‘Glory to god in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour'.
INSERT: MY PEACE I GIVE YOU
FEAST OF THE MONTH - MARY MOTHER OF GOD
SUNDAY COMMENTARIES - JANURY 2008
20TH ANNIVERSARY - THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD SISTERS
TEMPORARY VOWS - FRANSCICAN CLARIST SISTERS
FEAST OF THE MONTH - MARY MOTHER OF GOD
"Joy to you, O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Lord".
When the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce to her that she was to bear Christ, she got shocked and the Gospel tells us that Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary easily saw the will of God in all that was happening to her. She never got disappointed but knew how to "treasure and ponder" every thing and she was capable of discovering the loving plan of God in all that happened.
The Lord Jesus Christ took our nature from Mary. He had to take a body like ours. Mary was to provide him with that body of his own, which later was offered for our sake. When the Angel said to Mary "What will be born from you...." Makes us know by faith that her child originated within her and from her. God was not to introduce a body into her womb from outside.
By taking our nature and offering it in sacrifice, the Word was to destroy it completely and then renew it with His own nature and so prompt the apostle to say "this corruptible body must put on incorruption; this mortal body must put on immortality".
Our Saviour truly became man, and from this has followed the salvation of man as a whole. Therefore our salvation in no way fictious nor does it apply only to the body. The salvation of the whole man, (soul and body) has truly been achieved in the Word himself.
What was born of Mary was therefore human by nature, and the body of the Lord was a true body as ours. The words of St. John "The Word was made flesh", bear the same meaning. Man's body has acquired something great through its communion and union with the Word from mortal it has been made immortal. Though it was a living body, it has become a spiritual one; through it was made from the earth, it has passed through the gates of heaven.
Even when the Word takes a body from Mary, the Trinity remains a Trinity, with neither increase nor decrease, it is for ever perfect. In the Trinity we acknowledge one God Head, and thus one God, the Father of the Word, is proclaimed in the Church.
This celebration is dedicated to all Mothers. This is because Mary is a model of all Mothers. Her son was a man of peace; he spoke words and acted with love. He preached reconciliation and hope for others. Christian Mothers should know that they have a special mission, that of turning their children into peacemakers.
Reflections:
Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, how have we tasted God and especially when he made us know his will here on earth?
Has the Word of God that took flesh in the womb of Mary found a place in our hearts?
Fr. Alphonse K Muema
Day Star University
Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60.1-6; Eph 3.2-6; Mat 2.1-12
Epiphany can be defined as a moment of sudden and great revelation. The stories of the Bible are replete with moments of epiphany in which Bible characters have a sudden experience of realization. The narrative of the Wise men from the East is only found in the Gospel of Matthew. The Wise men were not Jews. They had not received the promise of a Messiah like the Jews yet they had the privilege of following the star and finding the Messiah.
Unlike the Jews, they were not acquainted with the scripture that they could know where the Messiah would be born. They are directed by the star and people. The gifts they offered to Jesus focus on whom he would be: Gold was a royal gift, Frankincense a priestly gift and Myrrh a perfume representing Christ's eternity. Like the Wise men we have sought Christ and he has manifested himself to us. Let us be united with him and bring more people to him through our examples.
Baptism of the Lord:
Is 42.1-7; Acts 10.34-38; Matt 3.13-17
This is a major event in Jesus' life which marked the beginning of his ministry. The fact that John the Baptist baptized Jesus raises no question, but the purpose and significance of Jesus' baptism remains controversial. We may ask, if John's baptism was a call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah, why had he to baptize Jesus who was actually the Messiah and had not sinned? Each evangelist gives a different answer to this.
Matthew presents this event with the hesitation of John to baptize Jesus; it is at this point that Jesus says his baptism will be a fulfillment of all righteousness. This righteousness is to bring salvation to humanity (Ps 98:2-3; Rom 1.17). After his baptism a voice announces: "This is my beloved Son. My favor rests on him." It is at this point that we can appreciate the baptism of Jesus as a revelation to humanity whom he is. Jesus comes so that not only the Jews but all may have life. Jesus has been revealed to us. Let us enjoy the privilege of being united with God's son.
Second Sunday in the ordinary time:
Isa 49.3, 5-6; 1 Cor 1.1-2; John 1.29-34.
In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God. This term in its totality appears only twice in the Bible: John 1.29 and 36. The Baptist pointed at Christ and proclaimed to the public that Jesus was the one who was to take away the sins of the world. Indeed this was the last testimony of John the Baptist. The next day when John pointed at Christ, two of his disciples left him and joined the master. This reference to Christ reflects on his mission to humanity. Isaiah says that The Lord will show his glory through His servant whose mission is to restore Israel and bring salvation "to the ends of the earth." Unlike the Old Testament lamb of sacrifice that was continuously offered, Christ offers himself ones and for all and opens the way for humanity to go back to their Creator. The lost glory is recovered. As we witness to Christ, we are invited to point at the Lamb, Christ whom we have been witnessing and like John help people realize the Savior.
Third Sunday in the ordinary time
Isa 8.23-9.3; 1 Cor 1.10-13,17; Mt 4.12-23
The call to be a Christian is a call to witness. It's actually an acceptance of martyrdom. Christ calls us so that he may make us his own, his instruments, his collaborators and ministers. When we accept his invitation, he conquers our will but promises that we will triumph and see a great light. The first four disciples are leaving a job and way of life they had known for years. By leaving the nets and following Christ, they are accepting a new job unknown to them. It might not have been easy but they submitted to master. The foundation of Church is founded in such a people of trust and courage. We have no reason not to take the example of the apostles and tell the Lord we will follow him whole heartedly. May we surrender to his invitation so that he may make us his own. Let us pledge allegiance to the master. As Paul warns, let us seek to be united knowing that we only have one master and teacher, Jesus Christ.
FR FRANCIS MAUNDU - ROME
(top) His Lordship Bishop Martin Kivuva opened the meeting on 29th evening. The Bishop asked the participants to observe some minutes of silence for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Kirima and all the faithful departed. After the prayer, the Bishop conveyed special greetings and blessings from the Holy Father - Pope Benedict the 16th after meeting him in Rome.
He reminded us of our motto "that all may be one" and said ‘nindi kyamundya and up to now nikyamundisye' in all the Parishes. He also recalled that ‘Nguli yoona, nguli ikeka'
The Bishop continued to explain that the team spirit has been experienced and that is why other people feel attracted to come and learn from us quoting an example of the Kitale Diocese team that visited the Diocese this year. His Lordship shared that there are three ways to grow:
1. Through sharing the word of God and the sacraments
2. Through evaluating our work. He said that just as Jesus received feed back from His disciples when he asked them who do people say he is. We need to ask ourselves several questions - who do people say that we are, who do ourselves say we are and where are we etc. Mark 8: 27 - 30
3. Through sharing our experiences.
The Bishop stressed that in our spiritual journey; we should wake up early and embark on accomplishing our mission - evangelization under this year theme - Ndeto yaku Mwiai ni kyeni kya nyaayi syakwa.
The Bishop announced of the new Diocese to be born in Makueni as soon as a Bishop is appointed. He called upon every one to support our priests and pray for them in their work.
He congratulated all the Catholic faithful for their generous contribution towards the Diocesan Collection of 2007 which was wonderfully done. Four Parishes received new cars, others motor bikes and other gifts.
Not leaving any stone unturned, he advised that politics that is not geared towards a peaceful environment for evangelization should be rejected forthright by all the faithful.
On behalf of the 101 participants. (Composed of 3 councils - men, women and church councils) we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Cosmas Maithya the facilitator of that historical meeting for his excellent facilitation, his giftedness and the inspiring presentation on church and social leadership roles.
We too thank Mons. Alfons for his wonderful presentation on Canon Law. Special thanks to those Fathers in charge who send their leaders to this meeting. The following Parishes were NOT represented: Makindu Parish, Kyumbi Parish, Ndithini Parish, Yathui Parish, Kithimani Parish, Kinyambu Parish, Tawa Parish, Kiongwani Parish. The leaders decided to move forward in the Spirit of "That all may be one"
Patrick Mutungi
SECRETARY - DIOCESAN LAY COUNCIL
On Sunday 2nd December 2007, the entire Christian community of Kathonzweni joined with the sisters of the Most Precious blood to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of their missionary presence in Kenya. The Secretary of the Apostolic nuncio to Kenya and the secretary of the Bishop of Machakos Fr. Charles Kyallo presided the solemn celebration together with the Fr. in charge Fr. Dominic Nzuki and the other priests of the Parish of Kathonzweni, at the presence of the General Superior, Mother Maria Vilani of the Congregation of the Most Precious blood sisters and the former General Superior, Mother Luisa Giovenzana who opened, with humble courage the first community in Kenya in July 1987.
Welcoming the prophetic inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the appeals of the church through the invitation of the bishop Ferdinando Maggioni of Diocese of Alessandria in Italy, 20 years ago the Congregation of the most Precious blood sisters, trusting in the unconditional love of Christ who offered his life on the Cross for whole mankind and longing to announce the Good News of salvation to the brothers of this beloved land, opened the first missionary community. The first four missionary sisters had faced initial difficulties. But they dedicated themselves tirelessly to the people, putting themselves at their complete disposal with joyful simplicity according to the teaching of the Foundress, Mother Maria Bucchi who faced in her life any kind of suffering and fatigue in order to improve the conditions of life of the needy brothers, aware that the life of each person, without distinction of race, age, nationality, language, costs the price of the Blood of Christ.
In the same way the sisters, actually present at Mugua Parish in Nairobi Diocese, at Kathonzweni and Makindu Parish in Machakos Diocese and very soon at Uganda Martyrs home for the children at (konza) Machakos, continue to keep alive the Charism of their Foundress, carrying out the mission entrusted to them with humble and loving service to the evangelization, in the education of the young people, in the care of the sick, especially the poorest.
With a special attention, they turn to the poor who are in situations of greater weakness and therefore in greater need, to those who are on the margin of the society, to the elderly and to all who are considered as the least because of their physical handicap.
A long procession, coming from the house of the sisters up to the Parish church, started the solemn celebration which was attended by very many people from the furthest villages of Kathonzweni. The Eucharist liturgy was a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving to God who blessed the beginning of the sisters mission and now continues to accompany them with his tender love and protection, and to widen the Congregation with the gift of new vocations, fruits of the original seed, planted in this fertile soil and watered by the grace of God, who is accomplishing his wonderful deeds.
Sisters of the Most Precious Blood
Kathonzweni Community
1st December 2007 was a wonderful day in the routine of St. Joseph Catholic Church Mbiuni and a remarkable day in the history of Franciscan Clarist Congregation.
It was the visitation of Rt. Rev. Martin Kuvuva and first profession day of our four Novices, Winfred Mbinya, Veronica Maau, Berita Mbithe, and Josephine Ndunge who dedicated themselves to the Lord through their vows. They are from Kola, Mbiuni, Katangi and Mwala parish respectively. This was the 4th batch in FCC Kenya.
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde was the main celebrant and officiated the function. Rev. Fr. Jose Kalley CMI, the parish priest of Mbiuni was the host and co-celebrant. The function started by the briefing of Rev. Sr. Laetitia FCC, the co-ordinator of FCC, followed by the welcome speech of Rev. Sr. Mello FCC.
The sacred liturgy with choir and dance made the Eucharist celebration colourful and divine. In his homily, our beloved Bishop encouraged the youth to listen to the call of God to be a faithful servant of God and emphasized the importance of vocation. Fr. Anto Thekkudan CMI was the master of ceremony who directed the people by his timely instructions.
FCC is a KERALA based congregation, now spread all over the world with 7000 members. In Kenya we have 12 convents working in four different dioceses with a total number of 65 sisters.
It was a glorious day filled with abundant blessings of God in the history of FCC in Kenya, witnessed by many priests, sisters and faithful.
Thanks be to God
Sr. Mello FCC
Provincial Superior - Alvernia Province
(top)The Catholic Diocese of Machakos wishes to pass our heart felt condolences to the Family and friends of the Late Fr. George Mbinda who went to the Lord on 28th December 2007. He died while undergoing treatment at Mater Hospital. Fr. George was buried on 9th January 2008.
May God rest the soul of the late Fr. George Mbinda in Eternal Peace.
Brothers of St. Peter Claver founded together with the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi by the Late Archbishop J.J McCarthy, then Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi in 1953. The vision of the founder was for lay religious men who would follow Jesus Christ as brothers looking for their own sanctification through life of prayer and Apostolic work. In his mind he wanted to form brothers who will be able to communicate the message of Christ Jesus easily using local languages and common way of life hence building capacity of local people culture and illiteracy not withstanding.
We work with people from all walks of life. So a Brother of St. Peter Claver is supposed not to be limited to one profession but a jack of all trades.
A prospective candidate should be physically, Socially, Medically, Biologically, spiritually and mentally fit and a desire to join our present service in the church.
The Congregation of St. Peter Claver belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Machakos situated at Kaumoni Parish where they have there Mother house.
The number of brothers has remained relatively small because their moto is we, are not after the quantity but quality brothers.
However, the joy of the Brothers of this year 2007 is that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit they were able to elect the new governing body of their congregation that is their 4th General chapter.
The newly elected Council members are:
Superior General;
Rev. Bro. Raphael Ngige
Assistant SuperiorRev. Bro. Seraphine Njagi
Councillors
Rev. Bro. Francis Musya
Rev. Bro. John Kang'ethe
Rev. Bro. Peter Gichunge
We therefore request for the fraternity of your prayers during this period of time.
All people of God from all diversities are welcome to join our Congregation.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Rev. Bro. Seraphine Njagi
Assistant Superior General
"Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit .......... And do not hold this sin against them". Those are beautiful words spoken by St. Stephen before he died.
It is true that our brother Stephen has gone before us to the Lord. We loved you, but the Lord has loved you the more. You have followed the example of your Patron Saint - St. Stephen the first Martyr. The suffering and torture you underwent cannot be compared with the joy that lies a head of you in the Fathers house. You had clothed yourself in humility and love to serve the people of God with full dedication.
Therefore, Stephen Ndolo our brother and Servant of the Lord, the love that brought Christ from heaven to earth has raised you from earth to heaven. Love was your weapon by which you gained every battle, and so you have won the crown signified by your Name. Your love for God kept you tirelessly serving his people, and your love for neighbour will enable you to pray for those cruel men who tortured and killed you. Because of that love, you brought Many back to God who had gone astray.
Now at last, Stephen Ndolo, you delight in the Glory of Christ whom you preached and had faith and hope. You have gone before us slain by cruel men. No doubt, they will follow later, Help them through your prayers to repent and turn to God in order to gain the salvation won for all. Your death leaves us with a lesson that he who walks in love can neither go astray nor be afraid love guides him, protects him and brings him to his journey's end.
Stephen Ndolo, you have left true foot prints in our hearts. For all who met you sad; left with a smile, with pain -relieved, worried with hope, in sorrow left with joy. You were a man of all seasons. You will be missed by all the Christians of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos, you will forever remain in our hearts. Many have gone through what you went. Pray for our country to have a change of heart for such cruel people. Steve - you have fought a good battle, you have finished the race and you have kept the faith - that is why we are sure that - It is all well with your soul. May you rest in Peace. Amen
By Fr. Alphonse K Muema
Day Star University
(Top)
JANUARY
1st Kitui Diocese
5th PMC Machakos Deanery
19th Mbiuni Parish - Ordination
FEBRUARY2nd Diocesan Pilgrimage - Komarock Shrine
6th Ash Wednesday - Machakos Cathedral
10th Kathonzweni Parish - Mbuvo
16-17th Kangundo Parish
23-24th Kitui Diocese - Confirmation Cathedral
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So let us rejoice in Him, who rules for ever by his power.
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