The Catholic Diocese of Kitui has celebrated the Chrism Mass at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral, presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos and Apostolic Administrator of Kitui. The Mass brought together clergy, religious, and lay faithful.
The Chrism Mass, a central liturgy of Holy Week, was marked by the consecration of the Sacred Chrism and the blessing of the Oils of Catechumens and the Sick. During the celebration, priests also renewed the promises they made at their ordination, reaffirming their commitment to serve God and His people.
In his homily, Bishop Mwongela called on priests to cherish and respect their vocation, emphasizing that priesthood is lived in communion with the people and not in isolation. “You must enjoy your priesthood; you must respect it. It is lived with the people and for the people,” he said. “Remain in communion with your bishop, fellow priests, and the whole Church so that your ministry becomes meaningful.”
Additionally bishop Mwongela urged Christians to pray for priests, especially those going through difficult moments, and encouraged clergy to safeguard their vocation while inspiring young people to embrace the call to priesthood. “Let us attract others to our vocation and inspire the young to love becoming priests. If they turn away, let it not be because of us,” he said, warning against actions that may discourage vocations.
The bishop also called on priests to remain close to those who are suffering, urging them to be agents of transformation and hope. He encouraged them to walk with the faithful both in joy and in hardship.
Bishop Mwongela expressed optimism about the future of the diocese, noting that the incoming bishop will inherit an already established diocese. He called on clergy, religious, and laity to remain united in building the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. John Mwandi, commended the strong collaboration between priests and the laity in advancing the mission of the Church, appreciating their continued support and dedication to the work of the diocese.
Fr. Comsus Mulu Ndumbi, chairman of the Kitui Diocesan Priests Association (KEDPA), urged priests to remain united and focused in their ministry. He called on Christians to support their priests and encouraged all to be instruments of God’s grace in the world, drawing inspiration from the prayer of St. Francis.
