Issue No. 75: October, 2009
The Truth:
Machakos Link Newsletter
An organ of
communication of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos
40 YEARS OF EVANGELIZATION
– MACHAKOS DIOCESE
FEAST OF THE MONTH –ST. LUKE THE
EVANGELIST
FINAL PROFFESSION-BROTHERS
OF ST. PETER CLAVER KAUMONI
7TH NOVEMBER –DIOCESAN COLLECTION
(MUVOTHI)
His
Excellency, Alain Paul Lebeaupin, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, His Grace
Archbishop Emeritus Raphael Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki, His Grace Archbishop Boniface
Lele and our Lord bishop Martin Kivuva
Musonde the Bishop of Machakos cut a cake during the celebrations to mark the
40 years of Evangelization in the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
“Rejoice in
The Lord Always and again I say Rejoice”.
The long awaited day
to celebrate 40 years since Machakos Diocese
curved from Nairobi Diocese
dawned on 19th September 2009. The occasion was graced by the presence
of the Pope’s representative to Kenya, His Excellency the Archbishop Alain Paul
Lebeaupin, His Eminence John Cardinal
Njue, the first Bishop of Machakos who is now Archbishop Emeritus Raphael
Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki and His Grace Rt. Rev. Boniface Lele of the Archdiocese of
Mombasa. Our Bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde welcomed all the dignitaries at the
Cathedral of our lady of Lourdes from where the procession started. In his opening speech the Ordinary gave a
summary statistics in different areas of development between 1969-2009. He
thanked and prayed for God’s blessings on all those who have contributed towards
this spiritual and social development. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated at the
Kenyatta stadium. The Chief celebrant was Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki (
Emeritus Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi who was also celebrating 40 years of Episcopacy.
During the Homily, His
Grace Archbishop Lele of Mombasa had a message to three categories of people
present during the celebrations. To the youth, his Grace challenged
them to embrace true love and avoid pre marital sex which offends God and
destroys their future life. He told the young people that it is possible to
relate with the opposite sex without destroying their lives and offending
God. To the married couples Archbishop
Lele reminded them of the importance of dialoque as couples. He highly recommended
the marriage encounter to the married men and women, the need to be faithful to
one onother. The danger of the HIV/AIDS pandemic was also something he reminded
them to be cautious about. ‘Any country/ church, is as good as the families
are’ the Archbishop said. To the religious men and women he encouraged them not
to be loners. ‘Each priest should be able to share freely with another
priest whatever is happening in his life as a man, a sharing which is to be
concluded in most cases with the reception of the Sacrament of reonciliation.’ He
crowned his homily in a symbolic way by singing a beatiful chorus-‘ Ninautanu aaii Mwiai Yesu
ndatwovoisye’ ( I am happy Jesus Christ saved us).
After the Celebration
of the Holy Eucharist the Catholic community of Machakos Diocese had some
symbolic gifts to the Cardinal, Archbishop Emeritus Ndingi Mwana a Nzeki the apostolic Nuncio and the Bishop of
Machakos Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde.
In his speech John Cardinal Njue who is also the chairman of the Kenya Episcopal
conference gave the greetings and best wishes to the Bishop of Machakos,
Archbishop Ndingi, Clergy, religious men and women and the faithful of Machakos
Diocese from all the Bishops of Kenya. He thanked ArchBishop Ndingi for the
strong foundation which he laid as the first Bishop of Machakos which has taken
the Diocese to where it is today. Going back to remind the priests of their philisophical
studies he explained in Kiswahili and with different examples what the
philosopical principal ‘Kitu chochote kinachofanya kitu kinafanya kulingana na
kilicho ‘ (whatever acts, acts acccording to its mode of being or in other
words the essence of being is reflected in its product).
Let’s take care of our
Faith, let us live a life of witness and restore our dignity. All have to live
in accordance to their dignity and identity. He concluded his ‘short’ speech by
calling all to pray for our beloved country Kenya that the leaders may give
priority to the needs of the citizens and not to concetrate on matters which
are not urgent now.
Speaking to the
congregation at Kenyatta stadium, the Apostolic Nuncio, Alain Paul lebeaupin
underlined the fact that we are not just celebrating 40 years of Evangelization
but of faithfulness. To be a faithful servant is God’s expectation from each
one of us, he said.The popes representative stressed on the necessity of
families, saying that no vocational growth without a foundation which is the
family. Challenging the priests his Excellency told them that quality is
superior to quantity. ‘The big numbers of priests is not enough, it is more
vital to be good’. To all the priests, and religious he challenged them to be
faithful.
Many had come to this
celebration hoping to hear what the Pope’s representative had in store for them
about the curving of the new Diocese of Wote : On this issue he promised
to do the midwife bussiness. He said he is only a facilitator but we (The
faithful of Machakos Diocese) are the one’s who should be ready to give birth
to the new Diocese for it is not like creating a new District. After the
celebrations at Kenyatta stadium the Bishops and the invited guests processed
to Katoloni where the new Bishop’s house was blessed and offficially oppened as
a land mark for the 40 years of Evangelization.
Long live Machakos Catholic Diocese!
U’wo takes the opportunity to
thank all the people of good will who helped us to make this day a success. God
bless you all!
By Fr. Charles Kyallo
27th Sunday
of the Ordinary Time
Gen 2:18-24; Heb
2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16
In today's world,
marriage is in crisis, and the break-up of families leaves many young people
seriously deprived in their formative years. Sexual deviation is also in the
increase and endless debates on homosexuality and gay marriages to mention but
the least. The first and Gospel reading speak about marriage. Jesus challenges
his contemporary Jews on divorce. He bypasses their debate, and speaks of what
marriage is in the plan of the Creator – 'in the beginning'.
Citing from Genesis, he makes the
startling assertion that true marriage is more than an arrangement entered into
by two human persons; it involves God – 'What God has united, man must
not divide'.
Marriage is a divine
institute and by its nature leaves no room for divorce. We are reminded that
the solitude of Adam, finds no companion in the animal kingdom; only in Eve,
created in the image and likeness of God like him. No room for divorce because
marriage calls for self giving in self donation. In the permanence of marriage
can the family become a true school of love between the couples and the off
springs - a blessing from God realized in the mutual love of the spouses.
28th Sunday of the
Ordinary Time
The word of God is alive and active. These words
of the letter to the Hebrews are reflected in the discussion of Jesus and the
young rich man. Jesus touches the young man’s dark point. Our point of arrival
becomes a point of departure.
Keeping of the commandments is the first step
towards holiness. Until our belief shifts from observance of law to living it,
we can not claim to be close to the beatific vision.
We are reminded to be reflective in our Christian
sojourn. We should allow the word of the Lord to sink deep in our inner
selves. The rich young man’s reaction
warns us that, though material wealth may be a blessing form the Lord, it can
become an enemy to discipleship. Attachment to wealth and making it an end by
itself is a challenge to our Christian life. We can not put a dichotomy between
the material gifts which we have and the spiritual gifts received from the same
Lord. The rich man had kept the law but had not lived it perfectly with his
possessions. Jesus reminds us that when we go to him he will advice us but will
never take away our freedom of choice. We should be ready to fulfill the
demands of discipleship.
29th Sunday
of the Ordinary Time
Isa 53:10-1; Heb
4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45
The Gospel reminds us that true conversion is
much more than a reform of personal morals. It is a revolution in our
understanding of what our life "in Christ" means; it is the
starting point of true discipleship. Jesus now urges the twelve to be
converted, to broaden their vision, and change their values. After Jesus
announced a future reign, James and his brother are eying the best posts in his
government they are on an earthly reality while Jesus is referring to a divine
reality. Instead of being bitter with those who wish to place the place of
honor, we should pray for their conversion and forge ahead in doing the will of
God.
Service to others is a sign of a converted soul.
Jesus calls us to devote ourselves for the good of humanity. His answer to the
sons of Zebedee reminds us that heavenly grace and inheritance is not out of
favoritism but living a life worth it. Jesus reminds us that God never forgets
our works of faith and labor of love. We should seek the good and not greatness
and reserved pre-eminence.
30th Sunday
of the Ordinary Time
Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6;
Mark 10:46-52
The Gospel narrative presents us with Bartimaeus,
a blind man who wants to be healed. He acknowledges that Jesus is the son of
David and has power to heal him. This was an act of faith whose result is
restoration of sight. We notice how this blind man is impeded by the disciples
from reaching Christ. Despite of this, Jesus hears his cry and responds to him.
How often do we have fellow believers covering the cry of the poor in the
church and treat them as social misfits? It is worthy noting how those who were
opposing Bartimaeus encourage him to go to Christ. He becomes his disciple.
This Gospel passage reminds us that the noise of the world can not be loud that
God can not hear our cry.
In the midst of moral decadence, social and religious
challenges as well as political and economic crisis our cry for help to the
Lord should never cease!
By Fr. Francis Maundu
The harvest is rich, but the labourers are few”. Luke was born of a pagan
family but later converted to Christianity, a Doctor who accompanied Paul on
his second and third Missionary journeys. He
stayed with him in
From the preface to the Gospel, it indicates that Luke was not an eye
witness or immediate disciple of the Lord; He himself states that he had
carried out an extensive research and had written an orderly account about
Jesus. The extra – ordinary feature of
Luke’s work is the presence of Acts, which conveys the distinctive and
comprehensive perspectives of Luke – which is the actual fulfilling of the
prophecies of Isaiah in the proclamation of the Gospel to the ends of the
earth. This inclusion of the gentiles is often referred to as Luke’s Universalism
or concern for all humanity (Lk: 2: 14, 24:47).
The Gospel according to St. Luke displays a keen interest in individuals,
social out casts, women, children and social relationships especially
situations involving poverty or wealth. The Gospel has special stress on prayer
and the Holy Spirit which results in a striking note of Joyfulness and praise.
These features tell us something about Luke as a person and his understanding
of Christianity. Being a companion to Paul tells us that Luke was in Philippi
(his home town) and that he joined Paul
on his way to Jerusalem and stayed with Philip at Caesarea (Acts 21: 1-18),
then after Paul’s two years imprisonment in Caesarea, Luke sailed with him to
Rome (Acts 27: 1 – 28: 16). Luke died at the age of 84 Years.
REFLECTIONS
From Luke’s Gospel, it is very clear that he valued those rejected, out
casts and considered of low class. Do we value them in our society and come
close to them like Jesus to assist them in their need? According to Luke, prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit in oneself,
results into Joyfulness and praise. What attitude do we have for prayer and
does the Holy Spirit dwell in us such that we are moved to do good? Luke fulfilled the will of God in his life,
then what is my purpose here on earth and what does God want me to do? “The harvest is rich and the labourers are
few”. May the prayer of St. Luke strengthen us in our mission.
By: Fr. Alphonse K. Muema
NOVEMBER 2009
5th CMI
PANAFRICAN meeting
7th Muvothi –Diocese
8th Katangi (Franciscan Clarists)
21st Final
Profession Carmelite
22nd Mlolongo
Confirmation
26th Mbitini
27th Diocesan
Leaders meeting
On the 9th of September 2009, the Brothers of St.
Peter Claver had a reason to rejoice and
be glad. This is because Brothers Peter Kibe, Peter Kioko and Bernard Kimeu
made their final commitment to remain in the family of the Brothers of St. Peter Claver. The Bishop
of Machakos Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde was there to grace the occasion and
receive the vows of the three Brothers.
In his homily, Bishop
Martin stressed much on the evangelical council vows, saying that they are the
spiritual vessels which help religious
in their relationship with God. He also stressed on the quality of life
of religious as a living testimony of Christ living among us. Although they
don’t receive high orders like priesthood, through the life they live they
Evangelise alot to the people of God.
They are the flags of Christ in our society. The Superior of the Brothers of St. Peter
Claver Brother Raphael Ngingi also stressed on the life of vows and advised the
Brothers to realise that their vocation is personal and divine. He encouraged them to offer their services to
all without discrimination.
By: Brother Seraphine Njagi
We are inviting all to
a thanks giving mass and Final Day for the Diocesan Collection At our Lady of
Lourdes Cathedral on 7th November 2009.
Time: 10:00am
WELCOME ONE AND ALL!
Catholic Diocese of Machakos
P.O. Box - 344 -90100 Machakos
Tel. +254-44-20484; Fax. +254-44-21308
Office
E-mail: bishopsomks@wananchi.com