Issue
No. 33: March, 2006
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
“The
right time has come.” he said, the
Our
lady of consolation mwala parish
The
Period of Lent is here. This year, Ash Wednesday, falls on the first day of
March. The ashes applied on our forehead remind us of our mortality and Gods
promise of Eternal life. ! “Remember man (Woman) you are dust and to dust
you shall return”. This calls us turn again to God. In the whole Period of
lent we are called to change our hearts and life towards God. (“Repent and
believe in Gospel") We are all reminded that we are in constant need
of God and forgiveness. This year the Lenten season falls at a time when
Let
us not feel overwhelmed and helpless. It is in those acts of charity that make
a difference in people’s life that matter. For example, Students and staff of
one of the Secondary schools (
A
PERIOD OF PRAYER, FASTING and ALMS
GIVING. In Mat.25: Jesus Identifies
Himself with the poor, the naked and the imprisoned. “What ever you did to the
least of my brethren you did it to me.”
WHAT
CAN WE DO?
During
the Lenten Season the families will be encouraged to attend the spiritual
exercises in the Church together as a family – especially the way of the
Cross- every Friday and the Easter Tide Liturgies. The children are to be taught to pray – to
create the habit of prayer at home level. Even at night the parents can allow
the children to remain at least for one decade of the rosary before they go to
bed, then this time can be increased with time. Encourage everybody be there
for prayer. Let every one in the family
say their intentions of the prayer. What they want to pray for. This will make
the prayer more real. Remind one another
of the challenges of corruption that has resulted to many of our lacking basics
of life. Let us encourage our children to share their Lunch or water or snacks
with children who cannot get the same from their parents.
WISHING
YOU ALL PRAYERFUL LENTEN SEASON.
UNITED
IN PRAYER,
…………………………………..
Rt.
Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde
BISHOP OF
MACHAKOS.
1ST
Sunday of Lent
Gn:
9:8-15, Ps: 24:4-9, 1Pt:3:18-22, Mk: 1:12-15
At
the beginning of lent the church takes us into the wilderness with Jesus, to
face the power that opposes the Gospel.
The GOOD NEWS is that we do this with Jesus. None of us should have to face the wilderness
alone; we are all tempted; we all fail; we all sin. Sometimes we might wonder if there is an exit
from the wilderness. All we need to
hear, like Jesus, the voice of the father that recognizes us as his beloved
children. When we hear that voice, the
call to repent is the call to stay in the company of the one who loves us.
The
Gospel challenges us to change our minds about the way we think, change our
hearts about the Gospel we ignore, and change our ways about habits of
sin. This is a lifetime’s task. Lent reminds us of our need to begin again
facing the enemy within us. The Good
News is that when we do that, we take the road that leads to the
2nd
Sunday of Lent
Gn:
22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18, Ps: 115, Rom: 8:31-34, Mk: 9:2-10
The
story of Abraham and Isaac, in today’s liturgy captures the imagination of Jews
and Christians alike. In the letter to
the Romans, “if God is for us who can be against us? He did not spare his own son, but gave him up
to benefit us all,” suggests that Abraham’s offering is a paradigm for the
sacrifice of God’s own son on
How
can we read this text in the light of the Transfiguration in today’s
Gospel. Because of Abraham’s willingness
to offer his beloved son, his descendants will be abundantly blessed. The sacrifice of God’s beloved son will mean
abundant blessings for all as well. This
is what is revealed to Jesus’ uncomprehending disciples in today’s
readings.
3rd
Sunday of Lent
Ex:
20:1-17, Ps: 18, 1 Cor: 1:22-25, Jn: 2:13-25
The
three readings today reveals to us a God who is first a liberator, then
legislator and a God who wills freedom and fullness of life.
In
the Gospel Jesus is consumed by zeal for his “Fathers House” and his aggressive
command is clear; “Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house
into a market”. After Jesus clears the
temple, the holy place is reclaimed for the worship of God. Later the
4th
Sunday of Lent
2Chr:
36: 14-16, 19-23, Ps: 136 Eph: 2:4-10, Jn: 3: 14 – 21
The Gospel talks about the
saving work of God in Christ for God so loved the world that he gave his only
son, so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost, but may have eternal
life. Ephesians repeats the same message
more explicitly, “We are God’s work of art,” “it is through grace that
you have been saved. “In the 1st
reading we are all God’s compassion, because God so loved the world, his saving
light prevailed for the wicked who prepared the darkness. This too was the gift of God.
Sr. Anna
R.N.D.M
The
people of God at Tala Parish were graced by the visit of His Lordship Rt. Rev.
Martin Kivuva Musonde, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos. In his four days, the Bishop with and through
the father in charge, Rev. Fr. Thomas Kyallo and his brother priests, Rev. Fr.
Patrick Mutua and Rev. Fr. Francis Isenge, the executive committee and the entire
Christian body, sacrificed time and resources to enhance faith.
In
the three zones of Tala Parish i.e. Kinyui, Tala Market and Tala Centre/Nguluni
a total of approximately 788 Christians were confirmed. The Bishop was impressed by the tremendous
development projects in the Parish since his last visit in 2004. Namely, the ongoing construction of priests
residence at Kinyui, the already completed three storey dormitory at the Holy
Rosary college, the permanent church buildings under construction at Muselele,
Katangini,
Kamukuti and Manza.
In
his speech, the Bishop noted that such developments could not be achieved
without God’s graces attained through Christ’s sacraments in the church. The Bishop emphasized the grace of the
sacrament of confirmation which makes one a committed Christian.
“Enriched
by the grace of the sacrament of confirmation, one is empowered to offer
him/herself as a vessel or instrument of charity and service to God and his
church without getting impoverished.” the Bishop said, in our era
where fame, riches and popularity are the common denominator, the Bishop urged
the Christians to refrain from corrupt ways of achieving and to embrace the
family approach where efforts are geared towards the common good and welfare of
one another.
The
Bishop expressed his deep concern for the people of God in the present time
when they are experiencing hunger, thirst and sickness. He therefore urged Christians to pray to God
to send his Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth. He also appealed to Christians in the entire
Dioceses to contribute generously food item and money so that we may answer the
cry of those suffering in the drought stricken areas. He reminded the Christians that no one is so
poor that he/she cannot offer anything or rich enough to exist independently.
The Bishop,
like Christ, commissioned those confirmed and the entire congregation to go
everywhere sowing seeds of love and concern for one another and to shun greed,
indifference and atrocities which distort the image of God in his wonderful
creation. “Such a mission” he
said, can only be attained more through what we do rather than what we say
because “people may doubt what one says but will always believe what one
does”.
Our
dear Bishop, your presence and all you did in Tala Parish is deeply
Recognized
and highly appreciated.
Welcome
again.
By
Charles Musyoki
Seminarian
Tala Parish
Our
Lady of Peace Boarding Primary School, Katangi was officially opened and
solemnly blessed by Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva on 12th February 2006. It is the only school of its kind in Yatta
Division.
To
commemorate the opening, Bishop Martin Kivuva cut the ribbon assisted by Fr. Paul Munguti the Parish Priest, Fr.
George Katua the assistant priest and invited guests among them Bumula M.P
Sylvester Wakoli Bifwoli and Yatta M.P Charles Kilonzo The team later planted trees in the school
compound.
During
his homily Bishop Martin asked God to bless all those who contributed to
fruition of the school. He urged
politicians to unite and shun politics of deception and intrigue. The prelate called for an end to sand
harvesting as environmental check. In
his speech after mass, Bumula M.P Sylvester Wakoli who represented the Minister
for local Government, Hon. Musikari Kombo and Ford Kenya Fraternity thanked the
church for the initiative noting that education was the key to success mingled
with professional training and personal inclination. He urged Kenyans to embrace economic recovery
versus economical justice. Yatta M.P
Charles Kilonzo told Kenyans to say “NO” to large scale corruption
engulfing the country.
The
function was also graced by Fr. John Makewa, National KNUT treasurer Peter
Mutulu, Masaku County Councilors led by chairman Cllr. Ngalatu Musau, Gucha County councilors,
Diocesan Development Co-ordinator Mr. Francis Kikolya, Ford Kenyans Engineer
Albert Nyaundi, and Dr. Mutuma among others.
The
Parish Priest, who is the brain behind the school, thanked all those who have
been instrumental in its success. He
challenged Kenyan leaders to be tenets of accountability. He noted that 8 months after the long,
laborious yet very exciting process of bringing up a
A
lesson was learnt:
The
least important word – I (get the least work done) and most important word – we
(get the most amount of work done)
For
success is achieving what you set out to do within the set parameters and
accepted moral standards and in the process enriching the lives of those around
you. Thanks to all, thanks to the
Bishop, and thanks to God.
Visit
us now at Katangi Catholic Church 56 Km from Machakos on
By Harwin
Mwendwa
On 4th
January 2006, the Rt. Rev. Archbishop Ndingi Mwan’aa Nzeki, the Archbishop of
the Archdiocese of Nairobi celebrated his annually thanksgiving mass at our new
parish church at Mwala Mission ground.
The
Holy Mass was also graced by the Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva the Bishop of Catholic
Diocese of Machakos, Rt. Rev. Bishop Kamau the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi
Archdiocese, our Fr. In change, his assistant, many priests, Sisters, as well
as faithful from and outside Mwala parish.
On
21/1/2006, there was a seminar at the Mwala church building organized by the
Fr. In charge and the central parish Council members. The seminar was facilitated by Sr. Bernadette
Munyao the CWA/CMA Co-ordinator Machakos Diocese.
In
our parish we have witnessed the tireless efforts of our Bishop in his two days
visit in the parish. On the first day of
his visit which was on 18/2/2006, he visited two zones. These are Kyuluni zone and Wetaa zone in
which he officially opened and blessed Kyuluni and Wetaa Catholic churches.
The
climax of this day was the confirmation of 131 baptized Catholics from the two
zones at Wetaa Catholic Church. During
the Holy mass, the Bishop was assisted by the father in charge, Fr. Kennedy
Kitheka, Fr. Patrick Mutisya and Seminarians John Vaitah and Paul Muthengi.
A
large number of people attended the function including the Parish Council
Chairman and his Council members.
The
second day of his visit was on 19/2/2006 at our new parish church situated at
Mwala mission ground. A total number of
212 baptized Catholics were confirmed.
During his homily the Bishop emphasized that it is only through the help
of the Holy Spirit that we all can with one accord forge ahead in
evangelization which is the main mission of the church.
The
Christians of Mwala Parish thank the Bishop for his two days visit and we
promise that we will continue praying for him.
We love you and may God bless you Bishop.
By
Dominic N. Malelu
Parish Men
Council Chairman
Fr. Thomas Kyalo Fr. i/c -
Mutituni
Fr. Jones Muinde Ass. Priest
- Mutituni
Fr. Patrick Musyoka Fr. i/c -
Tala Parish
Fr. Nicholus Ngonzi assistant
Priest - Tala
Fr. Simon Mutuku Ass.
Ndithini Parish
Fr. Peter Muema Fr. i/c -
Mitaboni Parish
Fr. Innocentus Wambua assistant
Priest Cathedral
We
all wish you congratulations and God’s blessings in your new apostolate.
We
love you and God Loves you too.
Take
Courage! Our Dear Brothers.
DURING
LENT REMEMBER!
TO PRAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS-
ALL FRIDAYS
ABSTAIN FROM EATING
MEAT. - All Fridays of Lent.
FASTING
AND ABSTINENCE- Ash-Wednesday Good Friday.
Avoid
elaborate celebrations with dances and drumming
The
Diocese of Machakos wishes to thank Bishop Maurice A. Crowley of Kitale Diocese
and the Christians of Kitale for the 264 bags of maize donated to the famine
stricken areas in Machakos Diocese.
The
Schools which benefited from the relief food allocation were; Mbitini Catechetical Centre, Catholic
Technical Training Institute, St. Theresa D’Lima Girls Secondary School, Mtito
Andei Parish Catholic Polytechnic, Carmel Polytechnic - Muthetheni, Muuo Women
Group, Kangundo Catholic Mission Secondary School, Holy Rosary College - Tala,
Tala Small Home, Makongo Small Home Mukuyuni, Ngiluni Small Home, Mbuthani Secondary
School - Mbitini, Tutini Secondary School. - Mbitini, Makueni Mission Primary
School, Katangi Mission Primary School, Kola Mission Secondary School, Makueni
Girls, Good Shepherd Girls, Ndovea Small Home - Matiliku, Fr. Heeran High
School - Tala, Machakos Parish Children's Project (CBHC), Machakos
Parish needy cases. Thank you for your
appeal which is bearing great fruits for our people.
We also thank Bishop
Cornelius Korir of Eldoret Diocese and the Christians of Eldoret for the
donation of 110 bags of maize to the Christians of Machakos Diocese. May God bless you.
We
thank too the Loreto Sisters, Dr. Susan Nagle, Mary Knoll lay Missionaries,
Waumini Insurance, all the Christians, Jumuiyas for their generous
contributions towards the famine affecting many parts of the country, including
Machakos Diocese.
We
kindly request you to continue supporting the needy in any kind.
Thank
you and may God bless you.
………………………..
+Martin Kivuva Musonde
BISHOP OF MACHAKOS
“A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER
STAYS TOGETHER”
The Creator of all
made the married state the beginning and foundation of human society: by His
grace He has made of it too a great mystery in Christ and in the Church (Cf.
Eph.
The Family is the
As we all know that
the Family is the Primary Community for Religious Formation, where children
first encounter religious culture and moral Principles and it is also the core
community that forms us to respect others and ourselves.
In Concrete ways from the Small
Christian Community level to the Diocesan level, we will encourage those
Spiritual and Human exercises which will promote and witness the
indissolubility and holiness of marriage bond, defend the family from all that
which can bring division.
……………………………
+Martin Kivuva Musonde
BISHOP OF MACHAKOS
FEBRUARY:
MARCH:
The Priests suggest to their Parishioners particular Spiritual
Exercises, in the Family, as a way of
Penance, prayer, Fasting and Alms
giving.
05-03-2006-Launching the year of
the Family in their respective parishes.
Begin the Novena to
all the Men-Leaders of
our families and especially those in difficulties.
Feast of
ceremonies/masses/prayers etc in honour of
Leaders of their families.
To be
continued in the next issue
……………………………..
+Martin
Kivuva Musonde
BISHOP OF MACHAKOS
March
1st Ash Wednesday - Cathedral
3-5th Komarock Parish - Confirmation
6-10th Bishops Retreat
11th Precious Blood Kilungu
13th Deans Meeting
14th Workshop - Machakos Pastoral Centre
16th Caritas Meeting
24-26th
Makaveti Parish - Confirmation
April
1st Komarock Shrine
4th Installation - Isiolo Diocese
13th Chrism Mass - Cathedral Machakos
14th Good Friday - Cathedral Machakos
16th Mass - Cathedral Machakos
18th Meeting - Machakos
22-23rd
Meru
24-28th
K.E.C. Nairobi
30th Kanzalu Parish - Silver Jubilee
The great thing in this world
is not so much where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. (Oliver Wendell Holmes)
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