ÛW’O

Issue No. 35 May 2006

The Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter

An organ of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos

 

 

Hail Mary full of grace the lord is with you

 

CONGRATULATIONS

SUNDAY COMMENTARIES – MAY 2006

CONGRATULATIONS – CONTINUED

BISHOP’S VISIT TO CHEPARERIA PARISH KITALE DIOCESE

APPOINTMENT

CONFIRMATION – MAKAVETI PARISH

NATIONAL PRAYER DAY

BISHOP’S DIARY

 

(top)

 

CONGRATULATIONS

 

It was on 1st May 2006 when the Christians from all over Machakos Diocese gathered together at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos to celebrate the sacrament of Ordination of our eight brothers.  Seven of them were Diocesan priests and one who was born in Kyale parish in Machakos Diocese is a Capuchin Franciscan Friars.  It was joys and jubilations as they prostrated before the altar to surrender their lives to Christ.  “Nivo niniyumbanitye na ningwenda” Hongera Mapadri Wapya.

 

1.  Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mulandi Musau

He was born on 21st March 1977.  He comes from Uviluni Village, Mbeletu sub-location, Kyemundu location in Makueni district.  This lies in Mbitini parish in Machakos diocese.  He went to Mulala primary school and then later joined Makueni boys for his secondary education.

 

Seminary Life

In 1996 he joined St. Mary’s Mololo Seminary for his spiritual year.  1997 – 1998 his philosophical studies at St. Augustine’s Mabanga Seminary.  1999 – 2002 therological studies (theology I & II) at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary – Langata Nairobi.  2001 his pastoral year at Makindu parish.  2002 – 2003 theology III & IV at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary.  2004 December – 2005 Pastoral experience (teaching) at Pope Paul VI Junior Seminary (Machakos).  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Machakos Cathedral Parish for his pastoral experience.  On 1st May he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you God’s blessings in your new apostolate.

 

2.  Rev. Fr. Boniface Kioko Nyamai

He was born on 2nd February 1975.  He comes from Kasikeu Parish in Machakos diocese.  He joined chokaa for his primary education and later joined Enguli for his secondary education. 

 

Seminary Life

1997 he joined for his spiritual year at St. Mary’s Molo Seminary.  1998 – 1999 philosophical studies at St. Augustine’s Mabanga Seminary.  2000 theological studies at St. Thomas Aquinas seminary Nairobi.  2000 – 2003 theological studies at blessed Bakanja AMECEA College (CUEA).  June 2003 – November 2003 pastoral experience at Kabaa parish.  November 2003 – April 2004 Pastoral experience Ndithini Parish.   April 2004 December 2005 Ikalaasa Parish for his Pastoral year.  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Makueni Parish for his pastoral experience.  On 1st May he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate

 

 

 

 

(top)

 

 

SUNDAY COMMENTARIES – MAY 2006

 

4th Sunday of Easter

Acts: 4:8-12; Ps: 117:1:8-9, 21-23. 28-29.

I Jn 3: 1-2 JN: 10:11-18

In today’s readings Peter and Jesus use the same method to confront their leaders by referring to the Hebrew Scriptures, while reflecting on Jesus’ death and rising.  The good shepherd continues his argument with some of the Pharisees, following the healing of the man born blind. In Ezekiel, God dismissed the shepherds of Israel for posturing themselves and not their sheep (34:1-6) so unlike the hired hand who works for pay and has no concern for the sheep, Jesus will lay down his life for them.  Peter too exposes the leaders who wounded and punish him for healing a cripple!  In Ps: 117 he proclaims Jesus “the stone rejected by the builders” for the salvation of all.  Whether we think ourselves as sheep or as living stone, the message of Easter is that because of Jesus resurrection, we are God’s beloved children even now.

 

5th Sunday of Easter

Acts: 9:26-31; Ps: 21:26-28, 30-32 I Jn: 3:18-24; JN 15:1-8

Today’s readings are concerned with the vitality of the Christian community.  In the gospel Jesus borrows an image from the Hebrew scripture the image of the vine, often used in Israel.  e.g. Ps. 80:9-16) to talk about the network of relationships between the son and the father and between the disciples and Jesus.  The emphasis in this passage stresses the obstacle necessity for the disciples to remain in Jesus and Jesus in them.  The intimate attachment to Jesus ensures the vitality of the faith community, but how shall we know we remain in Jesus and he in us?  The answer is in 1Jn: “the new commandment, that we love one another” not in word or speech but in deed and truth” This is the kind of love Barnabas extends to Paul in Acts!

 

6th Sunday of Easter

Acts: 10:25-26. 34-35. 44-48 Ps 97:1-4 1Jn 4:7-10. Jn 15:19-17

Today’s first reading, Peter begins the mission to the Gentiles by baptizing the house-hold of Cornelius, but only after being persuaded that God shows no partiality”  The story gives historical expression to the theology of the Johannine readings for today.  Beginning with the promise that God is love, 1 John make the sacrifice of Jesus the touchstone of God’s love.”  In this way the love of God was revealed to us” he says, “God sent his only son into the world so that we might have life through him.”  Jesus in the gospel makes the same claim when he says, “No one has greater love than this to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  The gifts of God’s love, revealed in Jesus is just that; to be loved by God as chosen friends!

 

Ascension Day

Acts: 1:1-11; Ps: 46:2-3. 6-9; Eph: 4:1-13 Mt: 16:15-20

The ascension we celebrate today is the last act of the cycle of Jesus Life death resurrection and his return to the father.  It also marks a new beginning for the apostles as they come to terms with the fact, that Jesus will never walk with them again the gospel missioned them “Go out to the whole world, proclaim the good News to all creation” We must continue this mission today and bring the same message of the kingdom of God to our generation.  This story can best be told by our example, living as Jesus commanded us to live for each other.  The preface confirms that he has not abandoned us, but he is our hope, our beginning, the head of the church; and ‘WHERE HE HAS GONE, WE HOPE TO FOLLOW’.

Sr. Anne Dennehy - R.N.D.M.

 

 

 

 

(top)

 

CONGRATULATIONS CONTINUED

 

3..   Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutiso Musau

 

He was born on 12th November 1975.  He comes from Kyale Parish in Machakos Diocese.  He studied for his primary education in Nduu Primary School and then joined his secondary education in Gititu Secondary School in Murang’a.

 

Seminary Life

In 1996 he went for his spiritual Year to Christ the King Seminary Nyeri.  1997 – 1998 Philosophical studies in Christ the King Seminary.  1999 – 2000 Theological studies (Theology I & II) at Christ the King Seminary.  2001 he was posted to Mavoloni Parish for his pastoral Year.  2002 – 2003 he went back to Christ the King Seminary for his III & IV theology studies.2004 April 2005 he was at Makueni Parish for Pastoral Year.  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Ngunga parish for his Pastoral experience.  On 1st May 2006 he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you blessings in your new apostolate.

 

4.   Rev. Fr. Paul Sila Nzomo

He was born on 15th May 1972.  He comes from Kyale Parish in Machakos Diocese.  He went for his primary education at Kyale primary School and then joined Matuu Memorial for his secondary education.

 

Seminary Life

1995 – 1997 he joined the Capuchin Franciscan Friars for his aspirant/postulant formation at Mpeketoni Lamu.  1998 he joined Novitiate – Kasita in Tanzania. 1992 – 2002 he studied his philosophical studies at Lusaka in Nzambia.  2002 March 2006 his theological studies in Tangaza College.  20th October 2005 he was ordained as a Deacon at St. John the Evangelist in Nairobi.  On 1st may he was ordained a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate.

 

 

5.  Rev. Fr. Martin Kilonzo Nzioki

He was born on 27th November 1874.  He comes from Katheka Parish in Machakos diocese.  He studied his primary education in Katheka primary and later joined Katheka Secondary. 

 

Seminary Life

1996 he joined Christ the King for his spiritual year.  1997 – 1998 his philosophical studies in Christ the king seminary.  1999 – 2000 his theological studies (theology I & II) at Christ the king seminary.  2001 his pastoral year at Tala Parish.  2002 – 2003 his theological studies at Christ the King Seminary (III & IV) 2004 April – 2005 for his pastoral experience at Masinga parish, September 2005 – December 2005 Pastoral experience at Mbitini parish. On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos and then posted for his pastoral experience at Muthetheni Parish.   On 1st May he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate.

 

6.  Rev. Fr. Cosmas Kyambi  Mutiso

He was born on 19th March 1973.  He comes from Misyani in Kanzalu Parish in Machakos diocese.  He joined Ituusya for his primary education and then joined Tala Boys for his secondary education.

 

Seminary Life

 In 1996 he joined Christ the King seminary for his spiritual year.  1997 – 1998 his philosophical studies at Christ the King seminary.  1999 – 2000 theological studies (theology I & Ii) at Christ the King seminary.  2001 Pastoral year at Machakos Cathedral.  2002 – 2003 theology III & IV at Christ the King Seminary.  2004 April – December 2005 pastoral experience at Machakos Cathedral.  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Thatha Parish for his pastoral experience.  On 1st May he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate.

 

7.  Rev. Fr. Mark Nzuki Kasia

He was born on 7th July 1975.  He comes from Machakos parish in Machakos diocese.  He went for his primary education at Kusyomuomo and then later joined Mulala for his secondary education. 

 

Seminary Life

In 1996 he went for his spiritual year at Christ the king major seminary.  1997 – 1998 philosophical studies at Christ the king seminary.  1999 – 2000 theological studies (theology I & II) at Christ the king seminary.   2001 pastoral year at Masinga Parish.  2002 – 2003 theology III & IV at Christ the king seminary.  2004 april – December 2005 pastoral experience at Ikalaasa parish.  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Makaveti Parish for his pastoral experience.  On 1st may he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate.

 

 

8.   Rev. Fr. Peter Muthenya Ndone

He was born in 1974.  He comes from Kyale parish in Machakos Diocese.  He joined Nduu Primary and then later joined Kiongwani for his secondary education.

 

Seminary Life

In 1996 he joined Christ the king seminary for his spiritual year.  1997 – 1998 philosophical studies at Christ the king seminary.  1999 – 2000 theological studies (theology I & II) at Christ the king seminary.  2001 Pastoral year at Mbooni Parish.  2002 – 2003 theology III & IV at Christ the king seminary.  2004 April – December 2005 pastoral experience at Tawa parish.  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Kanzalu Parish for his pastoral experience.  On 1st may he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate.    

 

 

Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mulandi Musau

He was born on 21st march 1977.  He comes from Uviluni village, Mbeletu sub-location, Kyemundu location in Makueni district.  This lies in Mbitini parish in Machakos Diocese.  He joined Mulala for his primary education then later joined Makueni boys for his secondary education.

 

Seminary Life

In 1996 he joined St. mary’s Mololo Seminary for spiritual year.  1997 – 1998 his philosophical studies at St. Augustine’s Mabanga Seminary.  19999 – 2002 therological studies (theology I & II) at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary – Langata Nairobi.  2001 his pastoral year at Makindu parish.  2002 – 2003 theology III & IV at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary.  2004 December – 2005 Pastoral experience (teaching) at Pope Paul VI Junior Seminary (Machakos).  On 8th December 2005 he was ordained Deacon at our lady of Lourdes Cathedral and then posted to Machakos Cathedral Parish for his pastoral experience.  On 1st may he was ordained as a priest at our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.  Congratulations and wishing you Gods blessings in your new apostolate.

By Communication office - Machakos

 

 

(top)

 

BISHOP’S VISIT TO CHEPARERIA PARISH IN KITALE DIOCESE

 

His Lordship Bishop Martin Kivuva blessed Chepareria Parish with a successful visit on 19/3/2006.  The Parish is situated in West Pokot District, Kapenguria – Lodwar Road.  Chepareria Parish was started back in 1970 and it has 25 outstations plus the main one.  The Parish is ministered by Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutuku who is a Fidei Donum Priest from Machakos Diocese.  He is also assisted by Fr. Jacob Baraza of Kitale Diocese. 

 

It was on Sunday 19th March 2006 the feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary.  The Bishop after celebrating a thanksgiving mass at Immaculate Heart Cathedral Kitale, decided to tour the land of the Pokots.   He came at around four 0’clock in the evening.  To the Fathers it was a dream came true when we saw Bishop alight from a grey car driven by Fr. Kimontho a former classmate in the Seminary.

 

The Bishop had a chance of seeing various projects in the parish.  These projects include Mercy Centre, St. Michael Nursery and primary School.  Lastly he visited the Parish farm and commended the good soil and environment for farming.

 

On the way the Bishop met the parish chairman who is the Headmaster of a nearby primary school.  The chairman expressed the Christian’s wish to send more priests to serve in Kitale Diocese.  We encourage them to work closely with the two priests so that all may be one.  The Bishop noted that although the parish is situated in a semi arid region it can sustain it self if the resources are well utilized.

 

Fr. Joseph was encouraged to work hard for the people of West Pokot.  The Bishop was happy with the Priests missionary spirit who left everything to bring joy to the people who are known for cattle rustling and armed bandits.

 

Finally the Bishop had supper with the Priest and Sisters of Mercy.  The Bishop encouraged the fraternity of the fathers to support the Sisters.  He urged them to sacrifice their wealth, energy, Education and indeed everything for development and service of the people of God.

May God bless the Bishop of Machakos for his generosity to the people of Kitale Diocese.

 

By. Fr, Joseph Mutuku

Chepareria Parish - Kitale

 

 

 

(top)

 

 

APPOINTMENT

 

We wish to congratulate Rev. Fr. Simon Mutuku for his new post as the Fr.in charge of Mukuyuni Parish.

 

We thank you for the good work you have accomplished in Ndithini Parish since your appointment there and hope that the same good work will be continued in Mukuyuni

Parish.

 

Wishing you God’s blessings and a very fruitful apostolate.

 

CONGRATULATIONS

 

 

(top)

 

CONFIRMATION – MAKAVETI PARISH

 

The long waited day for Makaveti Parishioners at last dawned.  It was a red letter day for us all having our shepherd with us.  The day was very calm, with luxurious weather after previous night’s showers, a sign of graces of having his Lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva in our midst.

 

The three days visit by our beloved Bishop, he visited the three Zones which make up our parish that is Kalama Zone with five outstations – Mulaani, Kyangala, Mutuyu, Kalama and a station to be Kanyongo.  Then Kimutwa Zone with four outstations – Kiundwani, Love, Mang’auni and Kimutwa.  Finally Makaveti Zone with four stations – Mbukuni, Makakoi, Kamweleni and Makaveti. It was from 24th – 26th March 2006 in those three days visit with climax being on Sunday, our beloved Bishop was given a red carpet welcome by Fr. In charge Fr. Raphael Ndile, Deacon Rev. Mark Kasia Seminarian Maurice Nzioka, C.W.A, C.M,A, youth and Sunday school children.  Their joy couldn’t be hidden as was clear from their singing and dancing.

 

Before the beginning of Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ndile welcomed the Bishop in a special way and talked of the events which were to take place.  Within those three days, Bishop had a very busy schedule administering the sacraments of Confirmation, Matrimony and couples renewed their marriage vows.  He also officially opened and blessed the newly constructed parish office.

 

In those three days, 132 Christians were confirmed, 58 couples renewed their marriage vows and 5 were newly wedded.  In his homily, Bishop challenged the newly confirmed and earlier confirmed Christians to be true soldiers of Christ and by the gifts of Holy Spirit; we have our firearms to fight in the battle field against the devil. “We ought not to be cowards and corrupt, “let your will be retrenched” The Bishop warned the Christ soldiers being in Lenten Season, Bishop rejunivated the spirit of lent to rid off the so called “Mimiasis” disease ie self centeredness. 

 

He said, though our self denial, we need to assist the suffering for it is through giving that we receive.  This message got an immediate response when Hon. Daudi Mwanzia, MP Machakos Town and other visitors from SIKH community donated 130 bundles of unga. The Bishop Inconjuction with his host Rev. Fr. Raphael Ndile thanked the Parishioners for their generous Diocesan collection which had risen tremendously. 

 

The Bishop thanked the Christians for their co-operation with Fr. in fighting the enemy of Christ “Maji Marefu” witchdoctor who had invaded a certain part of the parish.  Bishop’s words were very clear; “Going to witchdoctor is to say No to Christ” hence one receives a direct excommunication”. Bishop also warned the parishioners against sand harvesting which destroys our environment.  “Let us safeguard our environment and we will get rid of our perennial problem of poverty, it’s our hidden treasure’ Bishop urged the Christians. Fr. Raphael pinpointed the importance of education the responsibility of educating their sons and daughters

 

The Bishop encouraged the youth to conquer the secular world and he pointed out that, illiteracy is the main cause of poverty and moral decadence in our society, hence ought to work hard ii their academic work.

 Thank you for coming and please come back again.

By Maurice K. Nzioka

 Seminarian Makaveti Parish

 

 

 

(top)

 

NATIONAL PRAYER DAY

 

To:  All Diocesan Pastoral Co-ordinators

 

Easter Greetings.

 

I write to kindly invite you to the above mentioned occasion to be held as follows:

 

VENUE:  Village of Mary, Subukia

 

DATE:  May 20th 2006 at 10.00 a.m

 

Theme:  “Our Lady Queen of Peace”

 

Wishing you God’s blessings.

Yours Sincerely

 

Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi

CHAIRMAN COMMISSION FOR PASTORAL & LAY APOSTO

 

 

(top)

 

 

BISHOP’S DIARY

 

MAY

1st        Ordinations Machakos Cathedral

2-15     Congress – Spain

16th      Permanent Council – Nairobi

17th      K.E.C

18th      Silver Jubilee Ukweli

19-21   Kalawa Parish – Confirmation

26th      Education Board

27th      YCS Diocesan Machakos

28th      T.T.C.  Mass

 

JUNE

2ND      T.T.C Meeting

3rd        Martyrs Mass

4th        Kithimani

5th        A.G.M – all Priests

6th        St Joseph’s Club

9-11     Mbiuni Parish – Confirmation

17th      Final Profession

20-25   Makindu Parish -

            Confirmation

29th      Peter & Paul Mass Basilica

 

 

 

           

(top)

 

 

A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world: everyone you meet is your mirror. 

Ken Keyes Jr.

 

 

                                            

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