October 2012
EDITORIAL THE YEAR OF FAITH.
We are all aware that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated this year 11th October 2012 to 24th November 2013 to be the year of Faith. He has requested all Christians to reflect on their faith and to deepen it. The Holy Father describes the year of Faith as a “propitious occasion for the faithful to understand more profoundly that the foundation of Christian faith is the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”(Deus Caritas est. no.1). In his apostolic letter, Porta Fidei, the Holy Father emphasizes “The need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed over clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of encounter with Christ”. Faith is a gift from God. It is something which we can lose by neglecting and not nurturing it. We have to nurture it; we have to pray for it always. Faith is living from day to day in God’s presence, trying to put His good news into practice, knowing that He is around us everywhere, and trying to make our lives correspond to His by acts of kindness, forgivingness and joy. Fr. Dominic Waweru. Communications Director 1
BISHOPS CORNER
All over the world, the church is celebrating the year of faith. In this month of October the church is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Vatican 2 and 20 years of the catechism of the Catholic Church. The church calls upon us to deepen our faith during this year of faith, in Ngong Diocese we are blessed to have Bishop Emeritus Colin Davies representing the Kenyan church in Rome for this occasion. Bishop Davies was one of the church Fathers for Vatican 2 and it is on that capacity that the Pope invited him to Rome. When He comes back from Rome we hope He will share with us his experiences in. In the spirit of the occasion, I declare the song “Iende Mbele Injili” as the Diocesan Anthem of the year of Faith. I also bring to your attention that the month of October is dedicated to Our Lady, and it would be a good thing if families made it a point of saying the Rosary every newday.
Bishop John Oballa
KNOW YOUR CARDINAL His Eminence John Cardinal Njue was born in Embu in 1944 and is the son to Joseph Nyaga Kibariki and Monica Ngina Nyaga. He was baptized in 1948 and later begun school in Gituri primary school in 1952 at the climax of the Emergency period in Kenya. In 1959, he moved to Kyaweru, Nguviu Intermediate School where he continued until 1960. As he carried on with his education he felt that his call was to become a priest and he was mentored into priesthood by his teacher, Mr. Nazario Mvungu, and a well renowned catechist Mateo. He attended the same Kyaweru, Nguviu intermediate school for His secondary education which culminated to the award of Cambridge school certificate in 1966. Fr. Njue joined the Junior Seminary at Nkubu, Meru in 1962 where God helped him nature his priestly vocation. From 1967 to 1974 he did his Philosophical studies in Rome, and was ordained as a priest by Pope Paul the Sixth at St. Peter’s Basilica in January 6th 1973. Upon his return he did his pastoral work in Kariakomo Parish in Meru South. He taught Philosophy at St. Augustine’s Senior Seminary, Mabanga in Bongoma, where he served as rector for four years, from 1978- 1982. He later went to the United States for a course in spirituality after which he was assigned to serve as a Parish Priest in Chuka Parish thereby becoming the first African priest to be assigned as a Parish Priest. He also served as a Rector for the philosophical seminary of Meru and Nairobi. In June, 1986, Fr. John was appointed Bishop of Embu by Pope John Paul II. And He was consecrated as Bishop the same year 20th September by Joseph Tomko. The co-consecrators were Raphael Ndingi Mwana ‘Nzeki and Bishop Silas Silvius Njiru. Being a cardinal He too has some favorite hobbies which are: Acting and playing football. Cardinal Njue is also media friendly and has a great sense of humor. 2
The Bishop Emeritus Colin Davies has been celebrating his 60th Priestly anniversary since July this year. He was able to join his classmates in England, Ireland and Holland. Bishop Davies was ordained a Priest on the 13th July 1952 in Mill Hill London. He came to Kenya as a missionary in January 1960. For 52 years he has been in Kenya. On the 29th September Bishop John Oballa organized a Diocesan Jubilee to thank God for the gift of Bishop Davies.
The colorful Eucharistic celebration was held at the Watakatifu Wote Senta. Bishop Davies was the main celebrant, Bishop John Oballa and the Bishop Emeritus of Nyahururu Bishop Luigi and more than 40 priests concelebrated at the mass. In his homily, Bishop Davies thanked God for what He has granted to him especially the strength to serve the people of God. Bishop Oballa praised Bishop Davies for his simplicity and love for the seminarians. AD MULTOS A NOS
CWA COMISSIONING It was great joy for Catholic Women Association of St. Barnabas Matasia Parish when 34 new members were commisioned. The event took place at Matasia Parish grounds on 30th September 2012. The Mass was precided over by Rev. Fr. Celestino Bundi assisted by Rev. Fr. J. Orenge and the host Very Rev. Fr. J. Ntiseiya 3
ST. MONICA, FEAST. St. Monica’s feast day is celebrated annually on 27th August to honor the saint. St Monica Kiwanja in Ngong Parish organized a colorful event which marked the grand opening of the church. The feast was presided over by the Executive Secretary Fr. Francis Mwangi who has been part of the church since its foundation. The church was started in order to assist the old who were unable to reach the Parish Church in Ngong. It becomes the new land mark of St. Joseph procathedral Parish after St. Aloysius Catholic Church Olkeri.
NEW DAWN.
It was a day to recon for the Young Christian Action group who were officially welcomed and blessed at the St. Monica church Kiwanja. The event which commenced with the mass presided by Fr. Dominic Waweru, who called on all to join the group for Evangelization and do that they are compatible with. He urged the young mothers and fathers who cannot be in the CMA, CWA or the Youth to join the group. Catechist Maina of Ngong Parish praised the group and pleaded with them to honor the Church sacraments and its stand on contraceptives, He called them to be keepers and doers of faith. The ceremony brought Young Christian Action group from St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ngong to be their mentors.
TWINNING.
The concept of twinning of Parishes in the Diocese came up about three years ago. It was not until 2011 that His Eminence John Cardinal Njue the then Apostolic Administrator encouraged it. A few Parishes were identified and proposed for twinning. St.Mary’s Ongata Rongai was proposed to be twinned with St. Mark, Lemek. On the 19th August 2012 the two parishes were officially twinned at a colorful ceremony held at St.Mary’s Catholic Church Ongata Rongai. About 100 Christians came from Lemek for this occasion. His Lordship Bishop John Oballa officially launched the twinning of the two parishes, by issuing certificates to the Parish priests of both Parishes. The Parish council leaders exchanged a Bible, wine and bread signs of evangelization. The Bishop explained that twinning is forming a deep relationship between two Parishes, avoiding dependency and paternalism. It is a way of sharing and collaboration between two parishes. The Bishop explained that twinning is a joint reciprocal-giver and sharer. It is hoped that all the other parishes will follow.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CRADLE FOR HOLISTIC INFORMATION
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ducation Coordinator for Ngong Diocese Esther Waweru has termed catholic funded schools as a cradle for holistic information streaming down from school to the students homes. Speaking at the Parents day at Esilanke Supat Girls Sec School in Mashuuru on 4th October 2012 Esther urged parents especially women to take up their significant roles in mentoring the girl child, she stressed on the need for parents and teachers to unite for the betterment of the institution. Parents also lamented on the issue of water shortage at the institution which forces their children to walk a distance in search of. The coordinator responding to the matter said that the plans are underway for piping water to the institution. The institution administrator Sister Jenerika was pleased at how the institution is fairing on and urged all to maintain the same commitment.
BISHOP, CATHOLIC IDENTITY BE MAINTAINED The Bishop has urged teachers teaching in Catholic funded institution to ensure that Catholic identity and doctrines are maintained in the institutions so as to nurture children of faith and good morals. The Bishop was speaking when he presided over a prize giving day event at St. Joseph Ngong Catholic Academy on 3rd October 2012. He stressed to the children to uphold good morals since good morals will enable them earn respect in the society. Parents and teachers came in large numbers to witness their children being awarded, the administrator Sister Juliet said that the school ensures all round development of a whole person which involves intellectual character and spiritual formation is provided. She quoted Pope John Paul 2 saying, “to educate without a value system based on truth is to abandon young people to moral confusion; persona insecurity and easy manipulation.� No country can endure if it is deprived its own children of these essential goods
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NGONG PARISH 280 RECEIVES SACRAMENT OF CONFRMATION It was jubilation when the Bishop confirmed 280 both young and old at St. Joseph Ngong Pro-Cathedral on Sunday 30th Sept 2012, the mass which was colorfully made by the choir and PMC saw 20 students out of 280 from Mt Carmel Girls Sec School Olkeri also getting confirmed. FINAL PROFFESSION OF SISTER ROSEMARY 28th October was a happy day for the Good Shepherd Sisters as they celebrated the final profession of Sister Rosemary Karutani at Meru. The profession was presided over by Bishop Salesius Mugambi, Sister Dorothy Kinyua, the rector leader of the good shepherd sisters in East Africa was happy when she placed a ring on sister Rosemary’s finger.
DIOCESE BIDS CARDINAL GOOD-BYE. The Catholic Diocese of Ngong in a colorful ceremony held at Watakatifu Wote Centre on 28th August bid farewell to his Eminence John Cardinal Njue and thanked him for the good work he did while he was the Apostolic Administrator for almost three years. His Eminence was the main celebrant during the colorful Eucharistic celebration. He thanked the people of the Diocese of Ngong for having cooperated with him well. He also thanked His Lordship Bishop John Oballa for inviting him back for the thanksgiving Mass. He said that he was so humbled to receive so many gifts from the faithfuls and thanked all for their kindness. Bishop Oballa was also happy to welcome back His Eminence in the Diocese. He thanked him for having facilitated to get a good car for the apostolate and for a very good hand over and his great concern for the Diocese of Ngong. He assured His Eminence of his prayers as he continues to shepherd the people of God. ASANTE CARNINAL WETU NA TUNA KUPENDA.
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Gender training at Enoosupukia Parish on 4th Oct, 2012
NOTICES 07.11.12 08.11.12 09.11.12 09.11.12
Ordinary Plenary “ “ Dimesse - Formators Conference (Mass)11.00am 15.11.12 Diaconnate Ordination at St Joseph’s Pro-cathedral Ngong. 17.11.12 Ongata Rongai – Marriage Encounter Mass 26-30 Nov. Diocesan Retreat at Dimesse Sisters 02.12.12 Diocesan Family Day 6th - 10th Dec. Ngong Deanery Cultural Festival at St Monica Nonkoopir Parish Kitengela.
Unveiling of Oltepesi Community borehole plaque on 14th August 2012
BISHOP’S ITINERARY November and December
1.11.12 Installation of Lectors and Acolyte Tindinyo 03.11.12 St. John the Evangelist – Kajiado Confirmations, Marriages, and marriage renewals 03.11.12 St. Charles Lwanga – Rombo Confirmations and opening of the Church 09.11.12 Dimesse - Formators Conference (Mass)11.00am 11.11.12 Sultan Hamud Family Day 11.11.12 St. Monica – Noonkopir Parish Day and Confirmations 15.11.12 Diaconnate Ordination at St Joseph’s Pro-cathedral Ngong. 17.11.12 Ongata Rongai – Marriage Encounter Mass 18.11.12 Ewuaso Kedong – 25th Anniversary Missionary of Charity (Rosminian) Mass at 10.00 am 25.11.12 Christ the King – Kilgoris Parish Day 08.12.12 Diocese of Lodwar – 50th Anniversary 16.12.12 Mass in Kisumu 23.12.12 Mary Mother of God – Embulbul Confirmations 30.12.12 Kandisi – Confirmation and installing Priests (Resident)
Catholic Diocese of Ngong P.O Box 24801 - 00501, Karen, Kenya Tel: (+254) 20 8029816, Mobile: (+254) 721 491057, Fax: (+254) 20 242 5019 E-mail:bishop@ngongdiocese.org Website: www.ngongdiocese.org