Issue No. 26: August, 2005
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
All-powerful &
ever-living God, you raised sinless Virgin Mary, Mother of your son, body &
soul to the glory of heaven. May we see
heaven as our final goal & come to share her glory
(Roman missal)
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.
One of these many movements that arose at this time was the Catholic
charismatic Renewal (CCR), which began in the Catholic Church. The study and as lecturer in Sociology of
Religion encouraged me to look at this movement from a scholarly point of view
putting into consideration its sociological underpinnings. The study is, therefore, in part a research,
a report, a reflection or whatever one may call it. Its major objective is to help any reader to understand the
dynamics of the movement and its impact on the Catholic Church. Because of time
and resources, a comprehensive and scientific research could not be carried
out. Therefore, the statistical data is
not provided. However, this does not
undermine the objectivity of the paper.
The research was designed to answer the following questions: 1. Why
do Catholics join the Charismatic Renewal? 2. What techniques are used by
the movement to attract more membership? 3.What is the impact of the movement in the Catholic Church? 4.What has it contributed to
the Church? The long-standing experience also helped to
observe the many aspects of movement to enable the researcher to make objective
conclusions. It is hoped that by the end of this paper, the reader will be helped to appreciate from a
sociopsychological point of view, what constitutes the Charismatic Renewal, why
it is becoming popular and its effects on the institutional Catholic Church
here in Kenya and elsewhere. It is also
hoped that the reader will appreciate the interface between Religion,
Psychology and Sociology. The
writer is not a Charismatic member and he is not in any way planning to be a
member of it but a scholar on sociology of religion. That is his main concern.
The Rise of the Cult? Movement? i.e.
Charismatic Renewal
The Catholic
Charismatic Movement, popularly referred to as the Charismatic Renewal, is a
movement within the Catholic Church which puts great emphasis on the Holy
Spirit and its gifts. It has enabled
Catholics to have individualized expression of their faith. In order to become a member, one has to be
“baptized in the spirit” where upon the person receives manifest spiritual
gifts such as glossolalia, prophecy, healing, deliverance and so on. Members have prayer groups that hold weekly
prayer meetings. Most of the activities
of the movement are carried out within the prayer group. This is the movement in the Catholic Church
which is on the increase in recent years and attracting according to Edward
O’Connor, (1975:171) the most obvious and perhaps the most important
preparation for the charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church was the
encyclical letter on the Holy Spirit, published by Pope Leo XIII in
1897. (Acta Santae Sedis, 27). In it, the Pope bemoaned the fact that the
Holy Spirit was little known and appreciated and he summoned people to renew
their devotion to the Holy Spirit. The
Pope had realized that over the centuries, the Catholic Church had placed
emphasis on sacraments, commandments and some particular doctrines. The power of the Spirit and the exercise of
its gifts in the Christian life were not emphasized. It was Pope John XXIII who
brought new life and vitality in the church.
He opened the “doors” and “Windows” of the church so that “fresh
air” would blow in. At the
announcement of the Council, the first ecumenical council in nearly a century, the
Pope suggested that Christians should read the Acts of the Apostles and relive
the time when the disciples were in the upper room preparing to receive the
Spirit.(Acts1:14). Pope John XXIII
called an assembly of about two thousands Bishops from all over the world in
October 1962. This was the great Second
Vatican Council. (Daughters of St.
Paul, 1975:216).
(Read the Next
issue we shall look at its Historical Foundations.)
Rev. Dr. Fr. Kasomo Daniel
Mitaboni Parish
It was really a
moment of grace to our Parish with their visitation on 22/6/2005 a night before
the passing by of the Archbishop Boniface Lele to the Archdiocese of
Mombasa. We experienced some rare heavy
drops of rain from the heavens to clear the dust and grace the occasion. The Priests, of Kitui diocese and of Mombasa
Archdiocese were very happy not only in giving but also in receiving their
shepherd respectively and our Parishioners were very happy too to witness this
occasion.
More blessings were
poured in with the arrival of the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Alain Paul
Lebeaupin to Kenya
and Bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde on 24/06/2005. The parishioners were very happy and excited singing and dancing
like Angels.
Together with their
priests; Fr. Francis Mwanza, Fr. Anthony Muasya and Fr. Alphonce Mutua, the
parish Councilors and the faithful, they felt honored to receive and to be with
the Nuncio to Kenya in the company of Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva.
Bishop Martin Kivuva
welcomed the Nuncio with deep expression of gratitude for visiting the Diocese
of Machakos at Mtito-Andei, as the first parish. “Hongera Baba Askofu Martin”.
MESSAGE OF NUNCIO TO
THE CHRISTIANS:
- That he has come to
us because we belong to the church and into the same faith. He encouraged the Christians to be united
with one another.
That we should be
united in Holy Communion. He reminded
the Christians of the year of the Eucharist as from Oct. 2004 - Oct 2005 which
was declared by the late Pope John Paul II.
The Christians have to participate in the Eucharist.
- That we should be
united with the Blessed Virgin Mary our Mother.
That as a
representative of the Pope, he came that the local church be united with the
universal church and he blessed the faithful on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI
(Pontifical Blessings).
With reference to the
Mang'elete Radio Station (89.1F.M) the church appreciates the media and is
ready to support it. The radio belongs
to the community and the church is part of the community, then each one is
ready to support it.
Fr. Alphonce F. Mutua
Fr. In-charge
U’wo gratefully acknowledges and thanks Fr.
Sebastian Kol. For the good and encouraging work he has done for the Machakos Diocese. He was the mother or the core-founder of
Uw’o (Newsletter) which he started gradually through his commitments and
giftedness in different ways. This has
helped many of us to be in touch with the Diocesan activities. “U’wo will Miss you” Be assured of
our prayers and support as you start a new apostolate.
Communication Office
It was a solemn
moment when the Christians from Machakos District gathered for
Inter-denominational prayers held at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to say Pole
and to pray together with the family members and friends of all those who lost
their lives, who became totally blind or partially blind as a result of
consuming the lethal brew at Kyumbi in Machakos District. A somber mood
engulfed the stadium
as the 40 bodies cased in coffins, were ushered in. People lined up for hours
to pay homage to their beloved ones in an unprecedented salute. Choirs from
different denominations assembled singing hymns of consolation.
Bishop Martin Kivuva
of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos gave a short speech concerning the
day. He said that he feels very
saddened by the deaths of the fifty one
(51), permanent blind of sixteen (16) and partially blind of three (3) people
at Makutano in Machakos as a result of consuming the “Killer Brew”. He conveyed his sincere condolences to the
bereaved families, relatives and friends especially from the villages of
Kyumbi, Kyemutheke, Katheka kai, Lukenya, Kathome, Masii and other parts of
Kenya after their dear ones took the poisoned brew with high concentration of
Methanol. The Illicit brew has taken
away some of our energetic young men and women and left many orphans, widows,
widowers and parents mourning. He
encouraged them by praying that Jesus Christ who comforted Martha and Mary
after losing their brother Lazarus to console and comforts you.
(John: 11: 17-43).
He said that from the
Government chemist the lethal drink contained 94.72% Methanol and the remaining
smaller percent 5.28% was just water.
The killer brew has been given various attractive names like Kuona
Mbee, Kumi Kumi, Ten Ten and Katonya Mbee.
Let us not be bogged
down by the many misfortunes and disasters that are hitting our country and
Machakos town in particular. When human
hope and strength appear to be failing and destroyed we who are believers know
that God is present. So let us place
our hope in God because “Our help is in the name of the Lord who made Heaven
and Earth”
(Psalm: 124: 8). He
called for practical long term solutions and not reactionary short term ones.
Bishop Martin Kivuva
of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos and Bishop Joseph Kanuku of the A.C.K
Machakos prayed the final prayers and the family members were given a go ahead
to carry on. The bodies were taken to
their respective places in a solemn way.
The service was also
graced by Honorable Ministers Musikari Kombo, Charity Ngilu, Assistant
Ministers Kyalo Kaindi, Mutua Katuku, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and M.P.s Kalembe
Ndile, Daudi Mwanzia and Gideon Ndambuki and many others.
May God bless and
comfort us all.
Sr. Juliana Kimanzi
(A.S.N.)
MESSAGE
OF CONDOLENCES
Following the tragic death of Rt. Rev. Luigi
Locati the Clergy, Religious and the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of
Machakos wishes to send their heart felt condolences prayers to the Apostolic
Nuncio and to the entire Church. We are
united in prayers for the repose of his soul, for the people of Isiolo Catholic
Church and for our Country Kenya. May
God rest his Soul in Peace
May God rest his Soul in Peace.
It was a graduation of the late Fr. Emmanuel
Kazungu. The venue was the Pastoral
Centre Katoloni, where all the classmates of Fr. Emmanuel both in Priesthood
and in the course he had been undertaking of Pastoral Clinical Counselling
congregated. The event was presided
over by the Bishop of Machakos, Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde. For Fr. Emmanuel, it was not only an
academic graduation but also a graduation in the various stages of life; he had
already been elevated to the higher realm of life.
The graduation kicked off at a very low tone with
mood of sorrow perverting the entire room.
There were a number of speeches from the Members of “The Servants of the
Sick training Centre for Health Care Ministry.” All the speeches expressed how the late Fr. Emmanuel touched and
changed their lives, how they missed him and prayed for the repose of his
soul. Through the speeches one could
hear how gifted Fr. Emmanuel was, a man of all people, a man of all spheres of
life and above all a man of God. A
picture of Fr. Emmanuel Kazungu that many people did not know evolved through
the various speeches.
Rev. Fr. Fidelis Nzuki represented the late Fr.
Emmanuel during the graduation ceremony; he received all the certificates and
gave a speech on behalf of the late Fr. Emmanuel. He thanked the director of the centre and supervisors of the
centre for the care and love they rendered to Fr. Emmanuel. He congratulated the graduands and thanked
them for their love and company to the late Fr.
The Bishop concluded the ceremony with his speech
in which he encouraged the graduands to surrender their lives for the service
of the sick. He observed that, in this
noble ministry, the participants partake in the very ministry of Jesus Christ;
compassion to the sick. He promised to
request the Bishops to send more students to the centre whose fruits were quite
evident. The ceremony finally ended
with a word of prayer from the Bishop.
Congratulation Fr. Emmanuel Kazungu, May you rest in peace till we meet
again.
Born - 15/05/1973
Died
- 22/07/2005
Funeral - 29/07/2005
Fr. Paul Temu
The Catholic Diocese of Machakos welcomes
Fr. Paul Temu Apostles of Jesus to be the Fr. In charge of Makindu Parish. Wishing you a very fruitful apostolate and
be assured of our prayers and support.
Welcome!
Welcome! Welcome!
Fr. Makarios Farid
The Catholic Diocese of Machakos welcomes
Rev. Fr. Makarios Farid Isaac from Toronto Diocese.
Fr. Makarios is on Sabbatical leave. He will assist and share his experiences in
the Diocese.
Karibu Kenya-Machakos
Let us all join in
praying for the repose of the souls of our priests relatives who have gone back
to their creator .Mr. Paul Musembi Nthwao - Father to Fr. Michael Muange, Mr.
Francis Kasomo - Father to Fr. Daniel Kasoma, Mr. Michael Musembi Father to Fr.
Lucas Kioko and Mr. Ngui father to Fr. Dominic Musyoki.
May the Lord Rest
their Souls in Eternal Peace.
19th
Sunday
Kgs; 19:9.11-13,
Psl.85. Rom 9:1-5, Mtt 14:22-23
The apostles lived
and worked with Jesus, their leader, teacher and beloved friend. Yet in a moment of crisis, caught in the
middle of a severe storm, they failed to recognize their Lord, but He responds
with words of reassurance and encouragement, “It is I; do not be afraid” Peter is
still not convinced, he needs proof, needs to know for sure. Answering Jesus’ invitation, he is able to
accomplish the seemingly impossible, but when he begins to focus on his own
efforts rather than on Jesus does he start to falter Jesus responds at once,
gently reproaching Peter as he reaches out to rescue him. Are we like Peter and
the apostles? Do we become so
overwhelmed at times? and fail to recognize the presence of Jesus in the midst?
Do we become so wrapped up in our own struggles that we forget to trust the ONE
who alone can rescue us? Today let us
pray for the grace to recognize Jesus in the places where we least expect to
find Him.
20th
Sunday
Is. 56:1; 6-7, Psl.
67; Rom: 11; 13-15, 29-32, Mtt; 15:21-28
In today’s Gospel we
meet a pagan woman with the most extraordinary faith in Jesus. When he did not heed her request the first
time and the disciples urged him to ignore her, the Canaanite woman fell to her
knees and humbles herself before him.
Moved by her faith, Jesus cured her daughter. There was something about her faith and humility and her
unwillingness not to get discouraged that impressed Jesus. She believed in Him and she came out of that
encounter refreshed and renewed. Jesus’ mercy and justice shine through in this
encounter. We can imitate his example
and open our hearts to all. For it is
only through this openness of spirit that we communicate and share with
everyone the essence of God’s love. At
mass we all acknowledge that none of us are perfect, each of us has failures, “Something
good happens in our life’s as a community when we notice the people around us.”
Jesus noticed the woman from Canaan for her faith. “WOMAN, GREAT IS YOUR
FAITH.”
21ST
Sunday
Is; 22:15. 19-23 Psl.
138, Rom: 11:33-36. Mt. 16: 13-20
Imagine the scene!
Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say I am? Perhaps his question surprises them, but they have followed
Jesus, listened to his teaching, witnessed miracles, observed awe in millions
of faces, and seen him at prayer. He is
unique and special to them.
Unhesitatingly they say: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of
the great prophets. Jesus then asks for a personal response, “But who do you
say that I am? In a blessed moment of
revelation, Peter professes his faith. You are the Messiah, the son of the
living God. A powerful
affirmation! Jesus is asking each one
of us today the same question. What is
your answer? As we reflect on this
question, perhaps we will discover many names for Jesus. Jesus is present in all events of our
lives. “I thank you Lord with all my
heart and for your faithfulness and Love.
22nd
Sunday
Jer: 20:7-9; Ps; 63.
Rom. 12:1-2. Mtt: 16: 21-27
Today’s Gospel
contains some of the most serious words of Christ and he rebukes Peter for
denying that suffering and death will be his lot. Peter does not grasp that Jesus in fully human and that his
messiaship commits him to human suffering.
As we walk with Jesus, we become more fully human and the depths in our
human heart are brought to light when we share his cross. The way of the cross
is the way to salvation and fullness of life.
Sr. Anna
R.N.D.M
Gratitude is more
than merely saying, “Thank you.” It is all about making space for the other to become
part of your very own being. Yes, each
of you here in the Machakos Diocese, have left your footprints on the shores of
my heart. In Bishop Kioko’s (Emeritus)
acceptance of me in the Diocese the process of rooting began. Thank you for being part of my very
insignificant beginnings here. Forgive
me for being personal Bishop Martin.
You’ve been a friend and confidant a towering pillar of support. You’ve
touched and inspired my life deeply.
And in your own very gentle way, brought out the very best in me. Your trust in me was truly humbling. Your life edifying. The communication Centre was your baby, I
was it’s midwife. It’s no longer a baby
now. You gave me the responsibility to
nurture it into what it really is today.
I could not have done so without your backing and personal interest in
it’s growth and expression. I want you to
know that the memories of your Diocese will forever be
etched in my
mind. Why? Well, I have spent some of
the best years of my priesthood here.
It was fulfilling & challenging.
I wish to thank you the Priests, Religious, all in the Bishop’s office
and the people of this Diocese for making space in your hearts for me. To the youth of the Diocese, especially
Nzaikoni, I want to say “I am what I am because of you. You have blessed and deepened my own
Salesian calling. Thanks.” As I go to
enrich myself with knowledge to become more efficient and efficacious in the
ministry, I take you all in my heart and a piece of me will always remain here
in the Diocese. I thank the Almighty
for making me His Humble instrument to be a servant in this Diocese. I will cherish every moment I have lived
here. As the popular song says, “Words don’t come easy to me.”It’s hard saying,
Adios.” But it is time to bid each of you farewell. Good bye and know that you will always remain a part of me I will
never forget you in my prayers.
Fr. Sebastian Kol.
We are privileged to
have Rev. Fr. Johni Thottappilly Cheriakutty, Fr. Theethai Johny Jijo and Fr.
Biju Chathely Antony as missionaries who will be working with the Catholic
Diocese of Machakos in Mbiuni Catholic Mission. Welcome and feel supported and strengthened.
7th August 2005 is
the Catholic World Communication Day. You
are all welcomed for the Eucharistic Celebration which starts at 10.00 a.m. at
Machakos Cathedral and this will be transmitted Live Live by the Radio Waumini (Tune
88.5 F.M).
Let us all join
together to build up a healthy Nation for with communication it promotes the
sharing of information about the Gospel and other activities in the
Diocese. It also helps us to shape and
mould our human society.
Communication Office
On 25th
June an ecstatic mood greeted the installation of Bishop Boniface Lele as the
new Archbishop of Mombasa Catholic Diocese at the Mombasa Municipal Stadium.
Bishop Lele’s promotion from the Bishop of Kitui to the Archbishop of Mombasa
was the last appointment here in Kenya by the late Pope John Paul II. Bishop Lele once served in Machakos Diocese
as an Apostolic Administrator. He took over the Mombasa Diocese from the
retired Archbishop John Njenga. Archbishop Ndingi Mwaana Nzeki and Vatican
representative to Kenya Archbishop Allan Paul Lebeaupin conducted the Episcopal
Ordination. The Apostolic Nuncio in
style put the Bishopric Mitre on Bishop Lele’s head and handed him the pastoral
staff. During the mass, Archbishop Lele urged Kenyans to desist from politics
of tribalism and engage in constructive dialogue and principled reconciliation.
At the end of the mass, Archbishop Lele mounted a pick up and began waving
joyfully cheering crowd of Christians and gave his first blessing as an
Archbishop. He sprinkled blessed water
on the congregation. Special thanks go to all from Machakos Diocese who
attended the installation led by Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva
Harwin Mwendwa
The Catholic Diocese
of Machakos wishes to thank Fr. David Kavungal who has been working in Mlolongo
Parish for 7 years for undertaking his mission with great courage and
love. Thanks and May God bless you and
be assured of our prayers and Love.
August-2005
On Holiday
7th World Communication Day- Our
Lady of Lourdes Machakos Cathedral
14th Final
Profession Katangi – Brothers of St. Peter Claver
15th Karibaribi
Thika-Final Profession
20th Ordination - Our
Lady of Victory - Kepkerion.
28th Family Day - St. Camillus
Machakos
September
4th Mwala Deanery - Year of
the Eucharist.
11th Mlolongo Parish
-Confirmation
17th Kyale Parish
18th Kibwezi Deanery
-Year of the Eucharist.
20th Makueni -
Confirmation
24th Pope Paul VI –Parents Day
28th Holy Rosary College B.O.G.
Meeting
30th-2ndOct. -Kangundo –Confirmation
Thomas Merton,
“Humility consists in being precisely the person you are before God.”
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box – 344 - 90100, Machakos
Tel. +254-044-20484; Fax-254-044-21308
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com
Website: http//www.machakosdiocese.org