Issue No. 68: March, 2009
The Truth:
Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ of
communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
“Eli, Eli Lama
Sabachthani?”
‘My God, My God why have you
forsaken me?”
WORLD RELIGIOUS CONSECRATION DAY
IN AUGURATION OF ST. ALPHONSAS
CONVENT
First Sunday of Lent
Gen 9:8-15, 1 Pt 3:
18-22, Mark 1: 12-15
“The time has come,
and the
During the time of
Lent, all Christians are called to take an account of their lives and consider
whether they are still living their promises of baptism or not. One can never
get lost unless he knows where he is going. Hence, since we are undertaking an
important journey we must be well prepared. As we set out on our journey
of Easter, we must be clear about the destination that gives meaning to our
journey. Our real journey of Easter will depend on our preparedness in prayer,
fasting and almsgiving.
Second Sunday of Lent
Gen 22: 1-2, 9-13,
15-18; Rom 8: 31-34; Mark 9: 2-10
Third Sunday of Lent
Ex 20:1-17; 1 Cor 1:22-25;
John 2:13-25.
The Ten Commandments are part
of the covenant between God and His people. The Love of God and neighbour
summarizes this Law. Keeping the Word of the Lord is life and disobedience is
death. The first reading is close to the Gospel because it calls us to a
worship that is authentic – through the renunciation of the false securities we
are tempted to put in the place of God. Jesus reminds the Jews the rightful use
of the temple which has been lost. Jesus has come to
We should respect our places
of worship. They are our meeting place with our God. How often do we desecrate
them through words and deeds?
Fourth Sunday of Lent
2 Chr 36: 14-16, 19-23; Eph 2:
4-10; John 3:14-21.
There is often a time in life when we find the
going hard. The enthusiasm with which we set out has faded, and there is
still a long way to go. At this stage in our Lenten journey we may be
inclined to identify with
Nicodemus of today's Gospel – not daring, as a well known Pharisee, to consult
Jesus openly, he came 'by night', weighed down in his heart, no doubt, by an
interior darkness of confusion and embarrassment. In our disappointment with
our lives, the darkness seems so real and overwhelming just as Nicodemus and
the Israelites had. The challenge is, to whom do we go when we encounter
darkness in our life? For Paul reliance upon false and selfish securities is to
embrace 'death'.
In God’s word, we find the light to illumine our
darkness. See how the darkness of Nicodemus becomes light through Jesus! Like the Israelites, we may be the creators
of this darkness because of our foolishness but God is there for us. It is out
of His love that He sent his Only Beloved Son. We should seek the Lord in
prayer and in His word to know his will and help us overcome all darkness in
our life.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Jer 31: 31-34; Hb 5: 7-9; John
12: 20-30
The last week of our journey to celebrate the
mystery of our redemption. Like the Greek pilgrims, we want to meet Jesus.
Jesus invites us to share His fate with him – 'wherever I am, my servant will
be there too' – He also helps us to trust in his Father, as we face the ordeals
of our personal lives. His prayer is 'heard', and through the sufferings
which have been a sharing in the destructiveness and darkness of our world, He
enters into a new and final existence. In the words of the letter to the
Hebrews, he is 'made perfect'; In John, He is 'glorified'. What a powerful
exhortation - God's 'glory' is the incomparable divine greatness.
Having 'emptied Himself' to become one with us,
the humanity He shares with us is now filled with the divine greatness – and
the grain which falls to the ground 'yields a rich harvest', transforming
creation and hence the inauguration of the 'new covenant written in our
hearts', foretold by Jeremiah, and sealed
with the Savior’s blood. The Crucified One will become 'a source of eternal
salvation' for all his followers. Having been 'lifted up from the earth', he
will 'draw all people to himself'
Fr. Francis Maundu -
A faithful foster –
father and guardian. God gives special graces to those He chooses for a special
mission. This means that, whenever the
divine favour chooses someone to receive a special grace or to accept a lofty
vocation, God adorns that person chosen with all the gifts of the spirit needed
to fulfill the task at hand. This rule is especially verified in the case of
He was chosen by the
eternal father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest
treasures, namely, his divine son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. He carried out this vocation with complete
fidelity and dedication until at last God called him, saying “Good and faithful
servant enter into the joy of your Lord.” Joseph is therefore a man chosen by
God and set apart. Through him and under
him, Christ was fittingly and honorably introduced into the world. Holy church in its entirety is indebted to
the virgin Mother because through her it was judged worthy to receive
Christ. But after her, we undoubtedly
owe special gratitude and reverence to
In
What the divine
goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms. It is very
obvious that Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and
very high honour which he gave him here on earth, as a son to his father.
Rather we must say
that in heaven, Christ completes and perfects all that He gave at
We only need to say,
Remember us St. Joseph and plead for us to your foster-child, ask your most
holy bride, the blessed virgin Mary and the queen of heaven to look kindly upon
us, since she is the Mother of him who with the father and the holy spirit
lives and reigns eternally.
As we reflect deeply
on the life of
Happy feast day to all
the Christians, congregations, parishes and institutions called by the name of
Rev. Fr. Alphonse
Muema K
Diocesan Communications
Secretary
“A life which is not
reflected on it is not worth living”
The members of the
Association of Sisterhoods in Kenya (AOSK) Machakos Unit celebrated the world
religious consecration day on the 1st of February 2009 at the
Pastoral Centre. There were about 55 sisters
who were present to mark this day.
As it was the day of
rejoicing, the sisters shared their joy through greeting each other. Rev. Fr. Modesty who belongs to the Apostles
of Jesus made the day meaningful through his inspiring talks. The theme of the day was “Rooted in Christ
and centered on Christ”. At the outset
the speaker put forward the various challenges that the religious face that is;
Crisis in leadership, Difficulties in formation, inculturation Identity crisis and so on….
He continued saying
religious life means a life offered to God.
According to Vat II the vows are the gateways to religious life. A religious is a person of heart – a heart
that is filled with faith, compassion, love and forgiveness. Patrick Carrol in his book called “to share,
to serve, to love says; the vow of poverty is a vow to share, the vow of
chastity is a vow to love and the vow of obedience is a vow to serve.
In order to deepen our
understanding of religious life we need to centre our life on Christ and in his
values. Enriched by the talk the sisters
prepared themselves for the Holy Eucharistic celebration. The Mass began with the solemn entrance
procession. The sisters entered the church with the lighted candles which
reminded us that each of us is called to be the light of Christ in the
world. The function came to an end with
the grand lunch prepared by the pastoral centre. The Sisters cherished the memories of the day
and dispersed.
Sr. Christalyn CSST
AOSK
Secretary Machakos unit
Kola Parishioners
question which was almost becoming a responsorial psalm was at last answered by
Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva on 24/1/2009, by the inauguration of the ‘FRANCISCAN
CLARIST CONGREGATION’ Sisters at Kola Parish. No wonder an acclamation from one of the
faithfuls!...... Mwa koo vai kiasa kitemuthya, undu uu niw’o neeteele.’
The day’s occasion had
two main themes viz Blessing of
After blessing the
sisters’ convent cum chapel, the Bishop extended his kind blessings to Mbuani
Secondary School Bus.
The culmination of the
occasion was the celebration of
The Bishop tossed a
challenge to the faithful by quoting the unity observed by the Indians through
their attendance and co-operation. He
stressed on the total interactions between the sisters and then parish
community to form a whole spiritual guided body.
To bring out the
importance of the sisters to the community of Kola Parish especially St. Mary’s
Girls and generally the youth, Bishop didn’t leave behind his technical slogan;
‘Monkey see monkey do’ (Nguli yoona Nguli iyika). The four sisters who were celebrating their
25 years silver jubilee of their religious consecration were congratulated by
Bishop.
The Fr in charge Fr.
Mark Kitonyi, his assistant priest Fr. Joseph Mutuku and the entire Kola
community couldn’t hide their appreciation of the F.C.C community joining hands
to make the faith at Kola prosper. They
welcomed the sisters especially the three who were assigned to work at the
parish and assured them of their total support whole heartedly. Let God grant the sisters a blessed stay so
as to offer themselves to the service of the Lord.. Long live F.C.C nuns, long
live Kola Parish.
Seminarian
Nicholas Wenzi -
Nguluni Parish
“You have come to
This year, we were accompanied by two other
Bishop’s that is Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria Kitui Diocese and Arch Bishop
Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana’a Nzeki (NRB).
It all started with the way of the cross after Bishop Martin Kivuva gave
the intention of the day that is to pray for our country as it goes through
many challenges. (Hunger, corruption,
killings, selfishness, lack of respect for human life, hatred, oppression etc. Pray for the diocese, our families and
individual needs. As a family, all
climbed the hill in prayer and supplication it was as a reminder of our journey
on earth towards our final destination in the
As a family of God, we need to accompany each
other in this journey of faith and ask Mary the Mother of God and our Mother to
accompany us too. After the way of the
cross, all Christians gathered together for the celebration of the Holy
Eucharist presided over by Arch Bishop Emeritus Ndingi Mwanaa’a Nzeki the
homily was delivered by Bishop Anthony Muheria, who stressed on the following
words “My dear brothers and Sisters you have come to the Mountain of the Lord,
see that you don’t despise the one who speaks’
In his homily, the bishop asked the Christians to open their hearts that
God may show them the right way, to be genuine Christians and not to behave
like a chameleon, it is in such lack of faith people have indulged in many
evils and shunned our responsibilities.
We need the mercy of God.
He has heard our cry as a country, family, and
individual. He also said that our prayer
should be “God have Mercy on us because we have behaved like other pharaoh’s
oppressing and killing others. He
reminded the Christians that by the start of last year (2008), the country was
crying due to blood shed but today we are crying because of our leaders. We need to sacrifice our lives for the sake
of our brothers and sisters asking the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary
in a very special way, we prayed for those who died in fire disasters at Molo
and Nakumat down town Nairobi, further the Bishop asked the Christians to turn
back to God through the sacrament of confession and fight the culture of
death.
This is because selfishness has become the
greatest sin among our people. After the
Mass, the Bishop Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde launched the year of the youth
with its theme, “Young people Christ is our ray of hope” Each deanery was given
a statue of Jesus which was received by the deans of the respective deaneries
accompanied by a youth member. During the speeches, Bishop Anthony Muheria
expressed his joy for the invitation and encouraged the Christians to be people
of great faith. The first Bishop of
Machakos, Archbishop Emeritus Ndingi Mwanaa’anzeki expressed his joy by saying “Mwa
Ndyaaoona uu”. I have never seen
this, As well, he promised to be with the Christians of Machakos every time
they will be having their functions.
Bishop Martin thanked every one present and
expressed his special thanks to the Missionaries who evangelized in Ukambani.
He told the Christians that the Diocese is preparing to celebrate 40 years
since it was started in the month of October.
After the final prayer and blessing, all left for their respective
parishes energized to go and preach the word of God to fulfill the diocesan
Moto, That All May be one.
Fr. Alphonse Muema
Diocesan communications Secretary
“Be reconciled to God…. Now is the favourable
time.” Lent has been considered from the very beginning as a period of
renewal. A period of turning away from
sin and returning back to God. It is a
period of six weeks and in it there are four things to undertake namely
praying, struggling against evil, fasting and alms giving. By means of prayer
Christians beg from God the courage to change their ways and believe in the
gospel. “Repent and believe the
gospel.” Struggling against evil is an
important part for a Christian life.
It is geared towards controlling passions and
selfishness. Through fasting, we get that;
evil cannot be won without self sacrifice. During this period, Christians give
up some of the things they like afterwards, what they have sacrificed is given
to the poor or the needy, a practice called almsgiving. In order to help somebody in need, it is
often necessary to give up what one likes which is not easy. It is not fasting as such that is good, but
what pleases God is that what we spare by fasting we can relieve the hunger and
thirst of a brother or sister at least for a day. God is not pleased with sorrows and pain.
It is not fasting that pleases God as such but
love for brothers and sisters. There is
a close connection between fasting and charity, through almsgiving; Christians
deprive themselves of something to help the poor/needy. That person who benefits in turn prays for
the person who gives the gift. God is
pleased with that sacrifice which is geared towards helping others
(charity). It is also out of charity
that Christians perform much of the works of mercy. During this period of lent, we need to come
before the Lord with all humility and pray especially for our country.
Ask for God’s forgiveness due to innocent blood
shed, many killings and property destroyed, Rapes, Corruption, tortures
just to mention a few. As well, on the other side, try to see how we
have ill-treated others, denied them their rights, etc. We need to say to our God “Lord, have Mercy
on us for we have sinned.” Let us
prepare ourselves during this period to embrace each other as brothers and
sisters as we prepare to celebrate Easter.
This is also a period that the church prepares to baptize the
catechumens. Before the baptism and
especially during the Lenten period, the catechumens show their eagerness to
become Christians by leading blameless life.
For them, they die to sin and rise to new
life. They promise to keep their light
burning which symbolizes their life in Christ Jesus. For the baptized, remember the covenant you
made with God and pray that you may stand firm in faith. In Summary, Lent is a period of
reconciliation between God and His people.
We are re-admitted back into God’s house. It is a period to prepare for the sacrament
of reconciliation. Remember the story of
the prodigal Son; he had the determination to return to his father’s house and
repent for all he had done. He thought
of the harm he had done to his father, the beauty of his father’s house and
said “I will go back….”
He immediately started the journey and his father
received him back with a lot of love. He
said, we need to celebrate, for my son was lost and is found, dead and is
risen……” God will never despise us due
to our sins but will welcome us back as His sons and daughters. It’s only then we will have all the reasons
to enjoy Easter.
This is because we will have died with Christ to
sin and risen with him to new life.
Therefore, let us prepare ourselves by receiving the sacraments of
confession and following Christ faithfully.
We are also called for the way of Cross on every Friday during this
period of lent.
God bless you and grant you that spirit of
fighting our evil inclinations. Wish you
a fruitful lent and happy Easter.
Fr. Alphonse Muema K
Diocesan Communications
Secretary
2nd – 16th
Prayers
for the Late Bishop Urbanus J. Kioko
16th Mass – 1st
Anniversary Bishop U. J. Kioko.
Time: 11.00 a.m – Our Lady of Lourdes
Cathedral Machakos
16th Evening – All FRS In
charge Diocesan Priests Seminar
Theme: Parish Administration & Management
Departure 19th March Lunch hour
25th Ordination to
Priesthood – Our Lady of
28th Pilgrimage to Subukia
THANK YOU NOTE
The Catholic Diocese of Machakos wishes to thank
the Christians from South C Nairobi for the warm visit they paid at Kithuki
zone Kathonzweni Parish in Machakos Diocese.
400 people from the zone were able to benefit from 60 bales of Unga,
maize, beans and some clothes.”I was
hungry and you gave me food”.
May the good Lord reward you as you continue to unfold your inner
beauty for the glory of the Lord.
Wishing you a blessed Lenten Season.
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
Take time to pray, to identify and feelings of
anger, bitterness, hatred, revenge or despair within you. Pray for healing and forgiveness for yourself
and others, knowing that we are all sisters and brothers in God’s family.
The Catholic Diocese of Machakos wishes all women
a Happy Women’s day on 8th of March 2009.
Let us celebrate the women’s day with gratitude
MARCH
3rd
– 5th Synod - NRB
7th Precious
Blood Kilungu – Golden Jubilee
8th Cathedral
Machakos
9th MIDS
12th Caritas
NRB
13th Radio
Waumini
14th Tala/Kinyui
16th 1st
Anniversary– Bishop J. Kioko
16 – 18th Diocesan
Frs. In charge Seminar
19th Blessing
of a Convent – Katani
20th Makongo
- Mukuyuni Parish
21– 22nd Mbuvo
Parish
25th Ordination–Priesthood
Cathedral
28th Pilgrimage
to Subukia
31st K.C.S
April
1st Metropolitan
NRB
3rd B.O.G
4th Cathedral
Parish - Confirmation
9th Holy
Thursday – Chrism Mass
10th Good
Friday - Cathedral
11th Cathedral
Machakos
12th Easter
– Cathedral Machakos
19th Kyumbi
Parish – Divine Mercy Shrine
20th Diocesan
Meeting all Priests
21st – 24th
K.C.E Plenary
25th Ngunga
– Priest Ordination
30th NRB – Caritas/ Mass J.J McCarthy Centre
NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE DONE
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box - 344 -90100 Machakos
Tel. +254-44-20484; Fax. +254-44-21308
Office
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com