ÛW’O
Issue
No. 36 June 2006
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
REJOICE
AND BE GLAD, FOR YOUR REWARD WILL BE GREAT IN HEAVEN. {Mtt. 5: 12}
The Diocese of Machakos Congratulates
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva
Musonde
Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Machakos on his 3rd Anniversary
BISHOP’S VISIT – KALAWA PARISH
PRIESTLY ORDINATION
CATHOLIC CHURCH’S ON IN-VITRO
FERTILIZATION
NEW APPOINTMENTS
BISHOP’S DIARY
(top)
BISHOP’S MESSAGE - THANKING GOD FOR EACH ONE OF YOU.
3rd June is a great
feast of the Church in Eastern Africa, Marking the feast of
the Martyrs of Uganda. For me, this day marks the day when the Mother Church placed a great
responsibly on my shoulders, to shepherd the People of Machakos
Diocese through the intercession of the Great Martyrs of Uganda. In
collaboration with the priests’ religious men and women, with our lay faithful
God has used the weak to humble the mighty.
It is now three years
since that eventful day in Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. The Songs and the dances, the words of Archbishop
Giovanni Tonnucci, by then the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, still linger in my
mind and heart. In his Homily he praised Machakos
Diocese for the many vocations and challenged us to share with others this
blessing. “Be open to helping other
Dioceses by sending them Priests, Make Machakos an Ukweli Diocese” he
said! The Dioceses of Malindi, Kitale, Lodwar thank you
for saying yes to their plea.
Our monthly news
letter-- Uwo (Ukweli)
started in July 2003 thanks to Fr. Sebastian our first communication
Coordinator now studying communication in Rome. The Catholic Media centre will be handy in
discharging the affairs of communication.
Communication creates communion so that the prayer of Jesus THAT ALL MAY BE ONE may be realized.
Like St. Paul, I cannot stop
thanking God for each one of you for the faith and commitment to Christian
calling of being the Good Samaritan and your brothers/sisters keeper. Be
blessed for the love you share. The out burst of faith and commitment of our
Christians made it possible to create Nine New Parishes and a chaplaincy making
our Parishes 52. We congratulate all
those new born; now celebrating one, two or three years with me.
Congratulations for work well done.
MSSIONARY VOCATION OF
THE LAITY IN THE DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS:
The formation of the
Catholic Women Association and Catholic men Associations in the Diocese has in
a great way helped in the path of evangelisation and has provided many means of
sanctification for the married couples, widows and widowers. Our Catholic men and women have been educated
on their share in the common priesthood of Christ, on their being prophets
especially at their respective places of work, and of their participation in
the Kingly office of Christ in carrying out his mission.
Of special mention is
the Diocesan Funds drive towards self-reliance, right from the out-stations
building their centres, Parishes supporting their priests. Associations raising
money to provide means of transport and the annual Diocesan funds drive (Muvothi) have greatly provided an opportunity for each
person to share with others their five loaves and two fish. May God continue to
bless you for your generosity to one another and to the Church. I thank all our friends, Partners and
benefactors who have supported us and continue to support us.
Our Priests, religious
men and women in the Diocese and those outside the Diocese have been the key to
all the blessings we share. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
MARTYRS OF UGANDA, PRAY FOR US.
+ Martin Kivuva
Musonde
Catholic
Diocese of Machakos
(top)
SUNDAY COMMENTARIES - JUNE
Pentecost
Sunday
Acts:
2, 1-11, Ps. 103, 1-24, 29-31, 1Cor. 12, 3b-7, 12-13, Jn: 20:19-23
The
preface summarizes the Pentecostal message “Today you sent the Holy Spirit on
those marked out to be your children….. Today we celebrate the great beginning
of your church when the Holy Spirit made
known to all peoples the one true God, and created from the many languages of
man one voice to profess one faith.’
Before Pentecost the apostles locked themselves in the upper room
because they were frightened, confused and incapable to act as effective
witness, on behalf of Jesus.
With
the power of the spirit their fear is changed to freedom and their future is
full of hope. They are commissioned with
the sevenfold gifts, to breath out what that have breathed in the message of
Pentecost with the multitudes who are waiting for the coming of the Spirit.
Trinity
Sunday
Deut:
4:32-34, 39-40; Ps: 32: 4-6, 9, 18-20-22; Rom: 8:14-17, Mt: 28:16-20
Last
weeks feast of Pentecost reminded us that we cannot begin to understand the
Trinity unless we are gifted with the power of the spirit. The Apostles could not recognize the full
truth of Jesus without the spirits power.
The more we discover about God, the greater becomes the mystery of his
presence and Love! Trinity Sunday invites us to reflect on the mystery of God,
Father, Son and Spirit
Today’s
second reading reminds us that we are children of God, heirs as well and we
share in our Father’s inheritance. In the Gospel Christ’s authoritative sending
out of the apostles to preach that Jesus is risen and to make disciples of all
nations; baptize them in the name of the father, the son and Holy Spirit and KNOW THAT I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, YES TO THE
END OF TIME.
Corpus
Christi
Ex:
24:3-8; Ps: 115: 12-13, 15-18; Heb: 9:11-15; Mk: 14:12-16, 22-26.
The
three readings today refer to the Eucharist as the sacrifice of the New
Covenant. The new covenant like the old
was sealed in blood, the blood of Jesus our new mediator, dying in atonement
for the sins of the world. Because he lives and intercedes for us before his
Father, his sacrifice is still offered daily.
We receive the body and Blood of Christ in communion, but are we always
aware of the tremendous significance of this privilege? We become an everlasting gift with him to the
Father. The readings are clear that his
new covenant is achieved in us.
We
are taken into a new relationship with the Father and at every Mass we
strengthen each other by our faith participation in preparation for the eternal
banquet, when we hope to see the LORD
FACE TO FACE,
12th
Sunday
Job:
38: 1. 8-11, Ps: 106: 23 – 26, 28 – 31, 2Cor: 5: 14-17. Mk: 4: 35 – 41
The
first reading is a kind of introduction to today’s Gospel, which helps us to
understand the symbolic meaning of the sea and the revelation of Jesus power
over the storm. The Psalm continues to
acknowledge this power and God loving protection for his creatures, In the
second reading we see Paul’s life is rooted in the fact that Christ sacrificed
himself for all and re-creates us: to live no longer for ourselves, but for
Him. Jesus request, Let us go across to
the other side of the lake, brings back vivid memories of my visit to the Holy
Land and my trip to the other side of the lake minus the storm!
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus gave the scripture stories new life and
meaning.
By
Sr. Anna R.N.D.M Dennehy
(top)
BISHOP’S VISIT TO OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE - KALAWA PARISH
Kalawa
Parish has got 24 outstations under 4 zones, Kalawa, Katangini, Kitoto and Athi River. Bishop’s visit was scheduled to begin with
Katangini and Kitoto zones combined on the 19th May 2006 then crown
his pastoral visit with Kalawa and Athi river zones all parishioners were to
participate in the Sunday Eucharistic Celebrations. The Bishop received a warm welcome from the
Christians since it was his first visit to the Parish.
On
the 19th May, 2006 before the start of the Mass at Kitoto and
Katangini, Rev. Fr. Samuel Makau, the Fr. In charge, who is being assisted by
Seminarian Christopher Musyoki welcomed the shepherd. On his arrival, the Bishop went to Ititu
Secondary School, in the office, he talked to the Principal on the progress of
the school, then blessed the Principal’s office, addressed the teachers and
students outside, He encouraged them to be dedicated teachers.
He
noted the good performance in K.C.S.E in the school last year as a result of
this; the Bishop promised the best student a scholarship of one year in college
or university. Then followed the
consecration of Katangini Catholic Church and Mass. In
his homily, the Bishop emphasized to the Christians to put their trust in the
Lord, and remain true witnesses of the gospel message by emulating the first
apostles who witnessed the risen Lord.
To the newly confirmed, he challenged them to live under the guidance of
the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
He
pointed out that we need true witnesses of the gospel, in our families,
churches and country. He stressed that
through prayer, sacraments and listening to the word of god we become true
friends of Jesus. He challenged them to be true soldiers of Christ. The bishop urged the Christians to be on the
watch, over the so called “Mimiosis disease”
“Kamwene, Kakwa” Self-centeredness.
The Bishop highlighted on the modern technological changes that are
affecting family life i.e. test – tube babies, abortion and euthanasia
etc. He said that all these methods were
against the plan of God and breaks the 5th commandment of God. He gave the stand of the church universally
and cautioned the Christians to keep off from these things.
On
21st May 2006 Sunday, the Eucharist Celebration began with blessings
of the CWA and CMA uniforms which is a sign of commitment to the patronage of St.
Joseph and St. Monica. In his homily, the bishop revisited the motto
of the Diocese “That All May Be One”, he called for unity and love for
all Christians and be servants of all “to wash the feet of others”, I will not
call you servants but friends”. He
challenged political leaders and urged them to portray true patriotism in
leadership. On the part of the youth, the shepherd advised them to take life
seriously but to live by “bonda raha kifo chaja” and study for future
leadership. He thanked all the Christians
for their continued support and generosity to the church and as a by the way he
gave a report on his visit to Spain,
where, he pointed out the demand for priest, brothers and sisters, and how to
nurture these vocations.
On
this last day of his visit, the Bishop confirmed 200 Christians and after mass,
the Parish leaders gave their speeches and the Father in charge welcomed the
Bishop for the final blessings, but before the blessings, the Bishop thanked
all the Christians who had graced the occasion with their presence regardless
of their denominations.
Christopher
Musyoki & Cosmas Mwova
Seminarians
Kalawa Parish
(top)
PRIESTLY ORDINATION - CONGRATULATIONS
It
was the world’s Labour Day and the church Feast of St.
Joseph the worker when the church of
Machakos was
blessed to have eight Deacons elevated to the order of Priesthood. Out of them, seven were Diocesan Priests and
one who is a Capuchin Franciscan Friars.
The
Joy, Ululation and Jubilation was the mood of the day when the Bishop was
receiving the Candidates from their parents. The call to serve the people of
God reflected the theme of the Day being 1st May for all the workers
internationally. During his homily, the
Bishop called the newly ordained Priests to be faithful to the ministry they
have chosen and remain good ambassadors of Christ whom they represent.
In
addition, he stressed that their way of life will convert many more than the
words they preach. Christ came to serve
and not to be served therefore never to be served as the quests or be called
“Mheshimiwa”.
The
climax of it came when the litany, the laying of hands and the prayer of
consecration were said. This was
characterized by the overwhelming joy from the congregation.
Finally,
followed the new blessings given by the priests and the groupings of Christians
to welcome their sons and bless them also.
Indeed, they did exactly the work they had been commissioned. This was a good moment for everyone to
receive the first blessings. We wish our
newly ordained priests a successful apostolate wherever they shall be sent.
Hongera! Congratulations for making it to the altar of
the Lord. May the Lord’s vineyard never
lack good and holy servants.
Compiled
by Paul Makundi
Katoloni
Junior Seminary.
(top)
Catholic Church’s Position on In-Vitro Fertilization
Statement by Archbishop John Njue, chairman of Kenya Episcopal
Conference, following reports of the birth of the first ever ‘test tube’ babies
in Kenya
“For it was you who created my being,
knit me together in my mothers womb. I thank you for the wonder of my being,
for the wonders of all creation…. O God how hard it is to grasp your thoughts!”
Ps 139, 13-14. 17. In the last
days we have been informed of the birth of the first Kenyan 'test tube' babies.
Many people are troubled, and among
them childless couples, about the questions raised on the morality of these
procedures. We, therefore, feel it necessary and expedient to respond and
inform all Christians and people of good will regarding these ethical
questions. We already spoke on the issue of respect of life in our statement of
29th April 2006. Whenever we touch on issues of Life, we must always
depart from clear indisputable principles: That life is sacred, at all times in
all conditions, from conception to natural death. That no one has a right to
deprive another of Life at any time.
That life is God’s gift which he bestows when and how he wills. Life
still remains a “mystery” even with great advances in technology and
science. The issue of 'test tube' babies
arises from the difficult situations many couples find themselves in, of
remaining Childless. Infertility is a condition which rightly attracts a
considerable degree of public sympathy. Undoubtedly, it is a dream of all
married to have children. It is therefore very understandable that attention is
inevitable drawn to the emotional distress which infertility can cause to the
childless couples.
We understand the suffering of these couples, and their longing for children.
We are also aware of many advances in science and medicine which are availing
more and more treatment methods for these couples.
There are indeed many acceptable
treatment methods and procedures that safeguard the principles of respect of
life and dignity of the human person (more details on this will be avail in the
near future). In fact we laud great strides made in gynecology. We nevertheless
caution about methods that are morally unacceptable. We know that the childless parents undergo
great pressure.
We also note that such distress, like
any strong emotional pressure, can lead those affected to engage in behaviour
which, without this pressure, they might have seen clearly wrong. Artificial fertilization or artificial
reproduction can be a tempting consideration for such couples who have spent
years suffering with the emotional pain of infertility. However, in the
solution that is now openly been advertised of Test Tube babies, through Intra
Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a number of ethical questions arise.
Considered from an Ethical standpoint
this procedure, In fact is morally unethical.
In order to understand why participation in artificial reproduction conflicts
with the Lord’s moral order, it is important to understand some details of this
IVF procedure. In vitro fertilization
(IVF) literally means fertilization that occurs 'In a glass' or in a 'test
tube'. It involves a number of steps.
Briefly, the woman is given a
fertility drug to ensure she produces several nearly ripe eggs at once and
these are collected; the man is sent at the appropriate time to produce some
sperm; and then several embryos are created at once in the laboratory in a
Petri dish. More by far, are created than children are wanted. The healthiest
looking ones are chosen for transfer to the woman’s womb; many others are
discarded. This is referred to as “selective reduction”. Some may be frozen
with a view to using them later; but freeze-thawing kills many.
Some are used for experimentation,
which is always lethal. The lucky ones are transferred to the womb. They could
transfer as many as eight embryos. The pregnancy is carefully monitored so that
if too many embryos have implanted and survived into the second trimester,
‘selective termination’ (i.e. abortion) might be performed on some of them.
Genetic screening and abortion for
'handicapped' and those considered not perfect is often done. But the luckiest
ones come to term and survive the high neonatal death rate among IVF
children. But most were not so lucky.
Most died along the way. This part of the process is normally not publicized.
Not, of course, that all these deaths are intended; some of them may even be
genuinely regretted. But these deaths are intentionally risked. And the fact of
the matter is: many hundreds of thousands of human beings have died so far in
an effort to bring some to birth through IVF.
As can be seen immediately, the procedures
involved in the IVF, the dignity of a child, is undermined. He is more an
object of manipulation and somehow to be possessed at all costs. The begetting
a child becomes a kind of “Factory production”. More grave still is the fact
that to achieve one “birth” many others have to loose their lives.
The process involves the termination of many lives. We have repeatedly affirmed
that life begins at conception. This procedure undermines the dignity of the
mother too and sets itself to fragment the family nucleus that is the proper
and dignified cradle of life. It intrudes into the intimacy of marriage life.
The late Pope
John Paul II confronting these painful and distressing issue, and speaking to
experts in Medicine on 22nd February 2004, explained what makes this
procedure morally unacceptable. “The act, by which the husband and wife become
father and mother through their total gift to one another, makes them
cooperators of the Creator in bringing to the world a new human being, called
to life for eternity. The issue therefore is an issue that is “burdened with
grave problems and implication.” At stake are “essential values, not only for
the faithful Christian, but also for the human being as such.”
“Such a rich
gesture, which transcends the very life of the parents, cannot be substituted
by a mere technological invention, impoverished of human value and subjected to
the determinisms of technical and instrumental activity. God our Creator has
inscribed this plan in the physical and spiritual nature of man and woman and,
as such, has universal value.” We know
that many childless couples have borne courageously their situation and
directed it to motherhood and fatherhood in society that is greatly
praiseworthy. We also know that despite this emotional pressure, many infertile
couples will not opt for treatments such IVF conscious of its moral
unacceptability.
We are very
close to these couples and also urge them to have recourse to morally
acceptable forms of assisted conception, or, perhaps, to adoption. The Love
between the Husband and Wife can even be strengthened if they face and accept
this setback united and with a Christian spirit and in this way choose to
accept and transcend the pain of their childless condition. This choice to
refuse IVF on moral grounds will be an expression of their wish to have
children in a way which accords with respect for the child, and for the dignity
of human procreation, or else not at all.
No one has the authority to take the life of
another, no matter how good the intention of wanting to have a child is.
However good the end we wish to achieve, we can never justify dehumanizing means.
God commanded us to be fruitful and multiply, but He also stated that we should
not kill. We cannot justify the former by violating the latter. We must obey
ALL His Commands.
More
information will be coming to you soon. For now be guided by Faith and Reason
as you weigh the recent event. We are with you in prayer.
From: CATHOLIC INFORMATION
SERVICE FOR AFRICA (CISA)
(top)
NEW APPOINTMENT
Rev. Fr. Martin Kilonzo Nzioki to Muthetheni Parish.
Rev. Fr. Mark Nzuki Kasia to Makaveti Parish.
Rev. Fr. Cosmas Kyambi Mutiso to Thatha Parish.
Rev. Fr. Boniface Kioko Nyamai to Makueni Parish
Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutiso Musau to Mitaboni Parish.
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Mulandi Musau to Kalawa Parish
Rev. Fr. Peter Muthenya Ndome to Kanzalu Parish
I would like to congratulate
you on behalf of myself and the whole of Machakos Diocese on your Ordination to
priesthood and your first appointment.
Remember, A GOOD START
IS A HALF THE BATTLE WON. Stay close to Jesus and he will stay close to
you, remember always in your life as a Priest, without him you can do nothing.
cf: John: 15:5
(top)
BISHOP’S DIARY
JUNE
2nd T.T.C
Meeting
3rd Mass
- Martyrs of Uganda
4th Prisons
5th A.G.M
- All Priests
7th Hospital
Board Meeting
9-11th
Mbiuni Confirmation
15th K.C.S
Nairobi
17th Final
Profession
22-25th Makindu Confirmation
26-27th Pastoral Communication workshop - Katoloni
Pastoral Centre (1st Group)
29th Mass - Basilica (Peter & Paul)
JULY
2nd Kola
Parish
3-4th Pastoral
Communication Workshop - Katoloni Pastoral Centre (2nd Group)
4 -9th Kibwezi
Confirmation
15-16th Tawa Confirmation
17th Diocesan
Priests Machakos
25th K.C.S
Nairobi
28-30th Ndithini Confirmation
(top)
Peace is like
a treasure that shall never part from you.
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