Friday 19, Feb, 2010 10:19:15 AM Catholic Diocese of Kitui launches Lenten Campaign 2010 After a tiresome preparation, finally, the Catholic Diocese of Kitui has launched this Year’s Lenten Campaign at our Lady of Africa Cathedral – Kitui, the theme being "Towards Healing and Transformation." The launching began with a procession from Kitui Pastoral Centre to Cathedral grounds then after that His Grace, Rt. Rev. Boniface Lele presided the Mass being helped by Very. Rev. Fr. Robert Mutui and Fr. Gabriel Manzi. In His homily, Fr. Robert Mutui gave Four things which should be emphasized more during this period of Lent namely: help for the needy, prayer, fasting  and forgiveness. "This is a journey of prayer, and therefore as Christians, we should put in mind/prayer the life of everyone," he said. The Catholic church started a period of 40 days of lent when all Christians and people of God will reflect on the life of Christ in the World. Jesus Mission was on Healing and Transformation and all are called to live this Mission inWord and deed. The campaign calls for people to focus on food security, constitution and governance, environmental protection, healing and reconciliation and fighting  insecurity. A progress review meeting of the campaign for the final evaluation will be held on 20th April 2010   Monday, January 18, 2010 10:12:12 AM Catholic Diocese of Kitui Justice and Peace Commission to launch Lenten Campaign 2010. The catholic Diocese of Kitui Justice and Peace commission is expected to launch this year’s Lenten campaign at Diocesan level on Friday, 19th February 2010 at Kitui Cathedral church commencing  at 10.00am. The Launch at the parish level will kick off the following day after the diocesan launch whereby each parish will strategize on their best way to make the launch achieve the desired output. A planning committee of sixteen members has been appointed of which it will meet twice before the material review and the launch. The Diocesan material review will be held on Thursday 18th February 2010 at Kitui Pastoral centre.  The Diocesan thematic group that will carry out the review will be communicated immediately after the first planning committee meeting.  All the Diocesan CJPC coordinators met in Bungoma Diocese for the Lenten Campaign material review as well as planning for the National launch and 2010 thematic areas of focus. The National launch will be held on 14th February 2010 at Garissa Diocese.

His lordship Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria Sends a Christmas message to all christians as follows

Monday 12th Oct. 2009 “Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7) That was the spirit on Saturday 10th Oct. 2009 Despite the hardships being faced in the entire Nation, the faithful from the Catholic Diocese of Kitui devoted themselves and responded to the call of His Lordship Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria in the Activity of the Diocesan Collection. (“muvothi”) This activity took place on Saturday 10th  October 2009 at our Lady of Africa Cathedral – Kitui. All the Parishes in the diocese were represented with every parish being able to bring a portion of the levy which was allocated to it. Some of the Parishes tried their level best to achieve the target which was set to them by the diocese. So “when you give you should give generously from the heart...” (Rom 12:8) The Diocesan Collection is done annually and it is through the collection that the Diocese is placed at a better position of fulfilling its mission which states; “ The Catholic diocese of Kitui exists to witness Christ through evangelization to all and service to all people in need bringing in about the Kingdom of God.”

Monday, September 21, 2009 2:42:15 PM Catholic Diocese of Kitui Visits the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis A delegation of 9 people from the Catholic Diocese of Kitui is being hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis this month in the State of Minnesota. The Delegation left the country on 16th September 2009 for a partnership Visit to Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. The delegation is led by Rev. Fr. Robert Mutui who is the Vicar General/Pastoral Coordinator (Catholic Diocese of Kitui) Nine people out of ten got their Visa (In exception of Christine Syungo, Youth representative, Kitui, who did not make it after two attempts.) Other delegates include; Fr. Emmanuel Ngui (Parish Priest – Nuu), Sr. Jacinta Nzele (Women Coordinator), Vivianne Mulonzya (Home Based Care Coordinator), Patrick Kutu (Mulutu Parish), Japheth Kithuka (Chairperson C.M.A – Catholic diocese of Kitui), Peter Kimeu (CRS),  Monica Kalia (Catechist), Acothy Ndoo (Kyuso Parish). Fr. Peter Muvea (Vocations Director – Diocese of Kitui) will also join the delegation to be part of them. This qualifies to be the third visit from the Catholic Diocese of Kitui to St. Paul & Minneapolis since the two Diocese partnered in August 14th 2004. The first visit was in 2004 while the other one took place in 2006. Armed with Smart Objectives, the delegation is expected to strengthen the global solidarity partnership initiative between the two dioceses. This partnership has been mediated by Catholic Relief Service (CRS) Through this partnership, Kitui and St. Paul/Minneapolis have been journeying together to strengthen Faith, Build closer relationships and even share their “Fullness and nothingness” As a result of sharing with each other, St Paul & Minneapolis is supporting a Food Resource Bank project in Nuu Parish that is aimed at making water available to the locals, while moving towards food Sustainability in the area. There is a target of 5 dams in Nuu Parish of which four dams are already complete. For now soil & water conservation is in progress in around the sites of 3 dams which were constructed this year. The other dam will commence next year in June. There are other initiatives apart from dam construction which include sharing of Faith and culture. There is also school to school partnership which is being spearheaded by Deacon Mickey in liaison with Fr. Julius Muthamba (the Education Secretary in the Diocese of Kitui.) In the course of their visit, the delegates will embark on strengthening the relationship between the two partners.

Music Festivals 09

“Go out and evangelize to all”   His Lordship Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria has requested all the youths to get out and evangelize to all through singing since they possess the talent of singing.   He gave out these words during the Diocesan music Festivals which were held at our Lady of Africa Cathedral grounds on 28th August whereby 95 percent of the Parishes in the diocese were represented.   During this colourful occasion the Diocesan Youth chaplain, Rev. Fr. Mark Musyoka challenged the youths to be active in every church activity but only during the Music festivals. The Nationals will be held at Nakuru in November.   The results for the festivals were as follows in different Classes:                     ADVANCED CLASS   Position Station Parish Set piece Composition Adaptation Total 1. Kabati Kabati 86 86 86 258 2.   Mulutu 82 84 82 248 3. Muthale Muthale 83 80 83 246 4.   Kanyangi 80 82 81 243 5. Township Boma   85 84 169 6. Muumbuni Mwingi     80 80 7. Kisovo Migwani 79     79     A  SPECIAL   Position Station Parish Set piece Composition Adaptation Total 1. Township Boma 86 83 85 258 2. Kavalo Muthale 85 81.5 86 252.5 3. Winzeeyi Nguutani 82 84 85.5 251.5 4. Mwingi Mwingi 83 82.5 84 249.5 5. Katheka Kabati 84 80.5 84 249 5. Matinyani Mutune 82.5 82 84.5 249 7. Miambani Miambani 79 81 84 244 8.   Kanyangi 81 79 83 243 8. Kitulani Migwani 80 80 83 243 10.   Kiio 76 75 82 233 11.   Mulutu 75     75     A PLAIN   Position Station Parish Set piece Composition Adaptation Total 1. Kimangao Kimangao 87 85 87 259 2. Usiani Muthale 84.5 88 84 256.5 3. Kwa nyingi Kabati 83 87 85.5 255.5 4. Kitoo Mutomo 83 86 86 255 5. Nzawa Nguutani 86 84 84.5 254.5 6. Kanyaa Migwani 85.5 84 84.5 254 7. Maseki Mutune 85 85 83.5 253.5 8.   Mulutu 84 83 85 252 9. Ngomeni Kyuso 82 83 85 250 9. Kwamunyanzu Kiio 84 83 83 250 11. Mutulu Miambani 82 83 82 247 12. Kamutei Ikutha 81 82 83 246 12.   Kanyangi 80 85 81 246 14. Kyaangwa Mbitini 82 80 83 245 15. Makele Ikanga 83 79 80 242   CLASS B   Position Station Parish Set piece Composition Folksong Total 1. Kaliluni Migwani 85 86 86 257 2. Mutini Mutomo 80 85 88 253 2. Kombu Kabati 87 83 83 253 4. Kavuti Muthale 84 82 85 251 5.   Kanyangi 82 87 81 250 5. Kauma Mutune 81 88 81 250 7. Miwani Kyuso 86 81 81 248 8. Kairungu Kiio 83 80 84 247 9. Matulani Ikutha 80 84 81 245 9. Mutito Mutito 76 82 87 245 11. Katuala Mbitini 79 80 84 243 12.   Mulutu 79 81 82 242 13. Mbondoni Mwingi 76 81 83 240 13. Mutulu Miambani 78 80 82 240 15. Nzeve Kavisuni 77 79 83 239 15. Thimu Nguutani 78 80 81 239 17. Mosa Ikanga 77 79 82 238   CLASS C   Position Station Parish Set Piece Composition Folksong Total 1. Wii boma 87 87 85 259 2. Kaluasi Mutomo 81 84 87 252 3. Katoteni Nguutani 85 85 81 251 4. Kea Migwani 83 84 83 250 5. Kithumula Kabati 80 81 88 249 5. Wikivuvw’a Kiio 82 83 84 249 7. Mesilya Ikanga 84 81 82 247 8. Mutonya Ikutha 79 81 86 246 9. Muvukoni Kyuso 81 82 81 244 9. Kiviu Miambani 79 82 83 244 11. Maiyuni Mwingi 78 79 80 237 11.   Kanyangi 78 80 79 237 13. Kathome Kavisuni 80 80 75 235           CLASS D   Position Station Parish Set piece Composition Folksong Total 1. Kalindilo Kabati 87 86 88 261 2. Tulima tuthei Nguutani 83 80 85 248 3. Tangai Ikutha 82 83 80 245 4. Kangungi Migwani 80 78 82 240       Dramatized Traditional Dance   Position Station Parish Marks 1. Muthale Muthale 83% 2. Kavumbu Mutune 82% 3. Katutu Kabati 81%     DRAMATIZED CHORAL VERSE   Position Station Parish Marks 1. Tulia Muthale 84% 2. Kavumbu Mutune 80%

Ordination

Monday, June 15, 2009 5 priests, 2 Deacons ordained   It was joy as faithful filled Kitui Cathedral to capacity on 30th May 2009 to witness the ordination of five priests and two deacons. This colourful occasion which kicked off with a procession from St. Augustine Secretariat to the Our Lady of Africa Cathedral Kitui few metres away was presided by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, Bishop of Kitui with a   The priests to be ordained included Rev. Mark Musyoka ( Mulutu Parish), Rev. Japheth Mwove ( Muthale Parish), Rev. Michael Ngunia ( Nguutani parish), Rev. Jonathan Malusi ( Mutito parish) and Rev. Dominic munene ( Nuu Parish). The Deacons are: Cyprian Kaleve ( Kabati Parish) and Edward Mulwa ( Mutune Parish).   While addressing the congregation, the Bishop requested all the parents to give out there childrens to God whenever they are called. “When your child is called, give him/her permission to go and serve the Lord.” the Bishop said.     ordained priests and deacons as our children and whenever they encounter as sort of problem its our responsibility as the church to help them come out the problem. “Incase of any mistake, we should advice them the same way in which we advice our children.” said the CWA chairperson. (Ann Mwanza)   All the Christians were requested by youth vice chairperson, Michael Kyenze to pray for one another, bishop, clergy and the entire church to embrace faith and maintain Catholic identity.   --END--

Justice and Peace

Catholic Diocese of Kitui Launches School based Justice and Peace Formation Clubs (JPCs).   Towards the fulfillment of its mandate, The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) conducted principals’ & Patrons’ training on Justice, Peace, Human rights, accountability and Transparency which took place on 20th to  22nd  May 2009 at Kitui Pastoral Centre.    This training was aimed at equipping the participants with a resource that enables them to initiate and manage the activities of JPCs in Schools. Fourteen Participants representing seven (7) Schools successfully completed the training. This is a pilot exercise comprising Kimangao Girls’ Sec. School, Mutomo Girls’ Sec. School, Muthale Girls’ Sec. School, Mutini Mixed Sec. School, Usiani Mixed Sec. School, Kyangunga Mixed Sec. School and Kwa-Tundu Mixed Sec School.                                                  Initiation of school – based Justice and Peace Formation Clubs (JPCs) seeks to mentor holistic growth and development for high school youth as they approach the transition period to become young Adults. There are two manuals that the learners will base their activities for better part of term namelly: “Give peace a chance” and “Citizenship-Child rights” Other manuals will be provided within the course of other terms.   It is hoped that the Clubs shall be avenues through which Schools can promote and enhance a culture of human Rights and justice, where the dignity of human person is respected and upheld. Strategic objectives of such Clubs include; ·          To inculcate ethics/morals among the school youth; ·          To promote a sense of duty and responsibility in the lives of young people; ·          To enhance realization of Human Rights and access to justice. During the training, Fr. Paul Mathenge emphasized there exists no difference between evangelization and human development; and that “the church relentlessly promotes social, economic and political structures that practice justice and equity”The principal of mbitini Secondary school, Mr DanielMunguti indicated that “prayer of St. Francis on peace to be put in class/ school notice boards to transform the schools as institutions of prayer and formation”incipal of Mutini secondary, Mr. Daniel The plenary did not fail to note the complexity of the right to privacy in shool set up. The following issues were debated unconclusively: should students Boxes be arbitrary searched? What about opening and reading students’ mails? The power of love and charity! On reciting the resource pack, the justice and peace Coordinator, Mr. Joel Ndingi gave the action of providing scholarship in school. The Coordinator posed, “suppose the principal of  Muthale Girls’ which has  a population of over 500 students asked each to contribute Kshs 50.00 in a year. This would Sum to Kshs. 25,000.00- enough to pay school fees of one needy, bright student per year”. This is an action leading to the promotion of ‘the right to education’. Does this read practical? How resourceful we can be if we are committed to promotion of a just order.

Saturday, April 04, 2009 Diocese gets 5 more priests, two new deacons this May   On 30th May 2009 (the eve of the Pentecost) will be a day of its own kind for the Bishop and our five deacons who will be ordained as priests.         They are: Rev. Mark Musyoka (Mulutu Parish) currently working in Kimangao Parish. Rev. Japheth Kimanzi (Muthale Parish) currently working at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral. Rev. Michael Ngunia (Nguutani Parish) currently working in Ikutha Parish. Rev. Jonathan Malusi (Mutito Parish) currently working in Nuu Parish Rev. Dominic Nzamuli (Nuu Parish) currently working in Miambani Parish. The above will be elevated to priesthood while two Seminarians, who are now serving as acolytes, will be ordained to diaconate. These are: Cyprian Kaleve from Kabati Parish Edward Mulwa from Mutune Paris It will be the first ordination of Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria since he became the bishop of Kitui in August 2008.   Before the ordination day, the Catholic Women Association together with the other arms of the Catholic Church (ie CMA and Youth) will visit the deacons’ families (Nthoki). They will do so to thank the Parents of those to be ordained for giving their sons to serve as priests in the church.   As we witness the ordination of seven men into different orders (diaconate and priesthood), our three seminarians, who are in fourth year in Theologicum will have graduated on 8th May 2009.    It’s also joy for the vocations director (Fr. Peter Muvea) who has been journeying with them for quite a number of years to see them as deacons and priests.

Saturday, February 07, 2009 Hunger situation in Kitui   According to the recently released statistics, 10 million people in Kenya face imminent starvation. The most affected areas include the arid and semi arid zones in rural areas and the slum population in urban areas.   Catholic Diocese of Kitui is within the Arid and Semi arid Zone   This prompted the Kenya government to declare the current famine and food crisis in the country a national disaster, with President Mwai Kibaki appealing for an urgent aid of Kshs. 37 Billion from the international and internal well-wishers.   According to an assessment undertaken by Caritas-Kenya, Cafod and Trocaire EARO in several Dioceses in Kenya, including Kitui, Garissa, Machakos, Embu, Meru,Isiolo, Maralal, Nakuru and Lodwar diocese Malindi and Mombasa, the assessors recommend that urgent food intervention programmes are needed on the ground.   Also needed are enhanced selective/ targeted feeding programmes for children especially in marginal areas.   In addition, is urgent need for providing livestock disease control initiatives, as well as rehabilitating water sources to enhance water harvesting.   Also required is investment in long term interventions to equip the affected communities with livelihood assets, physical and intellectual know-how that will prepare them for shocks and uncertainties in future.   The reports from meteorological department indicate that the country should be prepared for a longer dry spell. This means more food crisis at the back drop of the failed December rains.   This comes at a time when government has revealed that there may be not enough strategic emergency food reserves (Read: Maize (corn) the staple food in Kenya) to feed the nation.   More worrisome are alleged corruption scandals in the media that some cartels within the government/ private sector are exporting available maize stocks.   Also there are media reports that farmers in the north rift, a zone in Kenya which produces most of the grains consumed in the country have with held their stocks out of fear for losses as the price government is offering is quite low.   As a result the situation is expected to worsen.   Within this diocese, much fear goes to the populace that requires special diet as a therapeutic measure, including the under fives, persons living with HIV/AIDS, the aged and the expectant mums.