The Catholic Diocese of Kitui has officially opened its 37th Parish namely St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Iiani, in a colorful and joyful ceremony presided over by His Lordship Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela. The newly established parish falls under the Western Deanery and will be led by Fr. Charles Joseph Kitheka as the Father in Charge, assisted by Fr. Cyprian Kaleve.
The parish has been carved out of Muthale, Nguutani, and Katutu Parishes and comprises 13 outstations: St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Iiani; St. Peter Kakeani; St. Luke Matinga; St. Lydia Kasue; St. Mary Ivulya Muu; St. John Kivani; St. Patrick Nzawa; St. Peter Emivia; St. Paul Ngomola; St. Paul Thimu; St. Charles Lwanga Muthioni; St. Patrick Nzalae; and St. Peter Katoteni.
In his homily, Bishop Mwongela called on the clergy, religious, and lay faithful to embrace committed, selfless, and patient service. He encouraged them to work diligently and in unity, noting that “not everything will go as planned, but with unity, everything is possible.”
The Bishop also addressed the importance of nurturing the younger generation, cautioning against resentment and jealousy toward children and urged adults to guide and support their initiatives and talents, which strengthens both the Church and the wider community.
He further reminded the faithful that the parish should be a place of rest, prayer, and reflection, saying: “When your problems are long-standing and deep, try kneeling. This should be a place where you find rest and can pray.” He encouraged young people to take an active role in parish activities and stressed accountability and transparency in the management of parish resources. He also urged prayers for good shepherds for the Diocese following his appointment as the coadjutor of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. John Mwandi, expressed gratitude to the Bishop for bringing Church services closer to the people, while the Western Deanery Dean, Fr. George Marete, called on parishioners to work closely with their priests for the growth of the new parish.
Fr. Charles Joseph Kitheka encouraged parishioners to embrace teamwork, faithful service, and effective communication, while Fr. Francis Kauso, Parish Priest of Muthale Parish, requested the faithful to allow the new parish to become a beacon of hope in the community.
The new Parish Moderator, Ms. Josephine Mutua, urged parishioners to work together in building and nurturing the parish, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility.
The faithful expressed great joy at the opening of the new parish, which they had long awaited, and they promised to fully support it to ensure its growth and development.
The opening of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Iiani, marks a significant milestone in the life of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, ushering in a new chapter of faith, unity, and mission