Issue No. 30: December, 2005
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
“And
the word became flesh and he dwelled among us.”
THE HOUR OF MERCY – CONTINUED FROM
ISSUE NO 29
CONFIRMATION AT KILUNGU PARISH
A NEW DAWN FOR KIKUMINI CATHOLIC
CHURCH
SUNDAY COMMENTARIES FOR DECEMBER
LET IT BEGIN – ST JOSEPH’S
CATHOLIC CHAPEL – G.K. PRISON MKS
LESSONS LEARNT FROM EUCHARISTIC
CELEBRATIONS
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.
In Kenya we just had our Political high
moment during the concluded
referendum, this event in our Kenyan History has left us proud as a Nation. We
have done and acted with pride to which ever way one voted, they acted in
freedom. We are challenged daily by our actions, even though some might feel
like they are lost, it is always a moment of growth and a moment to begin again
where one might have failed and could have done better.
The four week journey into Christmas
with the ADVENT season, the Period of Waiting. This period of waiting culminates in Christmas, the day when we
commemorate yet another mystery of our faith.
That God left the heavens and came down to earth, was born of the Virgin
Mary, He lived with and among us and then died on the Cross in order that we
may be saved by His blood. This faith
is fundamental for every child of God.
God is so interested in us that he goes
out of His way to look for us in Advent and He is born for us in
Christmas.
In this year’s Advent and Christmas, I
invite us to make it an Advent and Christmas season with a difference,
different and unique from all others that we have had over the years. Yes, it is a beautiful moment to sing GLORY
TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST but should it stop there? No!
We should, like our Mother Mary and her spouse St. Joseph, go out and
live that mystery, the mystery of accepting the Child Jesus in our lives. And how do we accept Jesus in our lives, by
emulating Him and imitating the faith of Mary and Joseph. For example, after the birth of Jesus, Mary
and Joseph adored Him. As children of
God, whom or what do we adore? May this
Advent and Christmas period bring us to adore Jesus. Also, when the life of baby Jesus was in danger, Mary and Joseph
obeyed God’s voice and fled to Egypt.
We are therefore also called to be protectors of life, protectors of
baby Jesus from any impending dangers.
Like Mary and Joseph, let us be attentive to the voice of God and hear
Him when He calls us and gives us instructions in our day to day life.
With these, I pray for God’s blessings
upon everyone who reads this message, and indeed for every Kenyan, that each
one of us may, in this advent season, strive to be another Jesus, another
Mother Mary, another St. Joseph in word and deed.
I wish us all a prayerful and
reflective Advent Season, and then, a joyous Christmas. May the joy and peace brought on earth by
the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ fill our homes, communities,
churches, countries, continents and the entire world.
MERRY CHRISTMASS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
…………………………….
+ Martin Kivuva Musonde
Bishop, CATHOLIC Diocese
of Machakos
It was a Cracow in
October of 1937, in circumstances not described with greater detail, that Our
Lord recommended with particular emphasis the veneration of the hour of His
death, which he Himself called “the hour of great mercy for the world” (Diary
1320). A few months later, in
February 1938, He repeated His demand, suggestion the prayers that may be used
at the hour of mercy and specifying the promise attached to the observance of
this hour.
Jesus wants us to
meditate upon his sorrowful passion, to worship and glorify the Mercy of God
and thus, in virtue of His sorrowful passion, to implore graces for the whole
world, especially for sinners. As often
as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My
Mercy, adoring and glorifying it, invoke its omnipotence for the whole world,
and particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul (Diary, 1572)
“Jesus laid down three conditions necessary
for the prayers which shall be offered up at the hour of mercy in order for
them to be heard and answered: the prayer is to be directed to Him, it is to
take place at three o’clock in the afternoon, and it is to appeal to the merits
of his passion” (Father Rozycki).
Furthermore the spirit of the Divine Mercy devotion requires that the
prayer be full of trust and accompanied by works of mercy toward one’s
neighbor.
Our Lord also
described the religious practices appropriate for this form of the Divine mercy
devotion. He said, Try your best to
make the stations of the Cross in this hour, providing that your duties permit
it; and if you are unable to make the stations of the Cross, then at least step
into the chapel and adore my heart full of mercy present in the Most blessed
Sacrament. But if you are unable to
step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be,
if only for a brief instant (Diary, 1572).
This is the hour, as
Our Lord has promised, in which you may obtain everything for yourself and for
others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world – Mercy
triumphed over justice (Diary. 1572)
(Read the next Issue to know more about
the Spreading devotion of the Divine Mercy)
Sr. Juliana Kimanzi
(A.S.N)
Welcome for the
Marriage Encounter Weekend to be held on 6th January to 8th January 2006
at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre Machakos.
2,000/- per couple.
Welcome -
Karibu
Sr. Anna R.N.D.M
REQUEM MASS
We are sorry to announce the sudden death of Fr. Tony Pinto of Salesian
Fathers who worked at Nzaikoni Parish.
Requem Mass will be at 10.00 A.M at Nzaikoni Parish on 2nd
December2005 and then burial the same day.
MAY HE
REST IN PEACE. AMEN
The Bishop of
Machakos Diocese, Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva had his pastoral visit at Kilungu
Parish from the morning of 7th to the evening of 9th
October 2005. The Christians of this
parish felt privileged to have his Lordship in their midst, so they could not
hide their overwhelming joy. The Bishop
had a very busy schedule throughout, administering the sacrament of
confirmation and meeting different groups of Christians. This proved how much the shepherd loves his
sheep. The parish has 21 outstations, which are grouped in 6 zones. During this time of confirmation, the zones were
further grouped into 3 centers, each consisting of 2 zones.
On 7th
October, in the company of Fr. Dominic Malai (Fr. In charge) and Fr. Josephat
Makau, the Bishop celebrated Mass at Kyamatheka Catholic Church. At this centre, he confirmed 84 Christians
from Musalala zone and 134 from Kyamatheka zone. Later, the Bishop visited Kyamatheka Primary School and
Kyamatheka Secondary School, respectively.
In both schools, he talked to the students and blessed them, encouraging
them to take their studies seriously.
On 8th
October, he visited Thome Andu Secondary School, where he talked to the
students and blessed them too.
Thereafter, he joined the congregation at Kyambeke Catholic Church,
where he confirmed 35 Christians from Mwaani Zone and 124 from Kyambeke Zone.
The climax of the
event was on 9th October. He
commenced it with a visitation and talk to the students of Precious Blood
Secondary School, Kilungu. Later on he
celebrated Mass at Kikoko Catholic church, where Kyakituku and Kikoko zones
were gathered. Here, he confirmed 176
and 486 Christians from the two zones, respectively. The Christians confirmed in the parish in the 3 days were, 1,039
in number. In his homilies, the Bishop showed a lot of concern of fidelity to
our Christian Baptismal vows. He
emphasized the purpose of the Holy Spirit in our Christian life. He empowered the confirmed Christians and
urged them to evangelize through their way of life. He also challenged parents to be good models for their children,
by leading emulative lives based on the Gospel teachings. He strongly condemned double standard ways of
life, hence he urged the Christians to hold to their faith without being
overtaken by earthly desires. Due to
his great concern for the youth, he constantly encouraged them to conquer the
secular world. He pointed out drug
abuse and illiteracy as the main causes of poverty and moral decadence in our
society, hence encouraging parents to educate their children regardless of
their gender.
On the current
political situation of our country, the Bishop did not hesitate to tell the
Christians that their prayers are of paramount importance for the peace of the
country. Concerning the proposed
constitution draft, he urged the Christians to read keenly and understand
before making the final decision. He
also urged them to pray over it hence be guided by their formed conscience
rather than mere emotions. At the close of such a beautiful event, the Bishop
had to leave although we wished to build a tent for him. Since his flock is quite big, we humbly
accepted his departure, trusting that he will come to Kilungu again.
Dominic N. Musau
Seminarian – Kilungu
Parish
‘’The Lord is my
Shepherd, There is nothing I shall want’’ Ps. 23
The Lord whispered to
the faithful of Kikumini Parish. ‘You are a love song I have chosen you and I
want to dwell in your midst.’ November 12th was one of the happiest
moments for the Catholic faithful of Kikumini, when they were blessed with
their own Parish. Rt. Rev Bishop Martin Kivuva officially opened Kikumini
Catholic Church as the 51st Parish in the Catholic Diocese of
Machakos, which has 20 out stations and was part of Matiliku Parish. The Bishop named it “Good Shepherd Kikumini
Catholic Church,” with Fr. Pius Kyule as the Father in Charge and Fr. Dominic
Nzuve as the Assistant priest The
Bishop made the faithful aware of the importance of having a parish of their
own. The Church is a temple of God where God dwells. The Church brings faithful
nearer to Jesus Christ. The Church brings the Sacraments nearer to the
Christians.
A new parish is like
a baby so as the baby need to be nourished, God is always happening in our
lives, we need to consistently nourish, restore and renew this
relationship. We are really privileged to have 7 new parishes under the leadership,
of our Bishop Martin Kivuva. It is indeed a great achievement for the Diocese
of Machakos. It is a sign of His Lordship’s love for the faithful and eagerness
to bring spiritual nourishment to the people. May the Lord grant him enough
energy to continue the mission.
Let us never forget
to remember the blessings that God brings to us each day. We the Kikumini
faithful might not have had a parish, if it was not for the hard work, effort
and assistance of our dear Fathers Fonseca and Pius Kyule. They have made this
day possible for us. Our hearts are overwhelmed with love and gratitude for all
that you have been to us, so we thank our God for you, and may you be blessed a
hundred fold in return. Clay is moulded into vessels and because of the space where
there is nothing we can carry water. Space is carved out from the wall, and
because of the place where there is nothing, we can receive light, be empty and
you will remain full.
Compiled by
Fredrick M. Ndambuki
Kikumini Sec School
CTA Assistant Secretary.
Matiliku
Parish
Fr.In charge Fr. Gabriel Waema
Assistant Fr. Patrick Munyao
Kikumini
Parish
Fr. In charge Fr. Pius Kyule
Assistant Fr. Dominic Nzuve
Tala
Parish
Assistant Fr.
Patrick Musyoka
We wish you all the
best and God’s blessings. Take courage
and be assured of our prayers.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Second week of Advent
Isa.40.1-5,9-11; 2Pet.3.8-14;
Mark 1.1-8
Advent season is a
time of repentance and preparation for the second coming of Our Lord. The readings remind us of the consolation
the Lord brings to his people. The
Israelites suffered captivity and needed to be redeemed. The Lord will redeem them. John echoes the words of Isaiah as he
prepared the Jews for the coming of the Messiah. They have been waiting for the messiah yet they don’t know the
kind of Messiah they were waiting for.
Isaiah’s prophecy came true and John too, so we cannot doubt the second
coming of Jesus. We take this period of
Advent as a time to reflect in our hearts and prepare ourselves to celebrate
Christ’s Nativity.
Third week of Advent
Isa.61.1-3, 10-11;
1Thes.5.16-24; John: 1.6-8, 19-28
The prophet Isaiah
has been anointed by the Lord to proclaim the good News of salvation to the
people of Israel. The Lord has anointed
him. John knows that he is not the
Messiah he is only his herald. He
prepares the people for the coming of the Messiah. With the words of the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist,
Christians no doubt know who Christ is.
During this advent, let is revisit our thinking on our purpose in
life. We should reflect Christ to the
people. May we face the challenge of
proclaiming the Good News with the mind of Christ. Paul reminds us that we should rejoice, be happy, give thanks and
live according to God’s will.
Fourth week of Advent
2 Sam.7.1-5, 8-11, 16;
Rom. 16.25-27; Luke 1.26-38
King
David endeavored to build a house for the Lord. We have been planted in Christ and we are permanent as long as we
do God’s will. Let us built our hearts;
the real dwelling of the Spirit. Advent
is a time to introspect our intentions in serving Christ.
The Yes of Mary meant
a lot to the salvation of humanity. She
is to be the mother of Christ. It was a
decision she had to make. Her Yes was a
blessing.
When we say yes to
the Lord, he gives us grace to live according to his will. We thank him for the Advent season, which
renews us and brings our unity with him.
The Nativity of Jesus
Isa.52.7-10, Heb.1.1-6
John1.1-18
The word became flesh
and dwelt among us. What was prophesied
has been fulfilled. The Lord has sent
His Son to bring salvation to humanity.
A child is born among
us. God has shared his divinity with humanity.
We rejoice today because there is no longer darkness in the world but
joy reigns on through Jesus.
As we celebrate this
feast we thank the Lord for the gift of his son to humanity, we thank him for
making us realize our sins and be sorry for them during the advent season and
lastly we are ready to meet our Savior when he comes again.
Christmas Triduum
Prayer
O divine Jesus, the
Heavenly message at your Birth was “Peace on earth and goodwill to all"
Bring Your peace, your joy, your happiness into our home this Christmas. Bless all the members of our family, those
at home and those who will be absent this Christmas. Inflame our hearts with your love. Keep us close to you and to each other now and throughout the
year ahead. Amen
Rev. Fr. Francis
Maundu
Let it begin.” These were blessed
words from Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of
Machakos on 17th July 2005, as he led the Catholic Community to the site for
their chapel at the Prison grounds. The
ceremony began with the Bishop’s visit to the inmates accompanied by the
officer in charge AG: SSP Kunzu. During the visit he advised the inmates
to do things because they are right not because others are doing them.
The Bishop then,
assisted by the Principal Prisons Chaplain, Fr. Peter Kimani and Fr.
David Muvaa led the celebration of the Holy Mass at the proposed site for
the new chapel. In his homily the
Bishop encouraged the community to be united as the first apostles and not to
mind about their small number. After
the mass, a mini funds drive was conducted led by the Bishop. Over 125,000/- (One hundred &
twenty five thousand) was raised towards the construction of the chapel.
Then amid the
applause of the congregation, the Bishop with a forked jembe dug several times
the foundations site.
P.N. Muindi
Chairman - St.
Joseph’s C. Chapel
On 15th-Nov-2005, our
Deans sat on a round table with His Lordship Martin Kivuva to evaluate the
celebrations which had culminated at Makueni with the Apostolic Nuncio on
23/10/05. The Deans treated the subject under three headings: The Strengths,
Weaknesses, and Suggestions;
Good fruits: The Eucharistic year
celebrations have aroused the desire to adore Jesus in the Blessed
Eucharist in many Parishes where it never happened before. Many Christians were
able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation due to the exchange program in
some deaneries of priests. The celebrations were a source of uniting some
parishes who had never come together before for such celebrations. In some
deaneries this was a good moment for the Christians to renew their marriage promises.
The reception by the Catholic Women Association and Catholic Men Association by
the Bishop after each Eucharistic Celebration was a new aspect in the Diocese
and made the celebrations name colorful, and our people felt proud of themselves.
In some Deaneries also the Devotion to the Divine Mercy was encouraged. More teaching
has been done in the deaneries about the Eucharist and this has encouraged many
to receive Holy Communion. It was an occasion of prayer and renewal.
Weaknesses noted: Some people were
behaving in a manner which indicated that they don’t know what adoration is.
Mixing of the CWA/CMA reception with adoration brought some confusion in some
deaneries. It was noted with a lot of surprise that some parishes do not celebrate
Corpus Christi feast as it should be done liturgically! Some deaneries
due to the lack of a good communication system, there was a lot of noise and a
lack of the sense of Holy. It seemed
some of our Christians were valuing more sacramentals than the sacrament.
Suggestions: Each Dean is to
ensure that the instructions continue about the meaning of the real
presence. That all the parishes without
a monstrant, thurible & the boat purchase one. Corpus Christi is to
be celebrated in all parishes concluding with a procession & adoration at
the end of the Mass. In the future we
should have more prayer time during adoration and less time for eating
afterwards.
From Deans Meeting
U’wo welcomes you for a Diaconate celebration to
be held on 8th December 2005 at Machakos Cathedral at 10.00
a.m
Sabastian Mulandi from Mbitini Parish working at
Pope Paul IV Seminary.
Boniface Kioko from Kasikeu Parish working at
Ikalaasa Parish.
Cosmas Kyambi from Kanzalu Parish working at
Tawa Parish.
Peter Muthenya from Kyale Parish working at
Machakos Cathedral.
Joseph Mutiso from Kyale Parish working at
Ndithini Parish.
Mark Kasia from Machakos Parish working at
Masinga Parish
Martin Kilonzo from Katheka Parish working at
Mbitini Parish.
December
4th Thanksgiving Mass for Muvothi Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral.
7th Blessing of Grail Centre –Makueni.
8th Diaconate - Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral - Machakos
9th Ordinations - Kitui Diocese.
11th Ngunga Parish - Final Profession.
13-18th Kiongwani - Confirmation
25th Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos - Christmas Mass.
30th Muthetheni Parish
JANUARY 2006
2nd Shrine of our Lady -
Komarock.
3rd Diocesan Christmas
& New Year Mass & Meal with all Men & Women Religious.
7th BOG Pope Paul VI Seminary
14th Final Professions - Our
Lady of the Missions at
Machakos Cathedral.
20-22nd Makaveti Parish - Confirmation
24th St. Joseph the Worker -
Mlolongo.
29th Kasaini Harambee-Mtutituni Sub Parish.
“Miracles are marvels
that defy all explanation and Christmas is a miracle not just a
Celebration.” {Helen Rice}
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