Malindi

The Catholic Diocese of Malindi came together in faith and celebration as Rt. Rev. Willybard Lagho, Bishop of Malindi, concluded a two-day pastoral visit to St. Charles Lwanga Parish, Muyeye, from August 16–17, 2025.

The visit began with a warm reception at the St. Charles Lwanga Jesuit Community, where Bishop Lagho signed the visitor’s book and shared a fraternal meal with members of the community. He later inspected parish records and visited the gardening and poultry project at Kadongoleni, before traveling to St. Bakhita Outstation in Mayungu, where he celebrated Mass with Christians seeking land to build a church.

In his homily at St. Bakhita, Bishop Lagho emphasized the central role of children, the elderly, and the vulnerable in Christian life, urging the faithful to translate their faith into compassionate action by protecting and supporting those most in need. The celebration ended with a shared meal, symbolizing communal unity. In a gesture of affection, the faithful presented the bishop with a traditional gift, a large cock known locally as “Okutayiwa,” a sign of love for their shepherd.

On the second day, the parish community welcomed Bishop Lagho with song and dance before the solemn liturgy. During Mass, the bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 20 candidates, marking a significant moment of spiritual growth and renewed commitment in the parish.

In his homily, Bishop Lagho called on Christians to cultivate moral integrity in their daily lives, embrace conscience-led leadership, and nurture a balanced “spiritual pace” in their faith journey. He also underscored the importance of proper record-keeping in parish sodalities as a means of ensuring accountability and transparency.

The visit concluded with a luncheon shared with the newly confirmed, their sponsors, and members of the Pontifical Missionary Children, providing a moment of fellowship, encouragement, and prayer.