ÛW’O
Issue No. 44: February, 2007
The Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
Turn to the lord your god again
{Joel 2: 13}
SUNDAY COMMENTARIES – FEBRUARY
ANNUAL CWA/CMA EVALUATION & PLANNING WORKSHOP
THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER – FEAST OF THE MONTH
“Saints have not 'fallen from heaven!”
On 3rd February over 10,000 faithful came from all the corners of the Diocese and beyond for a pilgrimage on Komarock Hill. We gathered for a DIOCESAN PRAYER DAY at the shrine of Mary Mother of God, Komarock. As a Diocese we all climbed the Hill in prayer and supplication. The pilgrimage was as a reminder of our selves of the spiritual journey on earth towards our final destination. We need to accompany each other as individuals, as Church and ask Mary our mother to accompany us too. We Launched the word of God the theme for our Diocese for this year 2007; Na ndeto ya Ngai ni yatwikie Mundu, na atua naitu {John 1: 1 ff} as the guiding star for our path towards following Christ more closely.
Lenten season which begins on Ash Wednesday therefore is a special season to ascent to the Holy mountain of Easter. Each year, the Lenten Season is set before us as a good opportunity for the intensification of prayer and penance, opening hearts to the docile welcoming of the divine will. During Lent, a spiritual journey is outlined for us that prepare us to relive the Great Mystery of the Death and Resurrection of Christ. This is done primarily by listening to the Word of God more devoutly and by practicing mortification more generously, thanks to which it is possible to render greater assistance to those in need.
For us Kenyans, the theme for this Years Lenten Campaign Kenya’s Good Governance my responsibility calls us to ask to reflect on our actions both public and private how they promote or not promote the well being of our nation Kenya, while respecting the divergent opinions. Recently while addressing some 6,000 people in Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father dedicated his weekly address to focus on three of St. Paul's closest collaborators: Barnabas, Silas and Apollos.
The Pontiff explained that on occasions Paul had confrontations with them, at least with Barnabas, because of differences of opinion on specific questions. "Hence, also among saints there are oppositions, discords and controversies and this is very consoling for me, as we see that the saints have not 'fallen from heaven,'" the Holy Father said." They are men and women like us, with complicated problems.
Holiness does not consist in not making mistakes or never sinning," Benedict XVI continued. "Holiness grows with the capacity for conversion, repentance, willingness to begin again and above all with the capacity for reconciliation and forgiveness. "And we can all learn this way of holiness."
Wishing you a prayerful Lenten Season.
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde
CATHOLIC DIOCESE MACHAKOS
It was a day with a difference when the Lord blessed us with a lot of rains as religious Men/Women and the clergy gathered together to share a meal as it has been a tradition in the Diocese. We shared the first meal of the Eucharist though due to rains the turn up was not promising.
In his Homily Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde encouraged us and reminded us of the need of prayer which empowers us to work for others. He also said we should be ready to support one another with great enthusiasm. The Bishop requested us to reflect on what each one did this year; he said that a family that prays together stays together. He said that he felt touched by the sacrifices the priests, sisters and brothers make to reach the Christians in different outstations and communities. We thank the Lord for this great witness of religious men and women.
Today we also share the joys of our dear sisters and brothers who are celebrating Diamond Jubilee, Silver Jubilee and final vows; this shows a serious commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We count too the blessing of having seven young men ordained to priesthood and seventeen to Diaconate. This shows the growth in the Diocese. Without each one of us we cannot make it. With the Diocesan Motto “That all may be one” as a family this unites us together. As religious each one is entitled to attend retreat once a year and this brings growth and enlightenment in our lives. Let us share these gifts generously. He challenged us too to be ready to be used by Jesus.
He thanked the Lord for the gifts we have received as a Diocese and especially for the gift of Holy Innocents in the church. The dream of the year is to enrich our selves with the word of God. Let it inspire us and help us live more faithfully to our calling vocation.
He thanked all those who have been part and parcel of our journey and especially the Christians for their spiritual and material support. He said pole to the parishes which were attacked by thugs during this year and promised them our support and prayers. He thanked too the dean for the spirit of team work, the boards, CWA/CMA and requested us to share ideas and gifts so that we may enrich one another. It is not by chance that we are here but God planned it for each one through his love. He too thanked each one of us for the support and prayers we have given him as our shepherd and he promised us his prayers. May God bless you.
By Communication Office Machakos
5th Sunday of the year
Isa.6.1-8; 1Cor.15.1-11; Lk 5.1-11
It is a Christian duty to seek and work for holiness. We want to imitate our master and teacher Jesus Christ who was Holy and blameless. God’s nature is holy. Three personalities are mentioned in these readings: Isaiah, Paul and Peter. God called them for a purpose. In their call, they realise that they are unworthy because of their sins. Isaiah: A man with unclean lips; Paul: a persecutor; Peter: little faith. This teaches us that God chooses the unrighteous and unholy and makes them holy. It is only after we acknowledge our sins that he sanctifies us to serve. When Isaiah cried to the Lord, he was made holy. Paul the least of the Apostles was a great missionary to the Gentiles. Peter is becomes the head of the Church. In baptism we were sanctified for an eternal ministry. We received a new name “Christians”. Are we keeping the holiness which we received?
5th Sunday of the year
Jer 17.5-8; 1 Cor 15.12, 16-20; Lk 6.17, 20-26
A person can choose to do good or evil. God wants all people to seek him. He has made Himself known us Jesus who is Word incarnate (John 1.14) He shared his divinity so that we may share in his Divinity. When we seek and know his will we choose to do good. Jeremiah reminds us that if we trust in the Lord we shall not suffer want. We will be like a tree near a river. If we trust in people we are doomed to be eternally destroyed. Christ tells who are blessed and who are cursed. It is up to each and every Christian to choose attachment or detachment, holiness or evil, dependence or independence, poverty or riches, blessing or curse. Let us consult Christ to know his will by reading the scripture and the teaching of the church so that we may work with and for Christ. May we endeavour to celebrate with Jesus in the life to come.
7th Sunday of the year
1 Sam 26.2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23; 1 Cor. 15:45-49; Lk 6.27-38
Why do we have civil war, divisions in the family, community, sometimes even in the Church? Lack of forgiveness. We should always seek to forgive and not to revenge. In the first reading Samuel did not revenge by killing his enemy Saul when he found him sleeping. I left him. His friends told him to revenge but he did not. Christ in the Gospel tells us to forgive. We should forgive. Saint Paul told the Romans to do good to their enemies (Rom. 12.19-20.) We should never take the place of God. How often have we taken revenge or told others to take revenge against their foes?
1st Week of Lent
Deut. 26.4-10; Rom.10.8-13; Lk 4.1-13
Lent is a time of renewal. It is a time to reflect about the Love of God to humanity. We prepare to commemorate the salvific event of passion of Christ. It is a moment of Christians to reflect how we came out of darkness to the great light. It is a moment of examination of the catechumen as they prepare to be born again. St Paul reminds us that we are called to proclaim and believe too. Words and profession without action is useless. As much as we proclaim Jesus to be Lord, we also are called to live as people who have known him and are serving him. Wealth and power can move us away from the Lord if we do not use them for the kingdom.
When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he did not give in. He was motivated by the fact that he was coming from the Lord and was going back to him. How often are we moved away from the Lord because we want to gain wealth in an unjustified way? During elections are there some who want to win the seats which they do not deserve because they are motivated by power. What will be our reaction if we loose the positions which we have? Can we be focussed like Jesus and not loose sight of the kingdom?
Rev. Fr. Francis Maundu
The society of the Holy Childhood was begun on May 9th 1843 by Bishop Charles de Forbin Johnson in France. The Catholic men and women in our Diocese have in the past three years been able to organize themselves and they can be identified through many functions which they are taking part in the Diocese and in the National meetings through CMA/CWA. At the beginning of this year 2007 -the year of the word of God, I would like us direct our attention also to the little ones between 1 – 14 years age. We will be able to do this through enrollment of the baptized children in the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood.
This is one of the four pontifical Missionary Societies (others being the Society for Propagation of Faith, the Society for the Missionary Union (PMU), and the society of St. Peter the Apostles. Bishop Charles Forbin was moved by many children and especially girls who were dejected, not baptized, and lacking the basic necessities especially in China to begin this society of the Santa Infanzia (Holy Childhood). The aim was to prepare children to be agents of evangelizing the other children. In fact the society is summarized in the words “Children helping Children”. The children of France were to pray one Hail Mary for the children of China and a contribution of 1 penny per month.
These are the two pillars of this society of the children which I am appealing all to begin in our parishes, prayer and financial support for the disadvantaged children in different parts of the world. The children have to be made aware first of the situation of the other children who are living in difficult situations create the missionary spirit in the children, helping the children to contemplate the face of Christ in the sufferings of the others, the old, the sick, the lonely, the orphans etc…. involve the children in the problems of the world. This is how the Universal solidarity begun.
Let us help all our children below 14 to enter into this solidarity…Our aim to begin the PONTIFICAL MISSIONARY CHILDREN (PMC) in our parishes will be basically to open heaven for as many children as possible through Baptism, Christian Education, making the children the instruments of Salvation as early as possible that we may prepare them to be future responsible and God fearing professionals. Children have always been taken as receivers! How can we make them active subjects of Evangelization in our Diocese? This is possible due to their humility, simplicity, innocence, availability, silence, cheerfulness, total dependence, and courage to venture, these are also the qualities of the Baby Jesus and here lies the spirituality of the Missionary children. Children can be givers, children have been able to change their families, children have been able to bring others to the church, let’s ask the children to pray for us.
Bishop Charles later left the society to Fr. Gabriel who later became a Martyr in China. Our Sunday school children are doing wonderful participation in the liturgical dance, and attending Sunday school lessons every Sunday.
Let’s explain to them more about the liturgy and the meaning of the participation in the liturgy. In addition to the Sunday School book I - II prepared by our Mbitini Catechetical Centre, the Holy Bible children version, the Kamba Catechism, and the Kavuku Ka Mboya, I highly recommend the book by the name “Together to Jesus” Holy Childhood animator’s guide book, which is also translated in Kiswaili “Pamoja Kwa Yesu” Utoto wa imisionari. Above all let us teach our children through example. Remember “Monkey see, Monkey do” “Nguli Yoona Nguli Iyika”. Jesus tells us that unless we become like little children we will not enter the kingdom of heaven; let each one of us be able to say with our blessed Lord, “Let the little children come to me…”
Like the mustard seed which grows into a big tree all these small children will become important people tomorrow whom many will depend on. Missionary children in our diocese and all over the world will follow the footsteps of Jesus who became a child; the Blessed Virgin Mary is the first patroness together with the Guardian Angels, St, Joseph, St. Frances Xavier and St. Vincent de Paul. Each child will be taught the prayer to the Guardian angel and all the baptized children will be able to be enrolled and given the missionary children membership card which contains also the children’s prayer.
Each year there will be renewal of the membership without giving a new card in a ceremony which will either be on the feast of the martyrs of Uganda in June. In each out stations the association of the Holy childhood will be divided into 12 groups to owner the 12 years of the infancy of Jesus. The National Pontifical Missionary Society office (PMS)-Nairobi is in touch with Fr. Charles Kyallo and Sr. Jacinta Kawinzi please contact them for any material to do with Holy childhood in the Diocese.
We lodge today in our Diocese the National Missionary children anthem. The Holy child hood flag is ready from the national office it has the yellow; White and Red colours (flag of the Vatican and the red standing for the martyrdom of Fr. Gabriel the co-founder of the Missionary children) contact the above mentioned to get them. Lastly I request all the animators of the children to join the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU) to be praying for the mission intentions of the Holy Father and of our Diocese. May our mother Mary, the Queen of the apostles pray for us.
By communication Office
All the Parish leaders assembled at Pastoral Centre Katoloni, at 2.30 p.m. 73 participants reported and it was noted that this was the largest number ever to attend this kind of event! However, some Parishes were not represented, Masii Parish, Kikumini Parish, Kiongwani Parish, Mbitini Parish, Kabaa Parish, Makindu Parish, Koma Rock Parish,
Kyumbi Parish, Makaveti Parish and Kola Parish.
We all pray that all parishes take part in all Diocesan events for we all belong to the Diocese “TWI MA KIAMBA”. Sr. Bernadette was readily available to receive participants. Groups that took part in the workshop were CMA/CWA leaders and Diocesan Lay council. His Lordship, Bishop Martin Kivuva opened the workshop. His words of advice were nourishing spiritually.
“NA NDETO YA NGAI NIYATWIKIE MUNDU, NA ATUA NAITU” He told us that our mission should reflect the mission of the seventy two in LUKE 10: 17 – 20. He said a sign of unity and commitment has been witnessed through evangelization and development activities especially in the purchase of the Co-ordinators office vehicle and the Diocesan collection in 2006.
The Bishop introduced, blessed and commissioned the Diocesan Lay Council
Chairman Joseph Kaili from Mbooni Parish, Vice Chairman Gabriel Kyalo from Mlolongo Parish, Secretary Patrick Mutungi from Kalawa Parish, Vice Secretary James Wambua from Matiliku Parish and Treasurer Angela Musembi from Cathedral Parish.
He urged all the participants to unite all people through the power of prayer so that we all may be one. Our facilitators took us through the workshop tirelessly. They were Mr. Cosmas Maithya, Mr. Francis Kikolya, Fr. Charles Kyallo and Sr. Bernadette Munyao.
Mr. Francis Kikolya emphasized that any undertaking that needs and gives returns over and above that capital should be initiated. Sustainability of the Diocese will depend on viable Income Generating Projects (I.G.P’s).
Fr. Charles gave the participants a healing dose based on EZEKIEL 34: 7 – 16. As Christian leaders, we should invest in Jesus Christ and we shall be rewarded positively.
Great plans were made by the participants for year 2007 through the facilitation of Mr. Maithya.
Retreats 3/2/07 Komarock Shrine
19/5/07 Subukia
1-3rd /6/07 Uganda
Recollection 7th – 8th /9/07
Prayer days 8/3/07 CWA – Cathedral
1/5/07 CMA – Cathedral
CWA/CMA Diocesan I.G.P
For 2007 (Chairs, Public Address system - P.A.S Generator) The Bishop graced the workshop closing ceremony and thanked the participants and facilitators for the good plans for 2007. He thanked all the Parishes for active participation especially in the project initiatives e.g. buying the co ordinator’s office vehicle, buying cars for priests in some parishes and the 2006 Diocesan collection.
He urged all the Parishes/outstations to secure title deeds for church lands. He reminded us of the message in JOHN 15: 1-7. The Bishop announced that he had started a long term plan – “THE GOOD SAMARITAN INN” where it will cater for retired Bishop and priests in future. He lastly commended that Pastoral Co-ordinator for the Diocese will be available in 2007. Finally, “NA NDETO YA NGAI NIYATWIKIE MUNDU, NA ATUA NAITU” Let us abide in Jesus Christ and He will abide in us.
Patrick Mutungi
Secretary Diocesan Lay Council
“You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” (Mt: 16:16)
The feast of the chair/see of St. Peter has been kept in Rome on this day from the fourth Century and it symbolizes the unity of the church founded on the apostle St. Peter. Peter was an apostle of Christ and he followed him faithfully. Christ chose him to preside at the calling of all Nations and to be set over all the apostles and all fathers of the church. Christ chose him to rule in his own person those whom he rules as the original ruler.
It is a great honor and privilege to share in this power that God gave to Peter. Jesus Christ asks the apostles to say what men think of him. As long as they are recounting the uncertainty born of human ignorance, their reply is always the same. Christians today need to reply as Peter in their profession of faith just as Peter said that “you are the Christ, the son of the living God” Jesus replied to Peter after that profession” blessed are you Simon son of Jona, for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but my father who is in heaven, (Mt 16:16-17).
This means that Peter as a true follower of Christ has not been deceived by earthly opinion but have been enlightened by Inspiration from heaven. God revealed the Godhead of Jesus to Peter and in turn Jesus makes Peter pre-eminence known to him. “You are Peter, the Rock” Jesus is the cornerstone, the foundation apart from which no one can lay any other, yet you are a rock, for you are given solidarity by my strength so that which is my very own because of my power is common between us through your participation Jesus continued to tell Peter to you I will give the keys of the Kingdom of heaven whatever you bind on earth shall be bond also in heaven.
Whatever you lose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven”. (Mt: 16:19) the authority vested to Peter was also passed to the other apostles and it has been extended and continued in all the leaders of the church it is extended and continued with a good reason of leading the people of God (church). For Peter received it separately in trust because he is the prototype set before all the rulers of the church such as authority should be exercised with a lot of love for the flock, for this is the first priority for all church leaders.
Reflections
Who is Christ in your life and how do you proclaim him to other people?
Do you respect the church which Christ built on the Rock of Faith proclaimed by Peter, and what have you done for this institution to grow?
Do you respect the authority of the church as it has been extended by Christ to church leaders today?
Do you lead the people of god with total love and dedication?
Let us pray that through the intercession of St. Peter, we may be good leaders of the church.
Rev. Fr. Alphonse Muema
Daystar University
Uw’o wishes to pass their sincere pole to Sr. Anna Dennehy who lost her Sister Miss Nora Dennehy & her brother Mr. Patrick Dennehy. They were buried on 4th January & 2nd February respectively. We also pass our pole to Sr. Margaret McInerney’s who lost her mother. The burial was on 31st January 2007. Pray also for Fr Joy of Ngunga parish who lost his father. May the souls of the faithful departed through God’s mercy rest in peace.
FEBRUARY 2007
3rd. Diocesan Pilgrimage - Komarock Shrine
9th Holy Rosary College Meeting
10th Our Lady of Lourdes Confirmations (Cathedral)
11th Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Celebrations
15th. KCS-CARITAS
17-18 Mbitini Parish Confirmations
MARCH 2007
1st. Caritas Executive
4TH Golden Jubilee-
17th. Fr. Hiran Secondary School
18th St. Joseph Mlolongo- Confirmations
24-25th St. Christopher .Kyumbi. - Confirmations
29th Caritas Launch Strategic Plan.
“God’s grace justify us. His Spirit liberates us for the life".
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