As the Year 2005 draws to a close I wish to take this moment to reflect with you the year that we have journeyed together. A lot has happened, with Gods grace has been evident and so the many ways and even challenges that came our way, with Gods grace we overcame them and these challenges made us grow as church and as a Diocese. It is in this spirit I invite to walk with me the memory lane of the year 2005. A year we all in Machakos Diocese and beyond came face to face with the Eucharistic Jesus, we went about living and celebrating this reality of our faith as THE YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST.

The enthusiasm and participation of the different groups in Deaneries Eucharistic celebrations was a spirit lifting moment for all. The Joy and the reference and more so realization that JESUS PRESENCE IN THE EUCHARIST IS REAL this calls for sense of wonder! The closing of the year of the Eucharist in Machakos Deanery 16^th October and on 23^rd October with the Nuncio in Makueni Deanery was very significant celebrations with over 5,000 people. In attendance was a clear manifestation of our Love for Jesus and the commitment to wish to follow him.

DEATH OF JOHN PAUL II

The death of John Paul II whom many had known as their Pope in the last 26 Years came as turning moment in the History of our Catholic church. We all mourned a Great leader of our century not just as Head of the Catholic Church but as one who has spear headed campaigns on social justice and equality of all people. The Pope whom many of us knew him in a personal way, his ailment and even culminating in His Death during the Holy week was remarkable moment full of deep meaning to a man who loved His Church to the last. The Media coverage of those last moments left every one touched in a personal way at how John Paul the II was able to pull all friends and foes to gather.

He preached Peace; He lived peace He died peacefully during the Holy week while the whole world was watching! His burial was also a remarkable event and great teaching to all irrespective of anyone’s colour or creed. His words to me when I saw him in May 12 2003 “love your priests” and later in the year during his address to the Bishops of the whole world where I was privileged to be present “BE HOLY” are so real and full of deep meaning to me. Though this is not easy, these words challenge us daily to Love and serve others. "Vocations will certainly not be lacking if our manner of life is truly priestly, if we become more holy, more joyful, more impassioned in the exercise of our ministry. “A priest 'won' by Christ more easily 'wins' others, so that they too decide to set out on the same adventure," states Pope John Paul II. We thank God for the gift of various vocations to the religious life. The enthusiasm of the different groups in our Deaneries have left and indelible mark in my heart. The joy and the reference and more so leaving sense of wonder!

Continued Next Issue.

…………………………………………

+Bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde

BISHOP OF MACHAKOS

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SPREADING DEVOTION TO THE DIVINE MERCY-cont. from issue No. 30

Souls who spread the honour of my mercy I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of their death I will not be a judge for them, but the merciful saviour (Dairy 1075)

By these words, Jesus is encouraging us to spread the worship of Divine Mercy; He has promised maternal care to those who do so by shielding them throughout their entire life and at the hour of death. The Lord directs a singular request towards priests, with the assurance:

Hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words, when they will speak about my unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in my heart (Dairy, 1521).

Priests and lay people are apostles of Divine Mercy chiefly through the example of a deep Christian life as expressed by a boundless trust in God and a merciful love of their neighbor.

I desire trust from my creatures, Jesus told Sister Faustina. Encourage souls to place great trust in my fathomless mercy (Diary, 1059). He also said, I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink form this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it.

I am giving you three ways of excising mercy towards your neighbor: the first-by deed, the second-by word, and the third-by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy and it is an unquestionable proof of love for me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to my mercy (Diary, 742).

Divine mercy devotees should perform at least one act of mercy towards their neighbor every day, as this is what the Lord Himself expects of them (see Diary, 1158)

It is possible to be a great apostle of the Divine mercy without the use of any words. Sister Faustina left us the example of this apostleship by the witness of her life filled with the spirit of trust and mercy. Through prayer and sacrifice she strove effectively for the glory of God’s mercy in her own soul and in the souls of others, especially sinners. “It is my greatest desire,” she prayed, “that souls should recognize you as their eternal happiness, that they should come to believe in your goodness and glorify your infinite mercy” (Diary, 305). This promise of our Lord was fulfilled in her:

All those souls who will glorify my mercy and spread its worship, encouraging other to trust in my mercy, will not experience terror at the hour of death. My mercy will shield them in that final battle…. (Diary, 1540).

Sr. Juliana Kimanzi

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TO OUR READERS

U’WO WISHES ALL OUR READERS A HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR 2006.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL

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POLE

We wish to say Pole to our Dear Priests Fr. F. Kavulya, Fr. R. Mutisya & Fr. F. Kunyusa who were attacked by unwelcome visitors in their Parishes.

We thank the Lord for their Lives. We too thank those who saved their lives.

May God bless you.

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MEN AND WOMEN LEADERS' WORKSHOP

On the evening of 4^th December 64 leaders (men and women) reported at St. Joseph's Pastoral Centre Katoloni to review these years’ activities as planned during last years' workshop. All the nine (9) Deaneries were represented, but the following Parishes DID NOT participate in this exercise:

1. Kithangaini – Machakos Deanery

2. Ndithini - Matuu Deanery

3. Mavoloni –Matuu Deanery

4. Masinga - Matuu Deanery

5. Thatha – Matuu Deanery

6. Mtito Andei - Kibwezi Deanery

7. Kiongwani - Kilungu Deanery

8. Kathonzweni - Makueni Deanery

9. Kikumini - Makueni Deanery

10. Yathui - Kibauni Deanery

These were the areas which were reviewed:

1. Deanery Eucharistic Celebration/blessing of women and men Identifications.

2. Registration of CWA/CMA.

3. Other activities.

4. Men/women Diocesan Committees & Planning of year 2006

REVIEW OF DEANERY EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS

The celebrations were very successful in all Deaneries.

Positive striking events

Ø The Adoration of the Body and Blood of Christ.

Ø The commissioning of CMA/CWA where 1,741 of men and 13,937 women were commissioned.

Ø Overall organization of the event.

Ø The participation of the faithful in the Liturgy.

Ø The sermons of the Bishop,

Ø Unity between the clergy & the laity.

Ø The faith of the people was visibly renewed.

Fruits experienced after the event

ü Some non Catholics joined the Catholic church,

ü Renewal of marriages in some Parishes.

ü More men and women registered as CMA & CWA members.

ü The Diocesan Motto “That all May Be One” has been realized in the Diocese as

a whole.

Recommendations

v Two big events i.e. Deanery Eucharistic celebration and commissioning not to be Combined.

v Proper planning, and involvement of all parties and good networking of the offices at all levels,

CMA/CWA.

v Registration and renewal to be done between January and March 2006.

All the leaders accompanied by Sr. Co-ordinator & Fr. Muvaa the chaplain visited the Women at the Prison and prayed with them and gave them gifts to mark Human Rights day which is normally celebrated on 10^th December. It was a touching experience and so the leaders decided to make such visits part of their annual events. The leaders had a get together with His Lordship, Bishop Martin and Development Co-ordinator on the evening of 5^th December 2005. His Lordship congratulated the leaders for their good work, commitment and self-giving in the work of the Church. He assured them of his encouragement and support in their work as leaders.

Compiled By:

Sr. Bernadette Munyao

WOMEN/MEN CO-ORDINATOR.

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Ordination to Diaconate

On 8^th December 2005, as the entire Catholic Church celebrated the solemnity of Immaculate Conception, the Diocese of Machakos had an extra joy of sending off seven men, just as Jesus did. It was a colorful ordination to Diaconate. The seven seminarians who received the major order were; Boniface Kioko [ Kasikeu Parish}, Sabastian Mulandi {Mbitini Parish}, Cosmas Kyambi {Kanzalu Parish}, Joseph Musau { Kyale Parish}, Peter Muthenya { Kyale Parish} Mark Kasia { Machakos Cathedral} and Martin Kilonzo { Katheka Parish}

The celebration took place at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos which was full to capacity. During the liturgy of Word, the Deacons elect had the pleasure to grace the occasion by chanting a beautiful psalm, through which they publicly declared their desire to serve God i.e. “Ame Mwiai nitukite kwika kwenda kwaku” The Gospel was chanted by Rev. Fr. Boniface Mutua of Cathedral Parish.

In his homily the Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde of Machakos Diocese expressed the dire need the Christians of Machakos had for servants, particularly for the Deacons. He expressively made the remark by paraphrasing the Deacons statement that “Nivo niniyumbanitye na ningwenda” His preaching focused much on the noble duty of service, encouraging the Deacons to take up the ministry which God has called them for. He made it clear that it is God who calls and chooses his servants, but not the men who grab the vocation. For this, he encouraged the Deacons to be proud of God’s graces rather then “Kunyakua”

His Lordship encouraged the Deacons to be serious in their prayer life so as to be good models to their Christians as well as asking for God’s graces always. During the rite of Ordination, Rev. Fr. Bernard Musyoki, the vocations director of Machakos Diocese had the pleasure of calling the Deacons elect and presenting them to the Bishop of Machakos for examination. After a successful approval of the candidates by all concerned parties, His Lordship ordained the seven men to Diaconate and joy filled the whole church.

After the post communion prayer, the Bishop sent off the Deacons to various Parishes in the Diocese. The Most lucky Parishes which were blessed with the Deacons are; Machakos, Kanzalu, Ngunga, Muthetheni, Makueni, Thatha and Makaveti. His Lordship concluded the event by heartedly thanking the Christians for supporting the church, particularly for their generous contribution towards Diocesan collection. He urged them to keep up the spirit. After the final blessings, the Deacons gathered with their visitors out side, and then people left at their own leisure.

By Dominic N. Musau

Seminarian Kanzalu Parish

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SUNDAY COMMENTARIES FOR JANUARY 2006

January 1^st 2006

Numbers: 6:22-27; Ps: 66; Gal: 4:4-7, Lk: 2:16-21

The first reading today is the priestly blessing, which Aaron is given to invoke God’s name upon the Israelites. Combined as it is with the Gospel, it serves, like the excerpts from Galatians, to interpret the manger scene. From the manger the Lord looks kindly upon us and gives us peace. Being the mother of Jesus is not something Mary can arrange for herself; it is arranged by God. The child Jesus comes as the new creation of God. Mary can say “Yes” or “No” to God’s choice of her and today’s feast celebrates her “YES”. Motherhood and giving birth is a painful act to letting go of the baby and Mary had to do what the Father did – let go of his beloved Son and Mary gives Jesus to us and asks us to share Jesus with everyone. GIVE HIM AS LIFE TO OTHERS.

January 8^th 2006

Is: 60:1-6; Ps: 71; Eph: 3:2-3, 5-6; Mt: 2: 1-12.

The word EPIPHANY means manifestation, particularly a manifestation of the powerful presence; THE GLORY OF GOD is the message of all the readings for today. The 1^st reading invites Jerusalem brought how by the Babylonians to rise up in splendor. “A new day dawns and with it unbelievably, the welcome sight of sons and daughters coming home. They do not come home empty handed, but laden with gifts, “the wealth of nations”; signifying not prosperity but praise of the Lord who has done wonders for all, Jews and Gentiles alike. What Isaiah proclaims in song, Mathew relates in story. Not Jerusalem but Bethlehem witnesses the pilgrimage of the nations bearing gifts to honor the new born King of the Jews. Now Jews and Gentiles are co-partners in glorifying the one true God.

January 15^th 2006

Ism 3:3-10, 19, Ps: 39; 1cor:6:13-15, 17-20; Jn: 1:35-42

Today’s first reading is a call narrative. Both stories teach us in what obedience to God’s word consist. Eli instructs the young Samuel to respond to God’s call with a prayer, “Speak Lord your servant is listening”. The two disciples of John act immediately on his word. “Behold the Lamb of God.” They follow Jesus and remain with him. The characteristic of obedience are attentive listening in prayer and active seeking that ends in presence. Paul also affirms that the obedience of faith is the free response of the whole person to God, to whom the body as well as the soul belongs.

January 22^nd 2006

Jon: 3:1-5, 10; Ps: 24; 1cor:7:29-31; Mk: 1: 14-20

Each of today’s readings sounds a wake-up call and suggests a pattern of responses. The cry of the prophet Jonah shatters the complacency of the citizens of Nineveh. “Forty days more…”Even before Jonah reaches the half-way mark across the city, all the people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways and their responses causes God to repent as well. The people of Nineveh understood that time was running out and they believed and reformed their lives. In today’s Gospel, Jesus disrupts the daily life of four Galilian fishermen. “Come,” and inexplicably they follow. The coming of God’s kingdom creates a state of emergency; here is the saying that is literally true. “He who hesitates is lost.” Similarly Paul aims to disturb our peace when he declares, “THE TIME IS RUNNING OUT”

January 29^th

DT: 18: 15-20, Ps, 94; 1cor. 7:32-35; Mk: 1:21-28

The first reading describes the divine authorization of a prophet like Moses. This future prophet in Israel will teach with the authority of Moses; he will command the people’s attention and demand their obedience. Thus says the Lord! “I will put my word into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him. If anyone will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name, I myself will make him answer for it.” Early Christians discerned the authority of Moses in the teaching of Jesus, as mark does in today’s Gospel. It was Jesus authority that set him apart from other teachers of his day. The authority of his new teachings was manifest in his miracles even the unclean spirits obeyed his words.

Sr. Anna R.N.D.M

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BISHOP’S VISIT TO ST. MARTIN DEPORES - KITWII PARISH

The celebration of the second anniversary of Kitwii Parish, on November 29th 2005, began with a warm welcome to our Bishop Martin who presided over the Mass and was assisted by Rev. John Muli, Rev. Fr. B. Nyiki and Rev. Fr. David Muvaa.

In his Homily the Bishop emphasized to the Christians to put their trust in the Lord only, to refrain from double dealing in their life e.g. visiting “ Witch Doctors”, “Kuya Ngata” , “Kuinga kithitu” etc. He said these things have made them to loose their faith in the Lord. 204 Christians were confirmed and commissioned. He encouraged them to be true witness of Christ and live up to the expectations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit without retreating.

Before the end of the Mass 261 women and 57 men were blessed and commissioned. The Bishop cut the cake which was to mark the second anniversary after the parish was commissioned.

Fr. John Muli

Parish Priest - Kitwii Parish

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REMEMBER

Week of prayer for Christianity unity 18^th January to 25^th January 2006

Theme: “where two or more are gathered in my name I am there among them” (mt. 18:20)

Every Year the Pontifical Commission for Christian unity encourages us to look for opportunities for dialogue with other Denominations.

It is proposed that a Parish can invite other churches and Christian communities for a common action. For example Praying and taking common action on Famine or the insecurity which seem to be taking hold in many parts of the country. Make a deliberate effort to pray for unity at every celebration Mass, during that period of one week.

………………………………….

+Martin Kivuva Musonde

BISHOP OF MACHAKOS

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BISHOP’S OFFICE

The Office reopens for the New Year on 9th January 2006.

As a matter of making things move smoothly and easy let us please keep the following days given for office issues.

Monday: Priests (any other day please make appointment in advance)

Tuesday: Meeting with Head of Departments (Commissions)

Wednesday: Religious Sisters and Brothers (any other date please make an appointment) and lay people especially those referred to the office by the Parish Priests (Please come with a reference letter from your Parish Priests.

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APPOINTMENTS

Fr. Francis Kavulya - Clinical Pastoral Education Course - Nairobi

Fr. David Muvaa - Chaplain M.T.T.C and G.K Prisons

Fr. Joseph Musyoka - Fr.in charge Mavoloni Parish

Deacon Boniface Kioko Nyamai posted to Makueni Parish.

Deacon Cosmas Kyambi Mutiso posted to Thatha Parish.

Deacon Joseph Mutiso Musau posted to Ngunga Parish.

Deacon Mark Nzuki Kasia posted to Makaveti Parish.

Deacon Martin Kilonzo Nzioki posted to Muthetheni Parish.

Deacon Peter Muthenya Ndone posted to Kanzalu Parish.

Deacon Sebastian Mulandi Musau posted to Cathedral Machakos.

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BISHOP’S DIARY

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.

16th Deans/Investments - Meeting

19-27 Retreat

24th St. Joseph the Worker - Mlolongo.

29th Kasaini Harambee –Mtituni Sub Parish.

February

2nd Tala Confirmation

3rd Holy Rosary College - Tala

4-5th Tala Confirmation

10th Land Board/Deans Meeting

12th Our Lady Queen of Peace - Katangi Parish - Blessing

17-19^th Mwala Parish Confirmation

24-26 Komarock Parish

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The family… was before the church; or rather the first form of the church was the

Family. POPE LEO XII.

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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