UWO

If we humble ourselves before God and people, we are assured of a great reward. Christ humbled himself, became Word Incarnate and died on the cross. Saint Paul reminds the Philippians that due to his humility Christ becomes the master of all creation. In the Gospel, Christ reminds the people who were at the meal with him that whoever humbles himself will be exalted and whoever exalts himself will be humbled. This is a warning to leaders that they should seek to be servants not masters. It is only God, the just judge who can reward us sufficiently. Jesus calls us to be humble stewards of the flock entrusted to us and remember that, the humble will find favor with God. If we humble ourselves, we learn a lot from others for even the most knowledgeable people have a lesson to learn from others.

23^rd Sunday of the year

Wis 9.13-19, Phil 9-17, Lk 14.25-33

When we professed our faith at baptism, we committed ourselves to serve the Lord. One thing stands, as Saint Paul says, he no longer lives but Christ who lives in him and so do we. Saint Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesmus, the run away slave, as brother in Christ. Paul knows how hard this would be but he insists that it is possible. Philemon on his side has to forgive Onesmus. Christ reminds us that we should hold on to our Christian commitment otherwise we will have double standards and people will realize our unfaithfulness in serving our master and laugh at us. It is only through Divine wisdom that we can do the will of our Lord. To follow Christ, we have to abandon our former masters and as a person makes a budget before starting a project, Jesus warns us that we should know the cost of following him before committing ourselves to his call.

24^th Sunday of the Year

Ex.32.7-14; 1Tim 1.12-17; Luke 1.1-32

The Lord is kind and forgiving. He relents when we turn to him. Christ presents us with a God who is caring and seeks for the lost sheep. He forgave the people of Israel. He also forgave Paul the blasphemer. He forgives all who come to him. The three parables in Lk 15 present us with the love of God. The main story of the prodigal son touches every person. What title would actually fit the story? Is it the traditional ‘lost or prodigal son’, ‘the unforgiving brother’, or ‘the forgiving and merciful father’? Whichever topic we choose, we find ourselves involved in the drama and taking shifts in the different personalities presented. Christ wants to communicate to us that God is always ready to receive us when we come back to him. Those who are faithful should not be sad when the sinners come back to the Lord. Christ’s intention is that all may be saved.

25^th Sunday of the Year

Amos 8.4-7; 1 Tim 2.1-8; Lk 16. 1-13

We can divide the people into two groups: Those who have and those who have not, rich and poor. This has been an ancient division. Sometimes it is caused by social injustice. The rich are not content with what they have. Some have forgotten that they are only stewards of what God has given them. Amos gives such a picture during his time. At the time of need, the rich took advantage of the poor; they had evil schemes; altering their scales and buying slaves at a cost of a pair of sandals. When we consider our world today, there are many who are oppressing the poor, we have camps of rich and poor. We underpay our workers; we deprive them of their rights we give favors to those who do not deserve them. St. Paul calls us to pray for leaders because they may abuse their powers. Christ reminds us that we can not play tricks. We can not serve both God and money.

26^th Sunday of the year

Amos 6.1-7; 1Tim 6.11-16; Lk 16.19-31

We are called to be concerned with the well being of our neighbours. It was unfortunate that at the time of Amos, the rich did not reckon with the sufferings of the poor. This is why the prophet challenges the rich who are eating to their fill and celebrate, while people around them are suffering. It so happened in the parable given by Christ; the rich man did not reckon with the sufferings of Lazarus. In our time, there are people who have all they need. Consequently, they forget that there are people who are suffering. When we eat to our fill, let us remember there are people without food. When we have all the social amenities, let us also reckon with those who do not have. Think of a situation in a town or village where a given family throws food away while the neighbour is dying of hunger or we have kept so much for ourselves than we need when there is a neighbour who is in need.

Rev. Fr. Francis Maundu

Pontifical University of Urbaniana Biblical Theology - Rome Italy

(top)

PRESIDENT KIBAKI’S VISIT TO MBITINI IS A BLESSING

It all seemed like a dream when the news reached the tinny area of Mulala that H.E President Mwai Kibaki was to pay a special visit and launch the new anti-Malaria treatment drug. This was on 25/9/2006. After the function, President Kibaki chose to have a rest and some refreshment within the parish premises at the Mbikira Maria Catechetical Centre. At the centre, he was warmly received by Msgr. Alfons Mondiu the vicar General, Fr. in charge Rev. Fr. Urbanus Mutuku, Sr. Bonifacia Heckman, Sr. Maria Monday and the area M.P Hon. Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.

The President was so impressed by the missionary activities taking place in the Parish. Fr. in charge together with the sisters expressed the need of an ambulance for referral cases, an idea that got support from the Minister Hon. Kivutha Kibwana. H.E Mwai Kibaki accepted the request and asked Hon. Charity Ngilu the Minister of Health to provide us with one and she accepted the request.

This year’s Presidential visit to Kathonzweni on 17/7/2007 was to us a dream come true. H.E the president was delighted to note that, we had received the Ambulance. The Fr. in charge and the area M.P Hon. Kivutha Kibwana thanked the President in person. Our prayers is to see our sick people in Mbitini been served to the nearest hospitals. THANKS A MILLION H.E, THE PRESIDENT HON. MWAI KIBAKI.

By Rev. Fr. Urbanus Mutuku

Fr. i/c Mbitini Parish

(top)

FEAST OF THE MONTH

THE TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS

“We adore you O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the World”.

The crossing of the desert by the Israel was not an easy journey at the time of the exodus. There was little food, water and unbearable heat. Then a new and terrible danger arose of poisonous snakes that started biting and killing many people. Without knowing what to do Moses turned to God who ordered him to prepare a bronze snake and to lift it up on a high pole. Those who got bitten and looked up that snake were saved. (Num 21:4-9)

Jesus refers to this event and states that it is the symbol of what is going to happen to him. He will also be lifted up on the cross, and all those who will look at him will be saved. Looking at Christ means believing in him that is, to accept in faith the message that he addresses to every one of us from the cross. Through this total act of love, he declares that the only way to fulfill ones life is to give up in love as he died. We need to confirm our lives to the life of Christ, by using it up in the service of our brothers and sisters. Giving up ones lives for such a service is the only way of achieving its full value.

Salvation comes to those who have the courage to give up their life as Christ did. If one on the contrary refuses to give up one’s life and opts for selfishness, pleasure, self interest and satisfaction, one condemns himself/herself to death – destroying ones life. We are daily condemned by refusing Jesus who humbles himself by accepting death on a cross. True humility means being your true self. This is portrayed by simply using the gifts God has given to you without making a big deal out of it. Jesus set aside his divine dignity and embraced his human nature even to the points of dying the worth kind of death. We are to embrace death as a part of what it means to be human.

Jesus invites each one to pick up his/her cross and follow Him.. We recall that we can never share in the resurrection of Christ unless we share in his cross as well, but we accept it when it comes, as invariably it does into every life.

“Lord Jesus help me to share in your Cross and resurrection which is a sign of your great love for me.”

Reflection

What does the cross mean to me? Is it the Suffering or love of God for me?

Sharing in the life of Christ is taking up our crosses and following him. Have we been able to lay down our lives taking the Cross and following Him for the service of our brothers and sisters? How humble have we been in accepting the crosses that come our way?

Have we been able to lift up our eyes of faith after being bitten by the poisonous snakes of this world (temptations) and looking up to Christ who is our leader?

“Lord Jesus, increase our faith in you.”

By Fr. Alphonse Muema

Daystar University

(top)

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC PARISH KINYAMBU

At last a new baby Parish was born on 15^th July 2007 when Kinyambu was erected as a Parish. The celebration was graced by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde the Bishop of Machakos Diocese. The new Kinyambu parish was curved from Kibwezi parish. Historically the parish began with just mere words “there shall be a parish here’ by Fr. Joseph Asiimwe. Then later Fr. John Muli in 1998 came up with the plan of the parish house and proposed the side where the house is built. Fr. Andrew Mbunju who was by then working in Kibwezi encouraged the Christians to build the Fathers’s house by giving the parish priests’ vestments and mass Box. He told them these will be tools for the priests who will be appointed in this parish when it opens. This gave the Christians encouragement and they began building the Fathers house.

The celebration began with consecration of the Alter, tabernacle and blessing of the church and new parish house. After this the Bishop confirmed the appointment of the Fr In charge Rev. Fr. Jones Muinde and his assistant Rev. Fr. Patrick Ndonga. Each read his appointment letter in the presence of Bishop, priests and Christians.

In his homily the Bishop told the Christians that the presence of the church is a good example of a Good Samaritan because in the parish, the presence of Christ as a healer is now witnessed. Christians are able to encounter Christ in a special way in the Blessed Sacrament present in the church. You are able to meet Christ through sharing your problems with the parish priest. The priests are here to administer the sacraments to the Christians. The Church of Kinyambu is a good example of a Good Samaritan because the church is near the road, so you are free to come and share your problems with Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.

He said that through the new parish more outstations will be born and this makes the church grow in diversity. All were challenged to examine their Christian calling and change their lives for better as this will give true meaning of our Christian faith. Lastly Bishop quoted his famous saying of “Muamba” by saying truly our Muamba is growing and bearing fruits. Thanks our Lord Bishop for accepting to raise Kinyambu as a parish. We all love you as the shepherd of our Diocese. May God give you more of his wisdom and strength as you guide his Flock towards the Promised Land.

By Fr. Patrick Ndonga

Kinyambu Parish

(top)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

“The Lord recompense thy work and a full reward be given thee of the Lord.” Ruth 2: 12. The Catholic Diocese of Machakos wishes to congratulate you, dear Msgr. Alfons Mondiu for your 36 Years of Priesthood, as you were the first Priest to be ordained when the Diocese of Machakos was created. We also congratulate you Fr. Leonard Maweu for 15 years and Fr. Bernard Musyoki for 10 years of your Priestly service. We thank God for your love, commitment and faithful service to our Diocese.

We ask the good Lord to implore His choicest blessings upon you and we pray that the power of His hand may support you all the days of your lives. As you celebrate your Anniversary let your prayer be Lord, I have nothing to offer you, except the joy of belonging to you. Congratulations!!!

Sr. Shelja CSST (CRE Advisor)

(top)

ST. FRANCIS OF ASISSI (MUKUYUNI) PARISH CELELBRATES 10^TH ANNIVERSARY

21^st and 22^nd of July will remain as a historical landmark to the Christians of Mukuyuni Parish. The two days marked a “double-edged” celebrations where by some catechumens were being confirmed and the Christians were celebrating their 10^th anniversary since the opening of the Parish on 9/7/1997 by his Lordship Emeritus Urbanus Kioko. The parish so far has been served by three fathers in charge; Fr. Joseph Musyoka, Fr. Stephen Munguti and currently Fr. Simon Mutuku respectively.

Our Lordship Martin Kivuva who was our main guest for those two days, made a stop over at Muaani Catholic church in Makongo Zone on the first day where he helped to raise 78 bags of cement for the completion of their church. After the departure from Muaani, together with his flock, His Lordship proceeded to Makongo small home where he was entertained by 52 physically challenged pupils with gestural poems and songs, he blessed them and challenged the Christians to have always a Heart like that of Jesus who always felt with the less fortunate. After the brief entertainment and few speeches we all proceeded to Makongo Catholic Church where the Bishop celebrated Mass and confirmed 90 Christians from that zone. In his homily, he advised the already confirmed to always live under the principles of the Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

On the following day the climax of the visit His Lordship celebrated Mass for all the parishioners at Mukuyuni Parish and confirmed 402 Christians. In his great homily, he stressed on the role of the Christians in fighting for their true faith amidst the challenges they face everyday. “It’s a pity to detach ourselves from Christ” Ula niwe Muamba wawo”, he said; he also emphasized on how a Christian can’t survive without the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit because Satan makes use of our own weaknesses especially the traditional mal-practices such as “Masya, Ngata, ndundu, Kwausya, Kuikiia Mauoi na mowe”.

After the mass, he went on and blessed the CMA/CWA attire and commissioned the Christians to spread the gospel as he sung” Iende mbele injili oh……” As the summation of the whole celebration, His Lordship crowned the 10^th Anniversary festivity by administering the well prepared cake to the salivating Christians. All through it was happy moments with His Lordship who felt at home with no hurry, because he knew it well that Mukuyuni was one of his homes in Machakos Diocese. What a wonderful day!!. Thanks to all the Christians who made the day such a blessing to the Parish and more so to His Lordship bishop Martin Kivuva, we all say “Nuseo na Wiuka ingi, twi ma Kiamba”.

By Fr. Simon Mutuku &

Fr. Nicodemus Mbelenzi

Mukuyuni Parish

(top)

YATHUI PARISH CHANGES GEAR

Christians received the sacrament of confirmation at Yathui for the first time since the Parish was inaugurated on 31^st March 2004. The occasion was graced by the bishop of Machakos Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva on 29^th July 2007.

Yathui parish is composed of nineteen out stations as follows: Yathui, Wamunyu, Mwaasua, Kaitha, Maanzoni, Mutyangoi, Kilembwa, Mavindini, Uvaini, Kyambio, Kituiu, Yambuni, Nganani, Ngomano, Lema, Wakaela, Kyeengai,Kithiiani and Miondoni. These cover an area of about 400 square kms, situated in arid and partly semi arid areas. Lack of adequate rainfall and failure of crops harvest has contributed to the quest for easy money through wood carving and hand-outs hence promoting illiteracy, poverty high levels of negative traditional beliefs and practices and low levels of Christianity.

Our Bishop had planned to visit all the out stations on the previous day; the 28/7/2007 but due to the eagerness of the first stations visited to stay with him, he only managed nine as follows; Mavindini, Uvaini, Mwaasua, Kilembwa, Mutyangoi, Kaitha, Wakaela, Miondoni and Wamunyu.

The Bishop highlighted the historical background of the Diocese of Machakos as having grown from a small entity to a very high position having the most dynamic Catholics in the whole country. He encouraged the Christians of Yathui to feel belonging to the Diocese irrespective of their numbers and status and not to lose hope. He cautioned them against negative traditional beliefs and practices and encouraged them to rely on God through prayer, good works and worship.

He asked them to work hand in hand with the two priests entrusted under their care; Fr. Mathew Kitonyi and Fr. Thomas Muasa. Earlier in the day, the Bishop celebrated Holy Mass for the students of Mulu Secondary, Lema girls Secondary and Mbaikini Secondary Schools in the church at 8.30 a.m. After mass he addressed them on matters of discipline, Morals and zeal in their studies. During adults mass, 282 received the sacrament of Confirmation while 19 couples renewed their marriage vows.

By Fr. Mathew Kitonyi

Yathui Parish

(Top)

FOR YOUR DIARY

22 – 26th Oct. Retreat Pastoral Centre (All the Priests)

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

N.B: To make an appointment kindly call to ensure that the Bishop is in.

BISHOP’S DIARY

September

18-21st Caritas Visit (Diocesan)

24-30th Kitui Diocese

28th Confirmation Kitui Diocese

29th Confirmation Kitui Diocese

OCTOBER

1st A.G.M Caritas NRB

13th Diocesan Collection - Kitui Diocese

19th Mua Hills Girls Secondary

20th Teresa D’ Lima Girl’s Kyumbi

21st Makindu Parish

23rd Investment Committee

22-25th Retreat Pastoral Centre

25th Caritas Partners NRB

27-28th Kithangaini Parish - Confirmation

N.B: To make an appointment kindly call the office to ensure that the Bishop is in. Thank you.

(Top)

THE AMECEA PASTORAL INSTITUTE (API)

Machakos Diocese was privileged to have Fr. Anthony Ndolo and Fr. Joseph Makau Challo attend the six weeks API/Gaba workshop Modules. Many thanks go to our gifted and visionary Bishop Martin Kivuva who advocated for this worthy and noble course. The workshop modules were intense and handled by qualified and very able facilitators. The course equips participants with practical skills for efficient pastoral Ministry. In attendance were participants from Consolata Missionaries, Congregation of the Missions, Marianist Brothers, Hospitaller order of St. John of God, sisters of Mary, Assumption Sisters of Eldoret, Lilongwe Diocese (Malawi) priests and other serving in the pastoral field. AMECEA unity was visible with participation of Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea and Malawi.

The modules sensitized the participants on issues of Justice, Peace, human rights, Democracy, conflict management, Human development and pastoral counseling. These Modules were really an eye opener and conscience builders. They challenged pastoral agents to promote the Kingdom of God and seek an integral human growth.

Pastoral agents are therefore called to build a church where justice is actually lived and promoted and peace be born from the respect of human rights and the expanded democratic space.

API/Gaba six weeks Modules are now a gift to Machakos Diocese through Fr. Anthony and Fr. Joseph to rejuvenate evangelization and realize peace through advocating for justice and an all round promotion of human rights, counseling and pastoral counseling.

By Fr Joseph Makau Challo

Makaveti Parish

How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me (Psalms 116: 1)

(Top)

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

SUNDAY COMMENTARY - SEPTEMBER

PRESIDENT KIBAKI’S VISIT TO MBITINI IS A BLESSING

FEAST OF THE MONTH

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ST. PAUL’S CATHOLIC PARISH KINYAMBU

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

ST. FRANCIS OF ASISSI (MUKUYUNI) PARISH CELELBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

YATHUI PARISH CHANGES GEAR

FOR YOUR DIARY

BISHOP’S DIARY

THE AMECEA PASTORAL INSTITUTE (API)

ST. FRANCIS OF ASISSI (MUKUYUNI) PARISH CELELBRATES 10^TH ANNIVERSARY