ŰW’O
Issue
No. 46: April, 2007
The
Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ
of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
Lord lead me into the fullness of your risen life.
{Col. 2:9:15}
BISHOP’S MESSAGE – THE GREATEST
DISAPPOINTMENT GREATEST JOY
BISHOP’S VISIT – OUR LADY OF LOURDES
CATHEDRAL MACHAKOS
A RENEWED SPIRIT IN MBITINI PARISH
INTERDENOMINATIONAL PRAYER DAY
MACHAKOS STADIUM
Easter
celebrations begin with what is commonly known as the Easter triduum. The three
days, mainly Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are accompanied with intense
spiritual exercises aimed at creating the spiritual awakening to the importance
of the climax of Easter celebrations.
The three days are unique in the life of the whole Christian community,
climaxing in the death and resurrection
of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Thursday celebrations mark in celebration the Chrism
mass and institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Orders, by which Christ’s
mission and sacrifice are perpetuated in the world.
On
this day we celebrate the institution of the sacrament of the Eucharist, the
last supper. Good Friday- This day marks the great love Jesus had for humanity.
He suffered, crucified and died for you and me, Jesus give up his life for
humanity that all may be saved. The Death of Jesus was the greatest
disappointment to the disciples not known to them this was to be the greatest
turning point of history of humanity, salvation which is announced to humanity.
By his passion, death and resurrection Christ has finally conquered death,
freed us FROM THE YOKE OF SIN.
There
is not a person in the Gospel for whom the encounter with the Risen Christ does
not turn around his or her life. And the
same must be true to us. Easter only
means something for the world if we live it out each day, this year, in the
joyful times ahead, and when even we weep in the dark. How do we do that? Jesus tells Mary Magdalene that there is no
longer an exclusive God, but his God and Father is now Mary’s God and
Father. And probably that is a good
place to start. All people of faith and goodwill, whether they realize it or
not, and some in vastly different cultural ways, seek and serve the same
God. As a result of that first Easter,
God is not great ‘other’ unknown to us, or distant from our experience.
Our
God is a loving father, a saving Son, and a comforting Holy Spirit. Easter also means that there is not another
person on this earth who can be ‘other’ to us, unworthy of our care. Jesus was not raised from the dead for us
alone, but for all people, so that we might know that the best way to be worthy
of him calling us by name is living lives of faith, hope, and love. Along with Christ, may these gifs rise in us
this joyous Easter Day. You and I do not have to wait for another Easter to be
or do good.
We
do not need to wait for another Easter next year in order that we become
ambassadors of good news, an apostle to the apostle. Rather, everyday should be Easter for you,
and make it so for others. In the midst
of our difficulties, our sorrows, our challenges, may Christ increase our
courage, our faith and hope, so that, we may constantly be a resurrection people
and always sing ALLELUIA!
May
he also give us grace to make ALLELUIA the song of every person that we as
Christians come in contact with. May we,
like Mary Magdalene, be the ambassadors of resurrection to those who are near
us, and then, to all people. May the Easter Joys turn our daily challenges of
life to opportunities for growth and new beginning, may we run with Mary
Magdalene to share the joys with others.
Happy Easter.
†Martin Kivuva
Musonde
BISHOP
MACHAKOS DIOCESE
Palm
Sunday
Isa.50.4-7;
Phil.2.6-11; Luke 22.14- 23.56
We
celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into
Easter
Sunday
Acts
10.34, 37-43, Col.3.1-4; John 20.1-9
Our
Christian faith is founded on the mystery of resurrection. If Christ did not
rise from the dead our faith would be in vain. The first reading is evidence
that Christ actually rose from the dead. The first day of the week when Mary
Magdalene found the empty tomb was a day of confusion for her and the Apostles.
Mary Magdalene found the empty tomb and could not at that moment remember that
Christ had said he will rise from the dead. Peter and John ran to see the empty
tomb. They too could not remember the words of their master. Jesus was no
longer in the land of the dead but of the Living. Despite the fact that John
arrived first, he did not go into the empty tomb. Peter was courageous to go
inside. We all sing Alleluia with joy.
Christ is risen in our hearts, we renew our baptismal promises and we celebrate
the birth of new Christians.
2nd
Sunday of Easter
Acts5.12-16;
Rev. 1.9-13.17-19; John 20.19-31
Doubt
no longer but believe. Christ wants to clear the doubt of Thomas. Thomas knew
the words of Christ which he spoke to him (John 14) but the resurrection story
was now a reality not a future expected event. Thomas does not doubt Christ but
wants to see the risen Lord. We are called to know that the reality of
resurrection is not a fact that can be scientifically proven but by our faith
in the Risen Christ and listening to his word, he draws us closer to him and we
reflect this reality. The first community of believers was characterized by the
following: First, it was a community respected by all. Secondly, they were
united. Thirdly, it was an influential community and lastly, they believed in
the power of the risen Christ and this is why people brought the sick to them
so that they may be healed in the name of the risen Lord.
We
are challenged to live like the first community of believers. As we celebrate
the joy of the risen Christ, may we revitalize our zeal and seek for true
unity. May we, by our examples recover the honour that Christianity ought to have?
We can witness the love of the risen Christ by sharing His word of life with
our brothers and sisters.
3rd
Sunday of Easter
Acts5.27-32.40-41
Rev.5.11-14; John 21.1-19
The
first reading directs us to see the persecutions that the first Christian
community was facing because they witnessed the risen Lord. The Jewish
authority was against the new order. They do not even want to mention the name
of Jesus. They refer to him as ‘This man.’ Peter was bold enough to tell them
that obedience to God comes before obedience to people. As we reflect on these
words, we can see so many people who have set their own lifestyles opposed to
Christ: social, political, cultural or economic. It may even be in the church
such that we are no longer defending the Gospel of Christ but our own
interpretation of the scripture which suits our selfish desires and
aspirations. We are challenged by this to be ready to stand for Christ. We are
called to work for and with Christ not for our own gain and advantage. In the
Gospel passage we see how the seven Apostles go back to their old jobs. Christ
comes to them and reveals himself to them. Left by ourselves, all we do is in
vain. Do we sometimes experience emptiness in our service to Christ? May we be
united with the risen Christ who took us out of slavery of sin and made us his own.
4th Sunday of
Easter
Acts
13.14.43-52; Rev.7.9.14-17; 10.27-30
During the season of Easter,
we celebrate Christ as a lamb that was slain and rose to save us. Today, as we
read in the second reading, Christ is a lamb that turns to be a shepherd to all
of us. Christ declares to humanity that he is the Good shepherd. He is a leader
who cares for each and everyone: Just as a shepherd takes care of the flock,
Christ cares for us too. He gives us his word to nourish us as a shepherd feeds
his flock. He warns us and rebukes us just as a shepherd keeps his flock
together.
He is happy when those who
have fallen are found again just as a shepherd rejoices when he finds the lost
sheep. He bandages our spiritual wounds just as a shepherd takes care of the
wounded. He also takes care of us that the Devil may not harm us just as a
shepherd guards his flock against the wolf. At last he will lead us to rest
with him in his Father’s eternal home. If we trust in his loving mercy and
cooperate with his grace what a joy we shall have when we hear our shepherd
welcome us to this eternal home as his good and faithful servants?
By Rev. Fr.
Francis Maundu
The Cathedral Parish felt honoured in a special way
to host his Lordship our Bishop. It was
on 10th February when the Bishop of Machakos Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva
Musonde arrived at the Cathedral Parish.
The main activity on the day was confirmation. A group of 456 confirmats was well prepared
and co-ordinated by Rev. Fr. Francis Maundu.
In his homily, his Lordship emphasized on the
practical part of the faith received giving an analogy of soldiers at pass out
parade where they are bestowed with responsibility. He encouraged the confirmats to take courage
and challenge them to change the face of our community by being enthusiastic in
practicing virtues and encouraging others.
Among the 456 confirmats were a number of deaf students from
During this session, Mr. Kiendi, their teacher, had
an opportunity to challenge all present regarding their attitude towards the
disabled. He made it clear that all
human beings have a deficiency of one nature or another, so we should work
collaboratively to complete one another.
This brought it clear to people that disability is not inability. On the
following day, his Lordship led the congregation in celebrating the great feast
of our Lady of Lourdes, the patroness of the Parish.
The whole parish had gathered at Cathedral; where
his Lordship underscored the role of Mary our mother in our daily lives,
especially in our salvation history.
This was based on the fact that Jesus gave his mother to John, and to the
whole world. The guests of honour on
that day were the sisters working in the Diocese (Association of Sister hood of
Kenya A.O.S.K), Machakos Region. The
sisters had an opportunity to brief Christians on their vocation regarding
their congregation, founders, charisms, areas of work etc. This session amazed Christians and motivated
them to help their daughters aspire the vocations to religious life.
All these took place during a Eucharistic
celebration. It was a colourful and a memorable moment to have his Lordship in
our midst, which left everybody smiling.
Bishop, we love you so much,
By
Rev. Deacon Dominic N. Musau
Machakos
Cathedral Parish
It was on 17th & 18th
February when our dear Bishop Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva visited Mbitini
Parish. He was welcomed by Fr. Urbanus
Mutuku, the Fr in charge, Fr Michael Nzola, Deacon John Mutuku Vaitah, Sisters,
lay leaders among them students of
On
17th he presided over a liturgical celebration at Kyemundu Catholic
Church where he met the Christians of Kyemundu and Kwanzongi zones. On 18th he presided over another
celebration at Mulala Catholic Church with Christians of Mulala and Emali
zones. At Kyemundu zone, 205 candidates
were confirmed while at Mulala zone 276 candidates received also the sacrament
of confirmation. In his homily our
beloved Bishop repeatedly reminded the Christians that reception of this
sacrament by such a great number of people is a clear indication that Mbitini
Parish has life in it.
To support this, he quoted a Kamba saying that “woona
yiiu (banana) yiyumya nthongo yina thayu” Whenever you see a banana with a
bud, it shows that it is still living.
He also urged them to remember that with reception of the confirmation
sacrament, the newly confirmed had been armed with the best weapon (the gifts
of the Holy Spirit) and are therefore soldiers of Christ. He reminded them of
their obligation to form and be part of Jesus anti-corruption unity a unity
that will help us to defend our Christian values and fight all that is anti
Christ among us.
The “
He emphasized that if the circle of violence is to
end, people should love even their greatest enemies. This he said is not easy but it is possible
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Wherever our Bishop went; he always had
time to talk to our students. He
repeatedly reminded them that to achieve what they want in school it is good
for them to fix their minds on their vision and goal and work hard in their studies. He also urged them not to do things simply
because other students are doing them (peer pressure).
The Bishop reminded the Christians that 2007 is the
year of electing new civic leaders and thus Christians should do this
wisely. He thanked Christians for all
the good things they have been doing in support of Christ’s mission and also
for the warm welcome they gave him. On his way back to Machakos our Bishop
accompanied by Fr Urbanus Mutuku Fr in charge and Deacon Vaita passed through
St Elizabeth Girls High School where he blessed the school and the students and
planted some trees in the school. This
is a clear indication that there is a spirit of renewal in Mbitini Parish and
the lost glory is slowly returning. He
gave uniforms to 61 needy students which had been donated by the missionary
children. Thank you Bishop for the kind of love you have for our students and
schools. They feel that they have a
shepherd who is really concerned about their well being. Welcome again our dear Bishop to Mbitini
Parish.
By
Rev. Deacon John Mutuku Vaita
Mbitini
Parish
You
are invited for a Luncheon on 9th April
2007 at Good Samaritan Centre - Mlolongo at 11.00 a.m. KARIBUNI
We
thank God that we were able to have this prayer Day together during the year
when we are expecting a lot of political changes in our country. Though we
don’t support church leaders holding the offices in the church and at the same
time being political leaders, we can’t stop speaking about the leadership in
our country
Dear people of God the Christians are led by
the History of Salvation as it is found in the Bible where we read about the
Kings whom God put to lead His People. Some were capable leaders, and during
their reign the country flourished economically and politically e.g during the
time of Jeroboam II. We find in the Holy Scriptures that the leaders or the
people of
We
find good leaders and Kings like: Asa whom we read about in 1 Kings 15, II
chronicles 12-14, Jehosephat –in 1 Kings 22; II Chronicles 17-21, Jotham in II
Kings 15; II Chronicles 27, Hezechiah II Kings 18; II chronicles 29-31, Josiah
II Kings 22-23; II Chronicles 34-35. However, due to imprudence of some leaders
like the first King of Judah, Rehoboam the son of Solomon his leadership
precipitated to the Division of the people of God. Failure of the monarchy was due to the
infidelity of the Kings and people towards Yahweh and His Covenant.
Though
good Kings like Hezekiah and Josiah initiated religious reforms they could not
stop the tide of irreligion which had taken deep roots. At the time of Judges,
people wanted human Kings to achieve national unity, Victory, prosperity and
freedom. These ideals were achieved for a short time during the reign of David.
From the time of Solomon, it was a gradual degradation till the kingdom had
completely vanished in 6th Century BC. IT IS BETTER TO TRUST IN
GOD THAN TO TRUST IN MEN”. “MAN PROPOSES AND GOD DISPOSES”. However, God will not forget his Promise to
David. He is going to fulfill it.
We
the Church leaders are called to keep alive the HOPE of the people as the
prophets kept alive the Hope of the
Davidic King – Messiah, but we are to do this in a sense which is different
from what the expectations of the people as the prophets did. The people of
Our
prayer today is a concrete example of how we can be united though unity does
not mean uniformity.
Let
us pray and hope that this year despite the political temperatures being high
we are not going to continue witnessing leaders causing their followers to
fight those who do not support their ideas. Let us pray and hope that our
political barazas will not be characterized by utterances which are
likely to incite the people to hatred for those who are not in their camp. As
political and religious leaders let’s keep in mind that the flock we lead is
looking at us and we should be responsible. God bless our country
Communications
office
Easter means Passover. It is the earliest and greatest annual
festival of the Christian calendar. The
intention being to give special prominence to that Sunday which fell nearest to
the actual season of the resurrection. Originally, Easter was a unity night
celebration (like Passover) recalling both the death and resurrection of
Christ. The ceremony included the lighting
of the paschal candle, prayer, reading from scripture, and the joyful
celebration of Eucharist. This also
became the ideal occasion for baptisms.
With resurrection, life symbolized by white robes, of great importance
to note in that Christ’s resurrection was not simply a coming back from the
dead, rather when he rose from the dead, was the first fruits (Icor: 15:20, 25)
of a new kind of human life, a life which his body was made perfect, no longer
subject to weakness, aging or death but to live eternally.
After the resurrection, some of his disciples could
not recognize him like the two disciples on their journey to Emmaus (Lk:
24:31), and Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-16). These appearances after the
resurrection indicate that there was a considerable degree of continuity
between the physical appearance of Jesus before his death and after his
resurrection. From the doctrine of the resurrection, we learn that the physical
resurrection of Christ and his eternal possession of a physical body, gave
clear affirmation of the goodness of the material creation that God originally
made; “And God saw everything that he
had made and behold, it was very good” (Gen: 1:31).
He as resurrected man and woman will live forever in
new heaven and new earth in which righteous dwells (2 Peter 3:13). We will live in a renewed earth that will be
set free from bondage and delay, (Rom:
8:21) and become like the new garden of
After Jesus
resurrection, he assured his disciple’s of his power “You shall relieve power
when the Holy Spirit has come down upon you and you shall be my witnesses in
Reflections:
We have had the Lenten period (40 days) of
purification in order to prepare us raise with Christ from our sinful state.
Has it been of great help to us and really, have we risen with Christ that we can
sing? Alleluia, Christ is risen”, what joy has Christ brought into your life?
Do we believe that just as Christ rose from the dead; we will also raise and
live with him forever in heaven?
Remember: “Death is
but an extinguished candle because the light has come” Death has no place in
the life of Christians, for Christ has risen from the dead.
By
Rev. Fr. Alphonse K. Muema
Day star
University.
THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS INVITES ONE AND ALL TO THE ORDINATION OF
THE DEACONS TO PRIESTHOOD.
DATE: 31ST MAY 2007
TIME 10.00 A.M
VENUE: MACHAKOS STADIUM
LET US PRAY FOR THE DEACONS AS THEY CONTINUE WITH THEIR PREPARATIONS.
RT. REV. MARTIN KIVUVA MUSONDE
BISHOP CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS
APRIL
5th Holy
Thursday- Chrism Mass Cathedral 10.00 a.m
6th. Good Friday - Way of the cross
7th. Holy Saturday Vigil Mass Cathedral
(
8th. Easter Sunday Cathedral (
9TH
Good Samaritan Centre
11th.
Tawa Girls - D.B.O.D
12th
-14th Kambu Parish
Confirmation
17th.
Plenary Assembly Langata
22nd
Tulimani – Tawa
28th.
Choirs Cathedral
MAY
1st St.
Joseph the Worker
5th Subukia National Pilgrimage
8th PC KEC
11th
Tala Holy Rosary B.O.G
12th
Ordinations - Kitui Diocese
13th
Katangi Parish
15-23
31st
Ordinations - Machakos
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