UWO

The mystery of trinity can not be proved or disproved by rational arguments alone. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been many councils dealing with this topic yet we still remain without an empirical prove of the trinity. We read in the Old Testament some texts which lead us to reflect on God of the three persons. In the New Testament, The Son mentions the Father and the Holy Spirit. In St. John’s Gospel Chapter 17, the Son manifests the Unity he shares with the Father. He says when the Holy Spirit comes; he will reveal what may not be clear at the moment. We can say that God reveals himself to humanity through the procession of the three persons. In the Apostles creed we profess: God the Father as the creator of the universe, God the son as Word incarnate and Saviour God the Spirit as the paraclate. It is through the Trinity that distinguishes Christianity from all other. As we reflect on this feast, let us thank the Lord for revealing himself to us.

The Body and Blood of Christ

Gen: 14.18-20; 1 Cor: 11.23-26; Lk: 9.11-17

The three readings invite us to reflect on the meaning of a meal. Through a meal, we are nourished. We get energy to work. A Meal also has an aspect of hospitality. Whenever we have a visitor or a feast in our families we prepare a meal. This meal has a uniting element. As we celebrate today’s feast, we are celebrating love of God to humanity. It is through sharing the Body and Blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine that we are united with him and our fellow Christians. Christ gave this banquet of love as a memorial. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist we partake in a memorial meal, we enjoy Christ’s presence and his sacrificial death.

Saint Paul reminds and challenges us to prepare well before partaking in the meal so that we may not eat our own condemnation. Are there moments in our lives when we have received Christ unworthily?

11^th Sunday

2 Sam: 12.7-10, 13; Gal: 2.16, 19-21; Lk: 7.36-3

The three readings of this Sunday present us with three sinners. David, Paul and a woman. They all admit their sinful state before the Lord and they beg to be forgiven. David had sinned by taking Uriah’s wife and worse still he conspired that Uriah would be killed in war. Saint Paul says he was not counted righteous by following the Law but by God’s Divine mercy. The woman who went to Christ admitted her sinfulness. We also might have sinned and need to take the example of the three. The Church is not composed of born saints but it is a community of repentant sinners who acknowledge the need for God’s forgiveness. What the Lord asks of us is repentance. David accepted the advice of Nathan, he was forgiven. Paul gave his life to Jesus, he went to Ananias. So does the woman who went to Christ. We too should accept our failures and ask for forgiveness.

Birthday of John the Baptist:

Isa: 49.1-6; Acts: 13.22-26; Lk: 1.57-66

We celebrate the birthday of a Great man in the history of Salvation. John was the herald of Jesus. The annunciation of his birth by the angel was received by the old couple with mixed feelings but God fulfils his intention in them. The birth of John the Baptist was the beginning of a new age in Salvation history. God had chosen him from the beginning. As we read in the book of Isaiah, God calls us and destines us for a purpose from birth.

When John was born, during the naming ceremony, his father Zechariah receives back his speech. God wants to reveal to him that his promise was true.

As we celebrate this day, the Lord reminds us that by virtue of one Baptism we have been destined for a purpose and we should not frustrate his intention. We are heralds of the Good news to those who have not known Christ. May we be focused by bringing people to Christ through our life.

Rev. Fr. Francis Maundu

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FEAST OF THE MONTH - ST. PETER & PAUL

“Their voice has gone forth to all the world, and to the ends of the earth their message” Peter and Paul reached what they taught; -for they pursued justice. They confessed the truth and they died for it. St. Peter, the first of the apostles and a fervent lover of Christ, merited hearing these words, “I say to you that you are Peter” for he had said, “You are the Christ the son of the Living God.” Then Christ said to him, “and on this rock I will build my church.” The word Peter comes from ‘Petra’ the word for rock.

Jesus chose his apostles before his passion and among these almost everywhere Peter alone deserved to represent the entire church. Because of that role which he alone had, he merited to hear the word, “to you I shall give the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.” For it was not one man who received the keys, but the entire church considered as one. Now in so far as he represented the unity and universality of the church. For the fact that it was the church that received the keys of the kingdom of God is clear from what the Lord says elsewhere to all the apostles: “Receive the holy spirit,” adding immediately, “Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven and whose sins you retain they are retained.”

After the Lord’s resurrection, he entrusted Peter with the task of feeding the sheep (Christians) yet he was not only the disciple to merit the feeding of the Lord’s sheep; but Christ is speaking only to one suggests the unity of all; and so he speaks to Peter, because Peter is first among the apostles. Peter and Paul shared this same feast day, for these two were one, and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. So we celebrate this day made holy for us, by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their lives, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching and their confession of faith.

Reflections:

As Peter and Paul, Christ has called us to follow him. What have we done for the growth of his Kingdom?

Peter and Paul; stood firm in their faith and spoke the truth and that is why they shed their blood. Are we ready to die for our faith and the entire church?

Rev. Fr. Alfonse Muema

Daystar University

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A NATIONAL PRAYER DAY FOR PEACE.

Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva led about 700 Catholics from Machakos Diocese to Subukia for a National day of prayer on the 5^TH May 2007.

It was a prayerful day especially for peace in our country as a whole and it was a day to mark the 20^th Anniversary of the Subukia Shrine.

The occasion was attended by 5 Bishops, several Priest and Sisters from the Dioceses of Kenya. The Bishops urged the Christians to be peacemakers.

Generally it was a successful day where every one received the nourishment for their soul and had a chance to experience a peaceful and prayerful environment.

Compiled by:

Mr. F. Ngao

NZAIKONI PARISH

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FAREWELL DEAR SR. ANNA DENNEHY, RNDM & SR. PUSHPA

The Association of Sister hood in Kenya held a farewell party for Sr. Anna Dennehy on 25^th of March 2007. Fr. Charles Kyallo was the main Celebrant for the Eucharistic Celebration. The readings of that day were well chosen for the occasion. He gave us an inspiring homily. On behalf of Bishop Martin Kivuva Fr. Charles appreciated her for all that she was for the Diocese of Machakos. He added we bid fare well to you dear Sr. Anna. We thank God for your 20 years of Service in Machakos Diocese. You have made a greater impact as a Religious Education Advisor, and as a co – ordinator of Marriage encounter in our Diocese.

Your participatory nature is note worthy. Your readiness to sacrifice every thing in order to comfort and console and to become one with the suffering and to share their joys is something to be admired and emulated. Your presence is greatly missed. The Diocese of Machakos would like to honor you for your tremendous missionary work in Machakos. Your good deeds are imprinted in our hearts. May your spirit be open and perceptive in discovering the will of God for you.

May your prayer be that of wisdom, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God’s way for you. May your inner vision be transformed so that you can see more clearly your own journey with every one you meet, as a journey of peace, hope, and bonded ness

A FARE WELL MESSAGE TO SR. PUSHPA

The evening of Easter Sunday our Bishop Martin Kivuva and the religious around the Pastoral Centre had a fare well Party for Sr. Pushpa in Bishop’s house. It was a moment to recall all that she has been to the Diocese of Machakos. Bishop thanked her for her missionary zeal and enthusiasm. He added, the Diocese of Machakos is proud of you, for your dedication and hard work. We are thankful for the support you have provided us whenever we needed it. Today we want to celebrate your successes in Machakos.

We want to whisper in your ears that you are a gift, we admire your strength and we want to praise God for you. Dear Sr. Pushpa, One hundred years from now it will not matter…. What kind of a car you drove, what kind of house you lived in, how much money you handled, nor what your clothes looked like but one hundred years from now the World may be a little better because you were important in the life of your students who passed by the teachers college for the last 15 years. Our prayer for you, as you bid good bye to us is that, may you continue to awake each morning with thank you on your lips and in your heart, recognizing that all is a gift, that all is a blessing.

May your friendship with God be strong and healthy? May that love be both a comfort and a challenge as you struggle to find your way in your new working place? May you be aware of all the places your feet carry you. May you know “How beautiful are the feet of the messenger of good news”.

Compiled By:

Sr. Shelja CSST

CRE ADVISOR

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OFFICIAL BLESSINGS AT KATANGI PARISH

The ceremonious occasion began with Bishop’s meeting with the Parish Council. The Parish council leaders aired the parish’s grievances majoring on the need for a priest and construction and opening of a new parish (Makutano). Bishop urged the Christians to start the constructions of the new parish.

There followed the celebration of Mass in the School’s compound. In his preaching the Bishop stressed on unity and peace among the Christians in Kenya and all over the world. He remarked that “Katangi Parish is a parish which is complete because it has Priests, Deacon, Sisters, Brothers, Seminarian, good Christians, Dispensary, School, Water (Borehole) e.t.c. He warned Christians of selling their harvest for they should recall their former state “Yua ya ndyaaona uu.” This present gracious state he called “Ni vandu vaku” He asked the Christians to pray for peace in Kenya, especially in the affected areas; Land disputes in Mt. Elgon, Tana River, Kiambu (Mungiki), Molo and for their souls especially those who died through plane clash in Douala Cameroon (KQ 507) In preaching for peace, he called for this spirit among Christians.

All Christians have to work for it, embracing the spirit of Christ after resurrection and be guided by the name of the school ‘Queen of Peace’ through the intercession of Mary. “This is our school, a school for our children.” He commended. He highlighted the benefits which will be reaped from the school, as foundation of development and to fight against ignorance and its ties. Later, Bishop delivered a speech in which he encouraged the teachers, parents, principals of different schools around and requested everyone to support the school, by following his famous dictum ‘Nguli yoona Nguli iyika.’ He thanked the Director of the school Fr. Paul Munguti who had referred the school as the cheapest in Kenya and East Africa, for his accountability.

He thus commented “The pride of a donor is after he sees his project succeeded’ He made an acknowledgement to the works of several people, honorable, councilors, leaders, the donors ‘Manos Unidas’, education officials e.t.c. He called the people to be focused on quality education for a quality future.

In his conclusion, he called all to be peacemakers by words and deeds to promote, teach and live peace. Lastly he gave an allegory of ‘KIAMBA’ and conjured on the unity binding all to one thus “Ithyoonthe twi ma Kiamba”

Thank you Bishop for your visit

Seminarian Joseph K. Kiteng’u

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BISHOP’S VISIT AT ST. CHRISTOPHER – KYUMBI PARISH

The Priests and the parishioners of Kyumbi Parish were blessed and privileged to host our beloved Bishop Martin Kivuva on 24^th and 25^th March 2007.

On 24^th the Bishop was warmly received and welcomed by Fr. Francis Kunyusa, the Fr. In charge, Fr. Vincent Nzioki and Fr. Batista after which he had an opportunity to visit the parish outstations. In every outstation he visited, he found faithful eagerly waiting for him of which they welcomed him warm heartedly. In turn the Bishop thanked them for the work they are doing to make sure that the word of God is being proclaimed effectively by supporting the church. He encouraged them to remain united following the good example of Holy Trinity. He also requested them to be proud of their faith and particularly for being Catholics.

On the 25^th all the parishioners gathered in big numbers at St. Joseph – the worker (Kyemutheke) for celebration of Mass and have an opportunity to meet our shepherd the Lord Bishop. During the mass 209 faithful received sacrament of confirmation. We thank God for that great event. In his enriching and inspiring homily, the Bishop congratulated and encouraged the confirmats to be responsible and mature soldiers of the church of Christ, since now they have been equipped with powerful weapons to fight the devil and un - Christian practices by the fact that, they have now received the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. He told them that the church now expects them to go out and make a difference.

The entire congregation expected to be merciful as our heavenly Father is. Later he told the Christians to thank God for the good rains they had received on the previous season and particularly for the good harvest they had received. However, he requested them to preserve their produce in a proper way as a means of fighting famine in Ukambani.

Thanks to His Lordship for his touching and inspiring mission in our parish. May God bless him always.

By Michael Maina

Kyumbi Catholic Mission

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CIVIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SEMINAR

A total of 96 participants from Kathiani and Machakos Constituencies in Machakos Diocese participated in the above seminar which was held at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre – Katoloni on 11^th – 13^th April this year.

The following topics were covered:

Leadership, Food security, Man and his relationship to the environment, New forest Act 2005, HIV/AIDS etc The seminar was an eye opener to the participants and as a result, the group planted about 100 trees at the Pastoral Centre, to demonstrate their readiness to take care of the environment in their areas.

Compiled by:

Mr. F. Ngao

NEMA REPRESENTATIVE - MACHAKOS

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INGURATION OF FRANSCISCAN CLARIST SISTERS CONVENT

It was on 14/4/2007 when Mtito Andei receives a new convent of the Franciscan Clarist sisters. The coming of the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya His Excellency Alain Paul Lebeaupin twice in Mtito andei really was a preparation to such a greater and lived event to be proud of in our Parish.

On 14^th April 2007 marked a new dawn for Mtito Andei Parish. At around mid day a convoy of ten sisters from Donyo Sabuk convent arrived accompanied by their Manager of their institution Rev. Sr. Stella. They have great enthusiasm to begin their mission of starting a mixed Boarding primary and Girls Secondary School at Mangelete Area. The idea to start a convent at Mtitio Andei Catholic mission was born out of God’s providence. The Franciscan Clarist sisters from Donyo Sabuk and Mbiuni convent desired to have a place where they can have their Sisters rest near the Airport while traveling to India or from India to their various convents, lucky enough they were offered a place of land near Daystar University and they were contended because of its nearness to Nairobi.

To their surprise, their idea of a house near Nairobi had been answered and settled by Bishop Martin’s clear cut vision of the Good Samaritan home for both the priests, Religious sisters and brother traveling in and out of the country. After their discussion His Lordship informed them of another place where they are most needed which is Makindu, since at Daystar there are several convents around.

They went back with mixed reactions of their desire to be near the Airport and the Bishop’s desire to go when they are mostly needed. On their second return to the Bishop His Lordship informed them that it’s not Makindu but Mtoti Andei and so the desire of starting a convent began at Mang’elete land. The occasion was marked by the blessing of two foundation stones one for the sisters convent and another one for the school. During her speech Sr. Stella said that it was a great pleasure to be at Mtito Andei. She thanked all who gathered there together with the Bishop.

She expressed their deep felt and sincere gratitude to the Bishop for choosing the Franciscan Clarist Sisters to start a new mission of evangelization at Mtito Andei Parish. She quoted that it was on 14^th January when they had an appointment with Bishop in his office. The Bishop told them that God has another plan for them. God’s plan is that they go to Mtito Andei Parish. Hearing this they were anxious. They were in fact confused to hear that they had still to go further away than Makindu.

When they visited Mtito Andei Sr. Stella expressed that they received a very warm welcome from Fr. Alfonse Mutua, Fr. Anthony Muasya, the chairman and other members who were present for the occasion. This made them accept to build their tent at Mtito Andei Parish. She expressed that they need to struggle to stretch our capabilities so we have decided to take up the challenge. She expressed her gratitude for all that the Diocese has done for them. ‘This is a great day with the Franciscan Clarist sisters being at Mtito Andei”. Bishop Martin welcomed the Sisters saying “thanks be to God and for the sisters who have taken the lip of faith,” God bless the sisters and their plans and dreams.

They began a community of Franciscan Clarist in St. Francis Xavier Parish and a Girls Secondary School in the Parish. It’s really a God’s providence.

By Rev. Fr. Alfonse Mutua

Fr i/c St. Francis Xavier

Mtito Andei Parish

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPENING OF THE NEW PARISH

Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Patrick Mutisya for accepting to be the 1st Fr in charge of the new Parish Holy Spirit Parish - Kithimani. Thank you too to all the Christians of the parish for the beautiful and colourful occasion we had. May God bless you all.

CONGRATULATIONS

U’wo congratulates the 17 deacons who were ordained Priests on 31st May 2007 at Kenyatta Stadium Machakos by Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos. Take courage our dear brothers and be assured of our prayers and support. Close to 10,000 people attended the ceremony.

“You are a priest forever, a Priest like Melchizedeck of old”

Thanks to all who made the day to be a success. Thank you for your contribution to that day.

OUT FOR STUDIES

Rev. Fr. Francis Maundu - Pontifical University of Urbaniana Biblical Theology. - Rome Italy

Rev. Fr. Joseph Makau - Gaba

Rev. Fr. Anthony Ndolo - Gaba

Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutuku - NRB (CPE)

We wish you all the best as you continue with your studies. Be assured of our prayers and support.

Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MACHAKOS

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BISHOP’S DIARY

JUNE

The Bishop will be out of the country, all general administrative matters will be attended by the Diocesan Vicar General, Monsignor Alfons Mondiu.

JULY

7^th Thome Andu Sec. School

8^th Ikanga Parish – Kitui Diocese

10^th Deans Meeting

12-13^th Diocesan A.G.M

14^th Emali Parish – opening

15^th Kinyambu Parish – opening

28^-29^th Confirmations – Yathui Parish

FOR YOUR DIARY

10th July Deans Meeting

11th - 12th July A.G.M Pastoral Centre

22nd - 26th Oct. 1st Group Retreat Pastoral Centre

26th - 31st Oct. 2nd Group Retreat Pastoral Centre

3rd Nov. Diocesan Collection {Muvothi} - Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos

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Here I am, Lord: willed, Loved, Blessed by you.

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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