Every CWA member has a role to play in strengthening the faith of the Church, Bishop John Mwandi has said, calling on women in the Diocese of Kitui to serve with love, humility and dedication.
Speaking during the Annual Diocesan Catholic Women Association (CWA) Mass at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral, Kitui, Bishop Mwandi reminded thousands of women from parishes across the Diocese of Kitui that everyone has something to contribute to the growth of the faith and that God values every effort made in His service.
He encouraged the women to serve everyone with love and equality, cautioning them against unhealthy competition that can create divisions and weaken their unity. He also urged them to focus on serving God rather than seeking recognition from people, reminding them that the value of their service does not depend on how others respond. “When serving, don’t look at how people will respond, but remember you are serving God,” he said.
Bishop Mwandi acknowledged the responsibilities and challenges women face in their families and communities, assuring them that God remains close to them. He encouraged the women to persevere in prayer and to turn to God for strength and courage in times of difficulty.
He pointed to St. Monica as an example of perseverance in prayer and trust in God, encouraging the women to remain steadfast in their faith and to express it through acts of mercy, love and service to others.
The Bishop also emphasized the importance of humility and caring for families, particularly in the upbringing of children, urging them to draw inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Monica.
Bishop’s Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Edward Mulwa, appreciated the CWA members for their continued support of vocations and called on them to do more in helping young people grow well and discern their vocations.
CWA Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Josephat Ndunda, commended the women for their dedication to the Church and urged them to continue serving God with zeal, remaining committed to prayer and their Christian responsibilities. He also encouraged them to support the upcoming Diocesan Family Day and continue supporting Bishop Mwandi in his pastoral ministry.
Mr. Nicholas Mulila called for greater collaboration between men and women, urging men to support women and emphasizing the importance of unity and love in families. He also encouraged the wider diocesan family to support the upcoming Diocesan Family Day on 10th October 2026 as part of efforts towards diocesan self-reliance.
Bishop Mwandi also spoke about the upcoming elections, urging citizens to exercise wisdom when choosing leaders. He encouraged them to listen carefully to those seeking leadership positions, make informed choices and avoid being misused to cause violence or division.
“Let us make the right decision,” the Bishop said, noting that wise choices can contribute to peace and happiness, while poor choices can lead to enmity and lack of peace.
Several CWA members expressed their joy at attending the Mass, saying the Bishop’s message has encouraged them to strengthen their faith and serve others with greater commitment.