He has come to serve and not
to be served. Ps: 144 invites us to praise God at all times, not only when
things are going favorably, but also in hard times.
In the Gospel Jesus, the WORD made
flesh continues to return everything to his Father “I bless you, Father, Lord
of heaven and earth” The most precious moments in scripture are when we are
allowed to enter into the prayer of Jesus.
. He invites us personally
today; COME TO ME…” SHOULDER MY YOKE…” “LEARN FROM ME…” and you will find rest
for your souls” “Behold this heart which has so loved people and is so little
loved in return”. St. Margaret Mary
15 Sun:
Is:55:10-11,Ps,64, Rom:8:18-23,
Mt:13:1-23
Despite all the obstacles in today’s liturgy, the promise in the IST
reading is very clear, “The word that goes from my mouth does not return to me
empty, without carrying out my will and succeeding in what it was sent to
do.” There may be hostile soil in hard
hearts, shallow minds and a culture that chokes spirituality, but the disciples
of Jesus hear the good news, see the exciting, good things that are happening,
and understand. “LISTEN, anyone who has ears!” Jesus offers the parable of the
sower as an illustration of the differing reactions which are set off in the
meeting of God’s grace with human freedom.
Today we meet four groups of people; 1. Those with little understanding
of Jesus message. 2. Those with little perseverance 3. Those with too many
worries and thirst for money. 4. Those with understanding and the ability to
bear fruit. Today’s Gospel is one of
the few parables that Jesus explains.
He goes from the known, seeds, ground, planting and challenges us to reflect on how we need to
change, so as to become better soil for the kingdom of God.
16 Sun:
Wis:12:13,16-19, Ps:85, Rom:8:26-27, Mtt:13:24-43
In the Ist reading, we are assured that God’s forgiveness and mercy are
always available. Ps 85 is clear that God is full of love to all who calls, a
God of mercy and compassion and slow to anger.” Last Sunday, we had the parable of the sower, this week another
story about a man who sowed, good seeds, but his enemy came to sow darnel and
his servant suggested, “Do you want us to go and weed it out?’ but the master
replied, “LET THEM BOTH GROW TILL THE HARVEST” this shows us the patience,
gentleness and tolerance of God. He
hopes and waits for us to change too. Like the darnel evil spreads but goodness
has a hard time existing! There is darnel in the wheat fields and it is
important to recognize it, so too the church is a mysterious mixture of divine
and human, Every member of the church has the roots of 7 varieties of darnel,
namely, pride, greed, lust, envy, anger gluttony and sloth. In the end the harvest will come and God’s
merciful compassion will judge and behold in us our goodness.
17 Sun:
1 Kings:3:5,7-12, Ps: 118,Rom:8:28-30,Mtt:13: 44-53
In the first reading, we may be puzzled by God’s question to Solomon, “Ask
what you would like me to give you?”
How many of us would have replied a discerning judgment? God’s response
to Solomon, as he grants his request underlines the importance of going deeper.
The parable stories in the Gospel invites us to see the reign of God as
that treasure. Jesus himself said, “Where your treasure is there your heart is
also.” In the reign of right
relationships, it takes a wise and understanding heart to link our deepest
longings with justice, justice for all. Such justice is about learning how to
live more simply, so others can simply live.
At the end of these parables Jesus, probing question is all about
finding that treasure deep within and what it demands in our individual lives.
18 Sun:
Is: 55:1-3, Ps:144, Rom: 8:35,37-39, Mtt 14: 13-21
It is refreshing to hear of water in today’s readings, Isaiah proclaims
God’s invitation, “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters… Come to me;
listen, so that you may live.” Jesus
speaks similar words, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one
who believes in me drink.” This thirst is a craving for something greater than
the pain of the human condition and our own frail resources. The water we thirst for symbolizes the
release of the spirit.
When all the
disciples had was bread and fish, Jesus directed them to feed the people
gathered. With the release of the
spirit, Jesus prepares his disciples for the time after the resurrection when
they will share his body and blood in the Eucharist as food and drink.. The 2nd reading Paul says to the
church in Rome that nothing we have ever done can separate us from the love of
God. As we come from the hands of a
loving God at our conception, so too we return to say “YES” to his invitation, “Everyone
who thirsts come to me” Sr.
Anna R.N.D.M
It’s a very good idea for
our Diocese that has valued & welcomed new system of communication
(Electronic) Sr. Mary Agnes (order Carmelite)
The Newsletter is
well done because it targets the ordinary people & covers a wide range of
topics. Your punctuality Consistency
and a release every month is commendable too.
(Sr. Lando – Ukweli video - Nairobi)
Thank you for your
continued good work. Ann Gakere – Nairobi
As someone who
plans to travel to your Diocese very soon.
I found the Information very helpful.
I liked your article about the mass for the teachers & Nurses.
Cynthia M. Taylor – U.S.A)
Sincere thanks for
copies of “Uwo” received each Month-It keeps me in contact with the only place
I know “Masaku,” having been there for forty years.
Fr. Brendan Heeran—C.S.S.P ( Dublin)
Towards the end of May and early June our Diocese was privileged to have
Fr. Renato Tisot an Apostle of the Divine Mercy. He was able to celebrate Holy
Mass and preach in 7 small Christian Communities of the Cathedral Parish, to
the whole Parish of Mbitini, Kithangaini and part of Kyumbi Parish. He also met
the religious at Kitui Diocese for the same. The climax was the solemnity of
the Corpus Christi in the cathedral Church where His Lordship Martin Kivuva was
the main Celebrant. Our Bishop strengthened our Love for the Eucharist, by
making us realize that Our God is a God of love and mercy; therefore, He does
not condemn us when we wander away from Him. Instead, He calls us back, and
waits for our return with open arms like a loving and forgiving Father. In the
Eucharist, Jesus enlightens our mind, strengthens our will, renews our heart
and transforms our life. Therefore He is ready to shower His graces upon
us. Knowing that the Eucharist is the
Centre of our life, our Bishop led the people of God in a graceful and solemn
Eucharistic Procession. This journey with the Eucharistic Lord was a moment of
grace for all of us. We were moved and were able to experience the abiding
presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. We thank our Bishop and our priests for
this experience. The Images of Mercy were blessed including the Icon of the
Divine Mercy which is already enthroned in the Cathedral Parish. These Images
help us to go back to our creator, who is full of love and mercy. Sr. Shelja
July - 2005
1-3rd -
Mwala Parish - Confirmation
8th - Mukuyuni -
Confirmation
10th - Kibauni Deanery Year
of Eucharist.
12-14th- K.E.C. Nairobi.
15th - Pope Paul VI B.O.G Meeting
16th - Matuu Deanery Year Eucharist.
22nd - Ordination - Matuu
23rd - Ngelani Secondary School Parents Day
25th - Diocesan Priests Meeting
31st - Masii Deanery Year of
the Eucharist.
August-2005
On Holiday
15th - Karibaribi Thika - Final Profession
28th - Family Day - St. Camillus Machakos.
“Wherever we work it must be evident that we are moved by that love, which urged
Christ to empty Himself and shed blood for us”. (C.P.S)
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box - 344, Machakos
Tel. +254-044-20484; Fax-254-044-21308
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com
Website: http/www.machakosdiocese.org