Issue No. 41: November, 2006
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in
peace. Amen.
NOVEMBER
– MEMORIAL FOR DECEASED PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS MEN & WOMEN
SUNDAY
COMMENTARIES – NOVEMBER
CHRIST
THE KING – FEAST OF THE MONTH
FIRST
GRADUATION CEREMONY AT HOLY ROSARY SECRETARIAL COLLEGE TALA
MUTHETHENI
PARISH GETS A FACE LIFT!
FEAST
OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI – NZAIKONI PARISH
The Month of November is the
month of all Saints and all Souls. It is in this spirit all are
reminded of our final destiny, Heaven. Therefore, the church in a very special
way put a side days to pray for those who are on their way to that final Home.
As
Diocese we are blessed with many men and women of faith who have gone to the
Lord and so we wish to pray for them. Many of our Missionaries men and women religious,
who brought us the faith, dedicated their youthful lives to teach us the way to
God. Our Own Diocesan Priests and Sisters, we are united in faith with them and
so we pray for them and with them. In this light therefore 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.
By
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde
Catholic
Diocese of Machakos
31st
Sunday
Dt:
6: 2-6, Ps: 17: 2-4, 47. 51. Heb: 7:23-28. Mk: 12:28-34
Jesus
affirmation of the scribe in today’s gospel “you are not far from the
32nd
Sunday
1Kings:17:10-16;
Ps: 145:7-10; Heb: 9:24; Mk: 12:38-44
At
the centre of the 1st readings and the gospel today is a generous
widow who acts in simple faith on the word of God. In this light the scribes are justly
condemned by Jesus for exploiting these defenseless women who, according to the
law and the prophets, were the object of God’s providence and protection. The link between the 2nd reading and the
Gospel revolves around the temple and the contrast between the one sacrifice of
Jesus and the yearly sacrifice offered on the Day of Atonement. The sacrifice of Jesus who entered into
heaven itself has rendered all other sacrifices, offered in the sanctuary made
by hands,” obsolete. Today’s gospel
takes place in the temple, and immediately precedes Jesus prediction that the
temple will be destroyed.
33rd
Sunday
Dn:
12:1-3; Ps: 15:5.8-11; Heb: 10:11-14. 18; Mk: 13:24-32
Today’s
1st reading from the book of Daniel is significant, because it
contains the earliest, explicit statement of belief in resurrection, “Many of
those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth many will awake some to
everlasting disgrace”.
The
gospel takes us to the heart of Jesus, discourse on the end of time. The description of the coming of the son of
man, who according to the Hebrews waits now “until his enemies are made his
footstool is a patchwork of images from the Hebrews bible. But the main concern of the passage is to
answer the question passed by Jesus disciples, “WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN? Mk:
13:4 Jesus answer is not satisfying “No body knows it, neither the angels of
heaven nor the Son; no one but the Father”
By
Sr. Anna Dennehy R.N.D.M
Dn:
7:13-14; Ps: 92:1-2.5; Rev: 1:5-8;
Jn:
18:33-37
The time is fulfilled and the
Along
with this general and external kingdom, Jesus is the king of his people who
have been baptized in his name. Amidst
difficulties in life, he manifests himself as the king. He comes with power and his arm rules for
him. Jesus’ teaching revolved around building the kingdom, such kingdom is not
an ideal moral order nor is it more less fewer equivalent with divine
sovereignty, rather it answers the great
Old Testament expectation.
What
Jesus announces is the realization of the covenant promises made to the
fathers. The new and final order at the
end of history has arrived at last with Jesus.
In this sense, his kingdom-preaching is eschatological and has a
profound historical trust. This is made
plain by the summary statement from its outlet in
The
Ours
is to welcome the invitation to the Kingdom by allowing Jesus who is the King
to reign in our lives, families, and of us all.
He is a just peaceful and merciful king who never despises his
people.
Reflections:
Do
we realize as Christians that we can never do anything without Christ our King,
creator and sustainer?
Are
we true members of that kingdom proclaimed by Christ that has no end?
Do
we preach that
Has
Christ the king ruled our whole selves and do we call upon him in times of
need? Usually, the earthly kings are treated with respect, how do we treat Christ
who comes to us everyday in the sacrament of the Eucharist, in his word as the
sovereign king?
Rev.
Fr. Alfonse Muema
It
was a memorable day for the
During
the graduation ceremony the Principal of Holy Rosary College, Sr. Pauline
Ndeche, stressed that it was the first time to welcome our past students back
to the college to witness the great expansion.
The principal continued by giving the history of the college that it was
back in early 1960’s that a woman had a dream.
She was a teacher in a junior school for girls in Ukambani.
This
primary school, in the Kangundo area of Machakos District, had a deserved
reputation as being among the top schools for KCPE results in
We received
great support from the local community, Fr. Brendan Heeran CSSP, and the
Catholic Diocese of Machakos. During his
speech Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde emphasized on education as the key to
fighting poverty. Today in
We
notice that communities that have embraced education seriously, even though
they may live in tough areas, their lives are better and cannot be abused or
used by others easily. He said that
The following diploma and Certificate Courses
are offered in conjunction with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology; Diploma in Public Relations, Advertising and
His
Lordship emphasized prayer as the centre to the life of our students. Each day, time should be allocated for prayer
with the culmination of weekly/daily liturgical celebrations. Mr. F.M. Macharia the Provincial Technical
Education of Eastern Province, read the speech from Hon. Beth Mugo MP Assistant
Minister for Education. In her speech
she commended that indeed the Institution has made a substantial contribution
over the years towards the provision of the much needed skilled workforce
especially in the field of secretarial studies.
She
quoted that she is fully aware that this college has faced some serious
challenges during its growth to the present stage. All of us must make optimal use of our time
and the scarce resources available within the college. TIVET Institutions such as this one must
therefore take the centre stage as prime movers in the drivers towards
industrialization of our country by the year 2020, so that women trained in
such Institutions can spearhead the match to democratization and economic
empowerment.
I am pleased to note that the college has
embarked on a major expansion programme involving the construction of a new
hostel, computer and typing classrooms and improvements of other essential
infrastructure such as the supply of water.
Sr. Pauline Ndeche, the principal of the college, expressed her
gratitude too to his Lordship U.J. Kioko, Bishop Emeritus who nurtured and
supported the college for several years, to Bishop Martin Kivuva the proprietor
of the college, the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary for
their special commitment and concern for the improvement of the young women who
have the good of the nation at heart.
She thanked too the benefactors over the years
for their contribution to the provision of the facilities at the college. To our dedicated college staff, our students,
thank you for what you have made of this college. Without you we would not be celebrating our
achievements to date. As we thank
everybody, we wish our students a bright future, God’s blessings as they assume
their responsibilities of the adult world.
By
Sr. Pauline Ndeche
His
Lordship Bishop Martin Kivuva arrived at Muthetheni (Kiteta) parish mission and
he was welcomed by a group of men/women with songs of praise and dance. The Fr. In charge Rev. Fr. Joseph Waema, the
assistant priest Rev. Fr. Martin Kilonzo and the parish chairman Mr. Danson
Mutiso received him with a warm welcome to the parish. Then we proceeded to
Kilala Zone where we were welcomed with pomp and colour, the Christians were
happy singing and dancing to welcome Bishop Martin to the zone centre, through
Kilala market, which created a lot of interest among the community, hence
evangelizing the word of God.
We
had the sacrament of confirmation and 247 Christians received the sacrament of
confirmation. During his homily the
Bishop told the Christians to move forward and fight evil to create hope in the
word of God through the sacraments.
Christians were very happy and gave the Bishop various gifts. The Bishop was very happy too. During his second day visit the Bishop
visited Kalamba Zone. 313 Christians
received the confirmation Sacrament.
During his homily the Bishop advised the Christians to repair faith
“cracks” in prayers and love. The Bishop
also cautioned the youth against drug abuse.
The Christians gave Bishop Gifts.
The Bishop mobilized the church leaders to raise funds for purchasing
cement to lay the foundation for the new church. The Bishop requested the
Christians to do so as quickly as possible before the rains start. The Bishop
finished his visit at Muthetheni Zone.
Before
the Mass he had a brief meeting with the parish Development committee. The Bishop was impressed by the good work
done by the committee and thanked them and advised them to look into ways of
incorporating young Christians from the parish, working else where, for future
plans to foster fast development in the parish. Before the start of the Holy
Mass the Bishop opened the completed priest’s house officially and blessed
it. 615 Christians received Confirmation
Sacrament.
This
brings a total of 1,175 Christians in the parish who received confirmation
sacrament during the Bishop’s visit for three days. The Bishop thanked the catechists who have
worked tirelessly to promote faith in the church under very severe economic
problems. He asked the Christians to
assist them in their daily work. He
advised the Christians to work in unity giving example of a Baobab tree with
its small leaves that is feeling part and parcel of the big baobab tree.
He
thanked the Fathers, and Sisters for working in unity and more so for serving
the Christians with a lot of dedication.
He also thanked the project committee and the entire church community
for giving the priest’s house a face lift that shows love for our Priests and
the Church. The Dynamism of the whole
Parish community, teachers and students of the near by Muthetheni Girls Sec.
School was a refreshing and empowering experimce for all. God bless us all.
By
Rev. Fr. Yusuf Waema Fr. i/c
Mr. Danson
Mutiso Parish chairman
It
was a big day for our parish, Nzaikoni, as we all converged together in the
parish to mark the feast of our patron Saint, St. Francis of
The
Parish priest Fr. Devasia and his assistant Fr. Jose together with a good
number of Christians met the Bishop on the way, then they had a procession to
Kikunuani outstation where he was welcomed officially by the chairman of the
Zone, Mr. John Maingi, His Lordship opened and blessed the church. Then the Bishop was escorted to the church in
a procession with songs, ululations and shouts of joy. Before the Mass
commenced, the Parish Priest officially welcomed the Bishop to the parish and
expressed his joy of having him with us that day.
During
the homily, the Bishop expressed his joy concerning the growth of the Diocese
for instance, the increment of the parishes, the schools and other
developments. He mainly emphasized to
the Christians that all may have a sense of belonging to the church and be able
to express confidently “Nyie ni wa Muamba” (I belong to the baobab
tree). He compared the church with this big tree which though it has many
branches and so small leaves all are proud to belong to it.
The
fact that we have all received the same baptism, we belong to the church and
thus we should not accept to be separated by anything whatsoever. He urged us to follow the example of St.
Francis who though he came from a rich family chose freely to be poor and to
serve the poor for the sake of God’s kingdom.
He called upon each Christians to appreciate the sacraments which are
means for us to participate in the communion of the church. He congratulated
the confirmants and made them aware that now they were being sent out as
warriors with the weapons of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and prayer life to
fight the devil that is also found in the church. He urged them to have the courage of the
apostles and move out to preach Christ to the people.
The
Bishop also asked us to beware of the dangerous period we are approaching to
the time of political campaigns and told us to pray for the gift of wisdom, so
as to be able to choose leaders who can really serve us well. He also requested us to pray for
Thanks
to Sr. Bernadette Munyao the men/women Co-ordinator in the diocese who came to
witness this and also gave them a word of advice. All was crowned by the cutting of the cake
and a late lunch. You could tell from the faces and expressions of the people
that it was a well organized and a good day.
Thanks Bishop for offering your self to spend this great day with
us. We promise to hold to our
Christianity and always express without fear “Nyie ni wa Muamba” (I
belong to the baobab tree) whether we are leaves or branches. Thanks and welcome again.
By
Sr. Mutiso Margaret
Sisters
of Daughters of Sacred Heart
Nzaikoni
Parish
Fr. Francis Mwanza - Assisting Kangundo Parish
Fr. George Katua - Fr in charge Makaveti Parish
Fr. Mark Kasia - Katangi Parish
Fr. Dominic Nzuve – Assistant Kyale Parish
On
13th October 2006 52 deanery Men, Women, Central Committee, Youth,
Choir and Catechist leaders gathered at St. Joseph Pastoral Centre for a
workshop whose objectives were: Coming to know each other and share working
experiences from various deaneries. To have a common understanding of our
church leadership roles. To form a Diocesan Lay Council and to Make a plan of
action together. After
On
14th, morning we had Mass celebrated by his Lordship Bishop Martin and six
other priests. His Lordship told the
leaders to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them during this important workshop,
so that they may come up with a good lay council. He thanked the leaders for the good work they
are doing in their Deaneries and encouraged them to continue uniting the
Christians together in the spirit of ALL MAY BE ONE.
Later
the following topics were presented to the leaders:
Pastoral
council in the church Canon Law – By
After
all that teaching, a Diocesan Lay Council was elected as follows:-
Joseph Kaili – Masii Deanery – chairman, Gabriel
Kyalo – Athi-River Deanery Vice
Chairman, Patrick Mutungi – Kibauni, Deanery –
Secretary, James Wambua – Makueni
Deanery – Vice Secretary, Angela Musembi –
Machakos Deanery – Treasurer.
The leaders went in their deaneries and came up
with a plan of action. We had four (4)
Deans in the workshop, who came to represent the
rest, Fr. Benedict Mutunga
Machakos Deanery, Fr. Paul Munguti – Kibauni
Deanery, Fr. Dominic Malai Kilungu
Deanery and Fr. Boniface Nzomo Kanzalu Deanery.
thanked the elected committee and asked them to
take that leadership responsibility
seriously. The facilitators of the workshop
were:
Fr. Charles Kyallo Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Bernard Musyoki Vocation Director, Mr.
Francis Kikolya Development Co-ordinator, Sr.
Shelja CRE Advisor and Sr. Bernadette
Munyao Women/Men Co-ordinator.
Compiled By
James
Wambua
DIOCESAN CMA CHAIRMAN
You
are all invited for a Thanks giving Mass - Diocesan Collection at Machakos
Cathedral on 11th November 2006 at 10.00 a.m.
Let
us all join together in building our Catholic Church.
Wishing
you God’s blessings as you continue with the preparations.
November
1st Cathedral Machakos
4th
5th Embu
6th Memorial Mass - Deceased Priests, Religious Men/Women
7-10th Pleanary Conference
11th Thanksgiving Mass - Diocesan
Collection - Machakos Cathedral
13th Nyahururu
16-19th Thatha
Parish - Confirmation
25-26th Kyale
Parish - 3rd Anniversary
29th Mbitini Catechetical Centre
DECEMBER
2nd Final Profession - Mbiuni Parish
8th Diaconate Ordinations – Machakos Cathedral
6-10th Mtito Andei Parish - Confirmation
9th Professions Carmelite Monastery
16-17th Ikalaasa
Parish - Confirmation
21st Bishop meeting Land, Education,
hospital Boards,
22nd
Kathonzweni Parish - Confirmation
24th Mass - Cathedral Machakos
25th Mass - Cathedral/Kyumbi
A
life of faith…enables us to see God in everything and it holds the mind in a
state of readiness for whatever may be His will.
Catholic
Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box -
344 -90100 Machakos
Tel.
+254-44-20484; Fax. +254-44-21308
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com
Website: http/www.machakosdiocese.org