UWO

In today’s Gospel Jesus disciples refuse to recognize the authority of a successful exorcist, who doesn’t belong to their company and they hoped Jesus would do likewise! But Jesus refuses to do this. Instead, he invites his fragile, threatened followers to a wider vision of God’s goodness and commands them to leave the outsider in peace. Jesus’ lesson is instructive for us today to be tolerant and to have a profound respect for the freedom of God to more beyond our boundaries of faith. We can all take pride in the community to which we belong without judging the good work of those who are not “one of us,” James condemns the rich who have amassed great wealth, by depriving the workers who harvested the fields, of their wages. How do we treat our workers today?

27^th Sunday

Gew: 2:18-24; Ps: 127; Heb: 2:9-11, Mk: 10: 2 – 16

In a world where marriage was taken lightly, because divorce was granted easily, Jesus calls every one to go back to the beginning to uncover the original plan of God. It is a call to return to the roots of marriage, an invitation for man and woman to see their commitment to each other in the light of God’s seeing, an invitation to live in loyalty to God’s original call. We see from experience that legions of causalities prove that this sacrament is one of the most difficult to live. Marriages collapse, people make mistakes, infidelities happen, hurts and endless silences occur, African practices, spouses become victims of oppressors, but we still believe that marriage is a sacrament and not a casual experiment for adventurous people. Jesus invites us today to catch up with our roots!

28^th Sunday

Wis: 7:7-11; Ps: 89: 12 – 17; Heb: 4:12 – 13; Mk: 10:17-30

In today’s 1^st reading Solomon discovers the spirit of Wisdom as priceless power and riches, health and beauty cannot compare with her. In the gospel another man is offered the incomparable grace of following Jesus, of revaluing all that he has in light of this heavenly treasure. But sadly, he goes away, “for he had many possessions,” Jesus comment on the rich man’s departure astounds the disciples. There is a paradox in the words of Jesus. On the one hand, discipleship is a grace, impossible for human beings. On the other, it is a choice to accept the grace or not. In Hebrews the word of God, the call of Christ, is likened to a sharp two edged sword. In biblical language, the sword is an instrument of judgment; it penetrates soul and spirit, joints and marrow, to see what is in our hearts.

29^th Sunday

Is: 53: 10-11, Ps: 32: 4 – 5. 18 – 20, Heb: 4: 14-16;

Mk: 10: 35 – 45

The theme of the suffering servant dominates all today’s readings. The image originates in four “songs” in Isaiah, which describes the vocation of a servant of God. In the quote from the fourth song the redemptive value of the servant’s suffering is stated most explicitly. Knowing how today’s gospel story ends, we are struck by the irony of James and John’s requests. When on Calvary the time comes to take their places, one at Jesus right, the other at his left, their absence is very conspicuous! But Jesus can sympathize with our weakness, patiently tells them and us, once more. “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant…. For the son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

30^th Sunday

Jer: 31:7-9; Ps: 125. Heb: 5:1-6, Mk: 10: 46-52

In today’s Gospel Jesus accepts the messianic title “SON OF DAVID” from the blind Bartimaeus, who identifies Jesus as the deliverer of his people who Jeremiah promises the exiles in the 1^st reading, will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst” or as the Hebrews say, the son of David is also the son of God, as psalm 2; 7 declares “You are my son; today I have begotten you”. Bartimaeus though blind, sees Jesus more clearly then his own disciples do! Jesus asks Bartimaeus the very same question he put to the Sons of

Zebedee in last Sundays’ Gospel; “What do you want me to do for you?” But where James and John wanted to advance themselves, Bartimaeus asks only to see and follow Jesus on the way.

By Sr. Anna Dennehy R.N.D.M

(top)

NATIONAL PRAYER DAY ON 26^TH AUGUST 2006

The Catholic Men from all the Dioceses of Kenya converged at Nairobi to mark their National Prayer day on 26^th August this year.

The day started with a long procession from UHURU PARK through Parliament Road to the HOLY FAMILY BASILICA where the mass was celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a’ Nzeki, the Archbishop of Nairobi, Archdiocese.

Machakos Diocese had sent a delegation of 35 men led by the Diocesan CMA Chairman – Mr. James Wambua, and the Diocesan Men/Women Co-ordinator – Sr. Bernadette Munyao. This is a sign of growing in Faith and Unity- A family that prays together, stays together.

We would like to thank the following Parishes and their Fathers In-Charge for sending representatives. Tala Parish, Makindu Parish, Mtito Andei Parish Kangundo Parish, Muthetheni Parish Cathedral Parish, Mukalala Outstation, Kalumoni Outstation, Kithaayoni Outstation, Matiliku Parish, Kalawa Parish

Thank you very much your Lordship Bishop Martin Kivuva for your continuous support to the Catholic Men‘s Association (C.M.A)

Compiled by:

Mr. James Wambua

DIOCESAN CMA CHAIRMAN

(top)

REMINDER

The Communication office Machakos is very grateful for those who send us their feedback. They really help us and we thank all the readers of U’WO. Kindly please send us more articles concerning your Parishes, Congregation and any other information which might be helpful to the people of God. Please send your article to Bishop’s office free of charge.

WELCOME AND LET US SHARE OUR GIFTS GENEROUSLY.

(top)

FEAST OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER – ST. SIMON & JUDE

St. Jude and Simon were both apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. From the scripture’s. Jude was a relative to our Lord Jesus Christ. Tradition has it that St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was the son of Cleophas who was the brother of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus.

Cleophas was one of the disciples to whom Jesus appeared on the way to Emmaus. St. Jude’s mother was Mary Cleophas who stood with her sister, the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross on Calvary (John: 19; 22) Little is known about St. Simon. He was born at Cana and was one of the zealots. He was a strong apostle. Both of these apostles gave their lives for the gospel.

By choosing the two apostles, it’s important to know that Jesus wanted them to proclaim the gospel. He wanted to be with them meaning he chose them to be his friends. It is amazing that Jesus needed human friends. It is of the very essence of the Christian faith that we can say in all reverence and humility that God cannot be happy without men. He is happy if all people who come to him. Also Jesus knew that the end was coming and he chose Simon and Jude and the rest of the apostles to continue his work of proclaiming the gospel, that he might write his message upon them.

They were to be his books. They were to accompany him. Some day they might take his message to all people. St. Jude and Simon were to learn more from Jesus. It is important to know that a Christian is a man or woman whose whole life is spent learning about that Lord whom he/she will someday meet face to face and will then know even as he is known. Just as the two apostles were sent, we can say that an apostle is one who is sent out, an envoy or ambassador. Jude and Simon were to be ambassadors of Christ to men. The Christian is ever sent to be an ambassador for Christ not only by words but by his life.

Just like the other apostles, Jude and Simon were ordinary men. They were neither wealthy, famous, educated nor influential people, but men of common folks. It’s good to note that the word of God is not in the hands of men whom the world calls great but in the hands of ordinary people like ourselves. If we examine that group of the apostles, we see that it had a strange mixture. Simon was a zealot and zealots were fanatical nationalists who were sworn to assinate every traitor and every Roman they could.

Mathew on the other hand was a tax collector and therefore a traitor and a renegade. It is the miracle of God that Simon and Mathew come to live together and at peace in the close company of the apostolic band. When women are really Christians, the most diverse types can live at peace together, we should know that it is only in Christ that we can solve the problem of living together because even the most opposite people may be united in their love for him, if we really love him, then we will also love each other.

Reflections:

As Christians have we ever thought that just as Jude and Simon were called by Jesus to be his apostles, Jesus has called us each by name for a mission and purpose? Are we really friends of God who chose us from the world? Let us examine our actions as they speak much louder than our words. Just as St. Simon and Jude, we have been called to be men and women who heal and draw others to Christ by our lives and presence. Have we instead become traitors and tormentors of others struggling to believe?

Let us pray that we may follow Christ faithfully strengthened by the prayers of Simon and Jude and that we may give our lives wholly to Christ.

By Rev. Fr. Alfonse K. Muema

Daystar University

(top)

CENTENARY OF THE FOUNDRES OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE CARMELITE RELIGIOUS (C.C.R) & THE APOSTOLIC CARMEL(1823-1906)

You are the tool which our Lord is making use of, to save many souls….” (Mother Veronica). We, the congregation of Carmelite Religious remember her especially for her strong faith, courage, incessant prayer and heroic obedience to the will of God.

The order of Carmel is doubtless the most ancient and widespread of Religious orders, having originated in the Old Testament. Its traditions go back 900 before the coming of our Lord. Tradition has it that the order took its roots from the prophet Elijah; it branched out to every country, great and small. Carmel is one of the most beautiful spots that the good Lord created.

He made the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother, Queen and splendor, of that verdant spot, and Carmel in return gave to God a galaxy of saints, stars that illumine the firmament of the church and bedeck the crown of this glorious Queen as so many lustrous gems. It is our pride and glory, our joy and boast that we the congregation of the Carmelite Religious C.C.R – Mbooni are affiliated to the noble trunk and are part of its history. We C.C.R Mbooni owe our origin to Mother Veronica of the passion, our beloved Foundress.

While recalling and recounting her saintly life we prayerfully look forward to the day when her name will be included in the Calendar of the Saints of Carmel, adding one more gem to the crown of our Blessed Mother.

The cause for the beautification of Mother Veronica was officially opened in 1999. Deeply rooted in the spirit of our Foundress, Mother Veronica of the Passion, we are called to be women of prayer and contemplatives in action. We seek to radiate the love of Christ through our vowed life in community.

The Eucharist is the centre of our life from which we draw inspiration for a life of love, peace, joy and concern for the people we serve. Taking Christ and His blessed Mother as our Models, we faithfully adhere to our charism and commit ourselves totally to reading and interpreting the signs of the times and revitalizing our ministries and searching for new frontiers.

Developing the God-given gifts of nature and grace. Sensitizing people to injustices in society. Restoring human dignity by social involvement. Empowering the girl child, women and the marginalized. Endeavoring to create a just and humane society. Caring and showing concern for the sick and the aged. Participating in the pastoral ministry of the church and showing concern for the integrity of creation.

With Jesus our leader and guide, and under the patronage of our Lady of Mt. Carmel, we strive wholeheartedly to promote the fullness of life through our mission.

By Carmelite Sisters (C.C.R) - Mbooni

(top)

Memorial Day - R. I. P for Deceased Priests

All the priests, Religious Men & women and the relatives of the

Deceased Priests of the Diocese are invited for a memorial mass on

6th November 2006 at Machakos Cathedral at 10.00 a.m; and there after prayers at the cemetery Katoloni.

May the Souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace Amen.

(top)

A NEW COMMUNITY – AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT SISTERS

Our new community of contemplative sisters arrived in our Diocese in July 2006. The Feast of St. Augustine, their patron saint was celebrated on August 28^th. Mgr Alfons Mondiu assisted by Rev. Fr. Patrick Muteti and seminarian Francis Makau celebrated the Eucharist outside their temporary convent at Masii. About 100 Christians attended and twelve young women had come for the previous LIVE IN WEEKEND.

The community consists of five sisters from Spain and they were happy we came to celebrate with them. After the joyful Eucharist, we were invited to share a meal with them. St. Augustine must be happy to see the first community of Augustinian Recollect Sisters established in Machakos Diocese.

KARIBUNI SANA MACHAKOS

BY Sr. Anna

Dennehy R.N.D.M

(top)

LEGION OF MARY CELEBRATES 70 YEARS

The Legion of Mary is celebrating its 70th year. In 1937 the first presidium was established in Kilungu Mission, in Machakos Diocese. This presidium was established by Edel Quinn the founder/envoy of the Legion of Mary in East and Central Africa. From 1937 to 2006, the legion of Mary, in Machakos Diocese, has grown from one presidium to more than five hundred presidium Counsel and we have two Comitium Counsel in the Diocese of Machakos.

We are inviting all Priests, Religious and Christians to come and join our Legionaries to thank God and celebrate together on 4^th November 2006, beginning with Holy mass at the Machakos Cathedral starting at 10.00 am.

The legionaries remember with joy some of the first officials of the legion of Mary in Machakos Diocese like Peter Nganda Kathonzweni parish, Martin Kamba Mbooni Parish and Veronicah Kyalo Machakos Parish.

May God bless the work of all those who work under our Mother Mary, may she help the church to know the glories Edel Quinn has received in Heaven that she may be glorified on earth.

By Onesmus Kyalo

Machakos Comitium chairperson

(top)

HOLY SPIRIT MEMORIAL SCHOOL TO THE MEMORY OF THE H.G.M. – HOLY GHOST MISSIONARY SCHOOLS

The introduction of Tulimani Secondary was attended by Minister Joseph Munyao, Paul Kivila and other dignitaries. The teachers who have been employed since the beginning deserves great credit. The Parish of the Diocese of Machakos has been very involved in education. Quickly Kabaa, Kilungu, Kanzalu – Kangundo, Mbooni, Tala, Mbitini come to mind. With the Holy Ghost Fathers we must not forget the Sisters who were involved in the educational development in the Diocese of Machakos.

The Precious Blood Sisters (Kilungu, Marian hill, the Mercy Sisters Mbooni, Makueni, Machakos Teachers College) and now in recent years the Carmelites of Mbiuni. In recent times we have the great contribution of the Assumption Sisters. Also in recent Parishes we can include Tawa Parish. Since we are mentioning all the education of the Diocese we recognize the Franciscan Sisters at Misyani, the Holy Rosary Sisters at Tala, the Sisters of our Lady of the Missions and the Carmelites who came to Mbooni.

We now come to Tulimani. We include Tawa Girls School run by the Assumption sisters and without hesitation Tulimani Girls School run by the teachers. We now examine Tulimani School from the point of view of the great amount of MONEY that has been involved to the present day. In all these developments matters we have to remember and examine to what extend the local leaders cooperated. Tulimani has now reached a state of accountability. To examine carefully where the funds came from. First and foremost we must acknowledge the parents and students contribution to the building fund development. Secondly we must thank and acknowledge the Charity Sweepstake through Mr. Bowden.

The charity sweepstake helped me, Fr. Duggan, from the time of Misyani Girls Harambee School, later Kaumoni Secondary School and then Tawa Girls Secondary School and in recent time Tulimani. Some private donors, friends of myself Fr. Colm Duggan, Fr. Paddy Coyne R.I.P, now Fr. Brendan Duggan just to mention a few. Now, 2006 we have what is called C.D.F (Constituency Development Fund) we want to inquire what involvement have they contributed to Tulimani? The climax to all the development above mentioned is THE LIGHTINING (ELECTRICITY) and very important the WATER PROJECT.

Before I forget I want to thank sincerely the local community for the manual work (labour) they have provided. Lastly the Irish Government have helped us in the water project. However, the reference to the local leaders’ contribution above is very important. The Irish Governments do not want to be on their own helping development, they want to know what the local contribution is.

Let me not forget the support of the Diocese of Machakos, Rt. Rev. Bishop Urbanus Kioko and now our new Bishop Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva, the Diocesan support must always include the parish council all the church leaders should not close their eyes to the educational requirements development by all the above donors and benefactors. The parish of Tawa and the upcoming parish of Tulimani must now look on their educational matters as a priority.

Some points may be helpful to so many matters that will arise at this function. Donors and benefactors have made great contributions to the infrastructure of the buildings and may be the necessary background to the great contributions of the teachers, the B.O.G and the P.T.A and especially the students who have attended the classrooms since the beginning. I thank you very much for all you have done to cooperate with me, one of the last Holy Ghost Fathers from Ireland in Machakos. The Spiritan Fathers in Katheka will no doubt continue the spirit of the Holy Spirit in the church of Machakos. To all Holy Ghost Fathers who worked in Machakos Diocese; Fr. Brendan Heeran – Kabaa, Kanzalu, Tala, Fr. Sean O’Shaughnessy – Kabaa and Muthetheni, Fr. Larcan O’Toole – Katoloni Seminary, Muthetheni, Masii, Fr. Frank Egan – Masii, Muthetheni, Katheka now a Spiritan, Fr Aurelian, Fr. Jim McGann – Kabaa, Mbitini, Kilungu, Fr. Michael O’Connor- Mbitini after Fr. Colm Duggan, Fr. Steve Walsh – Mulala Mbitini, Fr. Des O’Sullivan – Yatta, and Fr. Michael McMahon – Kabaa, Katoloni Seminary.

By Fr. Colm Duggan, C.S.S.P

(top)

CONGRATULATIONS - HONGERA

It was joys and jubilations as the Christians of Muthambi Parish gathered together to celebrate with their son Bro. Seraphin Njagi who was committing himself to the Lord by taking his vows. The Msgr of Meru Diocese welcomed Bishop Martin Kivuva who officiated the occasion. Everybody was full of joy and dancing for the Lord. He started by telling the congregation that it is a special day and a special gift from the Lord for having Bro. Seraphin who is ready to give himself and work for the church. He said that he always thanks the Lord whenever he is given a gift by somebody.

In his homily he reminded us of different calls in the church. The gospel of the day reminded us to leave everything, follow Christ, and to carry our own crosses daily. “...Bro Seraphin has being renewing his vows every year that is why he is sacrificing himself today to give himself totally to Christ.” the Bishop told the congregation.

Explaining about the consecrated life, His Lordship spoke in detail about the three vows of obedience, poverty and chastity which Bro is called to live in the community. He quoted the words of Pope Benedict the XVI that “Life without Christ is meaningless” so we are all invited to be in union with Christ and to listen to his word. We are all on a journey so let us carry our crosses, “Our life has many faces and the most important one is to be like Christ. Let us pray for all the Religious men and women to be faithful to their vocations the Bishop continued”.

The Bishop invites the youth to listen to the different voices and chose their own call according to the direction of the spirit. Religious life calls for one who is able to work and be productive in life. We pray that our calls may increase in the church. We pray too for our country and leaders so that they may be guided by the spirit and lead us in peace, that Christ may be our light and guide in our daily lives.

We thank the Bishop of Meru for inviting us in his Diocese, the Priests, Sisters and all the Christians for the warm welcome we received from them. Be assured of our prayers all the time.

Brothers of St. Peter Claver

(Top)

Bishop’s Dairy

October

3 – 4^th Kibwezi Parish

6^th Graduation Holy Rosary Tala

7^th Makueni Girls

8^th Nzaikoni Parish

12th Caritas Meeting - Rosa Mystica

13-15^th Muthetheni Parish – Confirmation

19th Mbooni Girls

21st Kangundo School

22nd Ndithini - Mananja Confirmation

23-27th Diocesan Retreat Katoloni

24^th K.C.S Nairobi

26th Caritas Meeting - K.S.C

28-29^th Athi River Parish

30^th Priests Council Meeting

31^st Meeting Bishop’s Office

November

1st Cathedral Machakos

4th Golden Jubilee

5th Embu

6th Memorial Day - RIP Deceased Priests

7-10th K.C.S

11th Diocesan Collection - Cathedral

13th Nyahururu

16-19th Thatha Parish - Confirmation

24-26th Kyale Parish - 3rd Anniversary

29th Mbitini Catechetical Centre

If there is Love there is Peace

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

SUNDAY COMMENTARIES OCTOBER 2006

NATIONAL PRAYER DAY ON 26TH AUGUST 2006

REMINDER

FEAST OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER – ST. SIMON & JUDE

CENTENARY OF THE FOUNDRES OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE CARMELITE RELIGIOUS (C.C.R) & THE APOSTOLIC CARMEL(1823-1906)

Memorial Day - R. I. P for Deceased Priests

A NEW COMMUNITY – AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT SISTERS

LEGION OF MARY CELEBRATES 70 YEARS

HOLY SPIRIT MEMORIAL SCHOOL TO THE MEMORY OF THE H.G.M. – HOLY GHOST MISSIONARY SCHOOLS

CONGRATULATIONS - HONGERA

Bishop’s Dairy

NATIONAL PRAYER DAY ON 26^TH AUGUST 2006