A total of 45 Teacher Chaplains were commissioned on 29th March 2026 during the third Mass at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral, presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos and Apostolic Administrator of Kitui.
The Teacher Chaplains, drawn from different Catholic-sponsored schools in the diocese, underwent formation at Tangaza University through a program organized by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops via its Commission for Education and Religious Education (CERE). They are expected to play a key role in promoting faith, coordinating liturgical life, mentoring students, offering guidance and counselling, providing spiritual care to both students and staff, and strengthening the link between schools, the Church, and the wider community.
In his homily, Rt. Rev. Mwongela called on the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, urging them not to betray their Christian values. He cautioned against the pursuit of “blood money” and emphasized the need for integrity in daily life.
He further called on Christians to pray for leaders, especially during Holy Week, that they may guide the nation in peace. He also challenged the faithful to be less of words and more of action, witnessing their faith through concrete deeds.
The Bishop reminded the congregation to pray for the nation and families, and to mark Holy Week as a time of conversion—returning to God, abandoning evil, and allowing God’s will to prevail.
The Education Secretary, Rev. Fr Antony Muema, emphasized the Church’s commitment to holistic formation. He encouraged the teachers to lead by example as they nurture the spiritual and moral life within school communities.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission for Education and Religious Education continues to promote chaplaincy in schools as part of holistic formation, addressing the emotional, spiritual, and moral well-being of learners.
