Issue No. 49: July, 2007
The Truth: Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ of communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world
OPENING OF THE NEW PARISH – KITHIMANI
FEAST OF THE MONTH – St. Thomas & James Apostles
THE HARVEST IS RICH – 17 DEACONS ORDAINED PRIESTS
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS
Pentecost is the great festival that marks the birth of the Christian church when the spirit descended on the apostles. This year it was celebrated with a lot of joy in Kithimani. The spirit descended on the Kithimani community and a church was born thus the ‘Holy Spirit Catholic Church’ was opened on 27th may 2007 by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos. It was curved from Matuu parish which had 42 stations.
The celebrations started with the blessing of the father’s house whereby the Bishop thanked the local community for raising funds in aid of constructing the father’s house. The bishop then blessed and consecrated the Tabernacle and the alter. After a word of welcome and introduction from Fr. Mark Kitonyi Fr in charge Matuu parish, the Bishop introduced the new Fr in charge Rev. Fr. Patrick Mutisya who had been working in Mwala parish.
In his homily the Bishop stressed the purpose of a parish namely drawing all Christians to Christ. He gave the example of Jesus feeding the five thousand whereby the Priest is called to feed the people of God with the Word and the Sacraments. Fr. Patrick was called to imitate Christ and the Christians would imitate him ‘Nguli yoona nguli ikeka”.
After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Bishop installed Rev. Fr. Patrick Mutisya as the new Fr. in charge. He was then presented with Register for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage and Liturgical vestments.
The parish has fifteen outstations grouped in three zones; it has four Secondary Schools, sixteen primary schools and one polytechnic. To crown it all the bishop presented Fr. Patrick with a car bought by the Christians of Mwala parish. He challenged the Kithimani community to imitate the Mwala community ‘Nguli yoona Nguli ikeka’.
Using the analogy of Kithimani (well), the Bishop called the Christians through Fr. Patrick to make the new Parish ‘Kithima kya wendo na Muikiio’ (a well of Love and Faith). Following the Diocesan Motto ‘That all may be one’ Fr. Patrick articulated the Parish Motto as “that all may be one in service of Love”. May God bless our Bishop, the new Parish and the parishioners and Fr. Patrick.
May the Holy Spirit descent and renew the face of Kithimani.
“With joy you will draw water from the well (fountain) of salvation. (Is: 12:3)
By Vincent Munyao
Seminarian Holy Spirit Parish
Kithimani
“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” St. Thomas is remembered for his incredibility concerning Christ’s resurrection from the dead. When confronted by the risen Lord, his disbelief gave way to belief and he proclaimed the Easter faith of the church ‘my Lord and my God.’ Nothing certain is known of his life except for this evidence in the gospel. He is said to have subsequently preached the gospel to the people of India. On the other hand, James who was also an apostle was son of Zebedee and brother of John the apostle. He was born at Bethsaida (city of fishermen). He was present at most of the miracles performed by Christ and was put to death by Herod around the year 42.
What do we learn about the absence of Thomas from the rest of the apostles when Christ appeared to them immediately after the resurrection? Was it by chance, that he was absent, then heard and doubted, doubted and touched, touched and believed? All this was not by chance but by God’s providence. The touching of the wounds of the master’s body should heal our wounds and disbelief and strengthen our faith.
Thomas becomes a witness to the reality of the resurrection from Christ’s words to Thomas thus, ‘because you have seen me… it is clear, then that, faith is the proof of what cannot be seen. What is seen gives knowledge, not faith. God cannot be seen by mortal man. What follows is the reason for great joy, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed”. There is a particular reference to ourselves since we hold in our hearts one we have not seen in the flesh. We are included in these words but only if we follow up our faith with good works.
A true believer practices what he/she believes but those who pay lip service to faith, Paul says to them, they profess to know God but they deny him in their works. Many a times we ask of Jesus, honours and comfort and fail to ask for the spiritual gifts just like the sons of Zebedee ‘promise that one may sit at your side and the other one at your left’. Jesus put this question politely to James and his brother “can you drink the cup which I must drink?
He further calls his suffering as baptism to show that it will affect cleaning of the entire world. Jesus answers them just to say to them that they will be found worthy of martyrdom. Which he says ‘you will indeed drink my cup and be baptized with my baptism. James was to suffer and end his life with a violent death thus sharing all with Christ. James never lived for long for from the beginning he was inspired by great favour and setting aside all purely human goals, rose to such spending heights that he straight away suffered martyrdom.
One of the great lessons we can learn from the two apostles is that they wholeheartedly abandoned all things to follow Christ faithfully. Despite of their suffering they focused in the promise of Christ and remained faithful. Today we celebrate their victory over the worldly pleasures. May their prayers help us to preach Christ to the world especially during this time when Christians need to give true witness through words and actions.
Reflections:
Like the apostles Thomas and James how deeply have we given witness to the gospel and our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who called us through the virtue of our Baptism to be his followers?
Do we still doubt of the presence of Christ in our lives, families, community e.t.c and especially when things seems to be difficult.
Are we ready to drink the same cup Christ drank and enter into the same baptism for the sake of our faith?
Let us pray and ask there saints Thomas and James to intercede for us so as to stand firm in our faith.
Rev. Fr. Alfonse Muema
Day star University
31st may 2007 remains a memorable day in the history of our Diocese when the greatest number ever was ordained to the order of priesthood. 17 indeed! Thanks to the Lord of the harvest. The celebration was presided over by His Lordship bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Machakos.
In his homily he thanked the parents of the 17 Deacons for their efforts to bring up these young men in the strong catholic faith and in their willingness to commit their sons into the service of the church. He then assured the 17, not to disappoint their parents by missing the goal or by an alternative intention in the ministry. He reminded them that they are called to serve the whole people of God indiscriminately as opposed to other sects. This task is highly challenging and therefore they need to be always linked to Christ. It is a special call to teach all how to love one another and to build up a harmonious community of Love.
In times of hardships trials and tribulations the priests should always remain as the sign of hope, unity, reconciliation and harmony by practically assisting the people of God towards success in their lives, therefore a continuation of the redeeming work of Christ. This calls for a confirmation in the decision to serve God faithfully. Citing the talk given to the 17 on the previous night by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio Alain Paul Lebeaupin, he reminded them that they are becoming priests at a most needy and challenging time and the only way to strive through is by keeping strong amongst yourselves and firmly close to Christ, Be a true sign of hope to the weak, the suffering and the neglected, remain firm in prayer if you have to succeed, strive to be Christ like.
He reminded them that they have to move with the fast changing world especially in technology if they are to be efficiently effective in the ministry, but this technology must not omit Christ in any way. It is also a time where great scenes of sin appear in our country such as corruption, war and violence which should never be mentioned amongst the faithful. It is their duty therefore to bear witness to Christ and preach even to pour politicians and remind them that it is high time to stand and be contended among the chosen flock. Christians should thus stand firm against all evil and support each other to live their true vocation.
He finally thanked all present and attributed the great harvest in vocations in the Diocese to the good family backgrounds and supportive Christians, as parents, teachers Priests Brothers, Sisters and friends. The Bishop then confirmed on the newly ordained priests that the faculties to administer the sacraments that are at the disposal of a priests as per the regulations of the church and particularly of Machakos Diocese. He also announced that the Holy Father has requested him to assist the Diocese of Kitui as the Apostolic Administrator and he readily accepted the appointment.
By Michael
Seminarian Machakos Cathedral
25th May 2007 was a great day for Carmelites since we were celebrating the feast and the forth centennial of our Carmelite Saint (Magdalene de pazzi). It was also a precious and special day especially to Sr. Teresa who was making her first profession. The day looked very promising as we saw the sun rising gaily from the clouds. By 8.00a.m all the members of Teresa’s family and friends had arrived to witness this important event of her life, when she was going to say yes to her spouse for the first time over.
The solemn Mass commenced at 11.00 a.m which was presided over by our Carmelite Fr. Onesmus Muthoka and Co-celebrated by Fr. Makite from Matuu Parish. The peak of the event came when Fr. Makite called “Teresa” she replied “Here I am”. This really meant that she is no longer herself but she is one with Christ. It also expresses exactly what our dear sister was after, a commitment that continues for all eternity. To prove her readiness to be in conformity with Christ and a daughter of Our lady of Mt. Carmel, her divine yes was profoundly and broadly communicated in companionship with a green smiling face filled with love.
In his homily Fr. started by congratulating Sr. Teresa and thanked her for actively responding to the call of Christ. He likewise did to the parents who voluntarily allowed their daughter to make her choice freely. He went on by explaining briefly what it really meant to take vows and how serious it must be done from ones pure conscience and choice. He also said that God calls us in different ways but in all his wishes are for us to be holy wiling to renounce everything and give ourselves totally to him.
Infact it wasn’t the evening of her life but the morning where she became one with the mission of Christ and taking after her mirror St. Terese of the Child Jesus. She commenced co pilgrimage whereby she is called to live a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ as our Rule states “THE LITTLE WAY” focuses to her alone who is Jesus Christ as its said in (Isaiah 66:12-13) As one whom a mother caresses so will I comfort you. “You shall be carried at the breast and upon the knees they shall fondle you.”
After the homily, Sr. Teresa pronounced her vows and her willingness to live in conformity to Christ and then she was fitted fully dressed as a professed Carmelite nun. Gathering together as a family of God with the tribulations and jubilations, all the guests presented their gifts and Sr. Teresa was as happy as a queen. The day was triumphant and full of many graces from God. May the good lord bring into completion the good work that he has started in Sr. Teresa and our Lady of Mt. Carmel covers her with the garment of protection for all eternity Amen.
“At last I have found it, my vocation is Love’
{Therese of the Child Jesus}
Srs. Of Monastery of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
13TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
1 Kings 19.16, 19-21; Gal. 5.1, 13-18; Lk 9.51-62
The Lord calls people to leave their former occupation and sends them to deliver his message to his people. When God called Elisha through Elijah, Elisha received the cloak from Elijah, went home to say goodbye to his family. As a sign of commitment he killed his oxen and made a banquet to his friends. This was a selfless submission to God’s will in the Gospel; Jesus reminds us that we need not accomplish our former activities so that we may follow him. As Paul states, we should be directed by the law of freedom so that we may accept the call of Christ. Though we may be rejected, God’s grace abides in us. Let us give up our aspirations and allow Christ to use us.
14TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Isa: 66.10-14; Gal 6.14-18; Lk 10.1-12, 17-20
When peace is lacking, we live in tension, suspicion and unrest. The first gift of the Risen Christ to his apostles was peace. Israelites longed for the time of prosperity. When Christ send the seventy two, their first gift to the people was to be peace. Christ calls us too to be heralds of peace. The world lacks peace and needs us to restore. As Paul says, the sign of Cross is so significant in reminding us how much we ought to work for peace. Let us endeavor to bring peace and reconciliation to the fallen world. Christ gives us sufficient instruction on how to do it and the joy of our salvation.
15TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Deut. 30.10-14; Col 1.15-20; Lk 10.25-37
Moses petitions the people to follow the commandments given by God. He reminds them that the laws are accessible to them and are meant to be followed if they wish to prosper. Paul discusses the divine nature of Jesus, and explains that Jesus was created before anything and everything else was "created through him, and for him."
Acts of charity justify us before the Lord. Christ wants to remind us that our neighbor is anyone who is in need regardless of social, cultural, political, economic or academic orientation. All what the suffering man was help from a kind person. No law should hinder us from assisting those in need. Let us be compassionate as our heavenly Father is.
16TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Gen 18.1-10; Col 1. 24.28; Lk 10.38-42
The Jews held with great esteem being hospitable to strangers. Abraham met strangers and treated them well. The reward he received was great. They were messagers from the Lord who brought the news of the birth of Isaac. Sarah who had been childless will have a son. This teaches us that kindness to those in need will be rewarded. In the final judgment, Our Lord Jesus Christ reminds us to welcome the stranger too. Our reward will be eternal life. Jesus was welcomed in the house of Mary and Martha and as a result gives a teaching to them that choosing to be and live with him is the best task. Let us struggle to sit at the feet of Jesus so that we may listen to his instructions.
Rev. Fr Francis Maundu
Our Lord Jesus Christ has chosen you from his people and sends you back to them, to go and be their pastors. He knows you so well with all your strengths and weaknesses. He understands you more than anybody else. Trust and abide with him, for without him you can do nothing. He is the Lord of the vineyard, so remember:-
You are a priest for ever.
To live in the midst of the world, without wishing its pleasures.
To be a member of each family, yet belonging to none.
To share all sufferings
To penetrate all secrets
To go from men to God, and offer Him their prayers
To return from God to men, to bring pardon and hope.
To have a heart of fire for charity, and a heart of bronze for chastity.
To teach and pardon.
To Console and bless always.
What a glorious life, and it is yours, Priests of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, we wish you God’s blessings as you continue to serve the Lord among his people.
By Rev. Fr. Alphonse Kasanya Muema
Daystar University
Rev. Fr. Joseph Mulwa Mbolu Komarock Parish
Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Mutunga Mutisya Masinga Parish
Rev. Fr. Benedict Mutinda Maingi Kilungu Parish
Rev. Fr. David Muema Kala Kiongwani Parish
Rev. Fr. Nicodemus Mwendwa Mbelenzi Mukuyuni Parish
Rev. Fr. Dominic Nthenge Musau Cathedral Machakos
Rev. Fr. Paul Mukenge Makundi Pope Paul VI Seminary
Rev. Fr. Thomas Mutiso Muasa Yathui Parish
Rev. Fr. Jeremiah Mulinge Mulu Ndithini Parish
Rev. Fr. John Mutuku Vaita Mbitini Parish
Rev. Fr. Dominic M. Mulinge Tawa Parish
Rev. Fr. Francis Mutua Ndeti Mwala Parish
Rev. Fr. Paul Malelu Musau Kangundo Parish
Rev. Fr. Patrick Ndonga Wambua Kinyambu Parish
Rev. Fr. Christopher Musyoki Emali Parish
Rev. Fr. Boniface Mbithi Nduva Kithimani Parish
Rev. Fr. Charles Musyoki Nzioka Kola Parish
JULY
7th Thome Andu Secondary School
8th Ikanga Parish – Kitui Diocese
11th Deans Meeting
11th -13th Diocesan A.G.M
14th Opening of Emali Parish
15th Opening of Kinyambu Parish
21st -22nd Mukuyuni Parish - Confirmations
25th – 26th Yathui Parish - Confirmations
August
3rd - 4th Canon Law workshop
15th Silver Jubilee Bura – Mombasa Archdiocese
19th Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral
23rd Caritas Meeting (KCS) Nairobi.
11th July Deans Meeting
11th - 13th July A.G.M Pastoral Centre
22nd - 26th Oct. 1st Group Retreat Pastoral Centre
26th – 31st Oct. 2nd Group Retreat Pastoral Centre
3rd November Diocesan Collection {Muvothi} - Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral Machakos.
N.B: To make an appointment kindly call to ensure that the Bishop is in.
Now and then we are God’s ambassadors {2 Cor: 5:20}
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