Priests of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, led by the Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Mbua Mwandi, gathered at St. Patrick’s Parish, Mutune, to celebrate Holy Mass and pray for the repose of the souls of departed priests, religious sisters and missionaries who faithfully served the Church.
In his homily, Bishop Mwandi called on the faithful to remember the departed servants of God in prayer, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to the mission of the Church. He reflected on the lives of priests who administered the sacraments, accompanied communities through moments of joy and difficulty, and tirelessly proclaimed the Gospel.
He noted that through their evangelization efforts, they planted seeds of Christianity that continue to bear fruit in the lives of many. He emphasized that the death of a priest does not mark the end of the Gospel mission, as the seeds they planted continue to grow. He therefore encouraged the faithful to carry forward this mission by witnessing to Christ and sharing the Gospel with others.
The Bishop further urged those who received sacraments through the ministry of these priests to cherish the gift of faith and become active evangelizers. Similarly, those who benefited from the ministry of religious sisters were encouraged to continue spreading the Gospel. Drawing lessons from the Book of Job, he encouraged the faithful to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith, even amid life’s challenges.
In his remarks, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Jefferson Mutinda, acknowledged the families of the departed priests and religious sisters and assured them that the love and bonds they shared with their loved ones during their ministry remain valued and remembered. He also encouraged priests to maintain close relationships with the families of their departed brother priests as a sign of fraternity, solidarity and continued pastoral care.
Following the Mass, the priests proceeded to St. Patrick’s Mutune Cemetery, where they blessed the graves of the departed priests, sisters and missionaries buried there.
Among the priests ordained in the Diocese of Kitui who died while actively serving in ministry are Archbishop Boniface Lele, Fr. Stephen Musee, Fr. Justus Mainga, Fr. Jacob Mbiti, Fr. Richard Mutia, Fr. Francis Kimanthi, Fr. Fredrick Nguthu, Fr. Robert Kalima and Deacon Dennis Maithya.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
