Joyful Happenings at Loyola House
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
The Month of October continued with several joyful events at Loyola. On 10th October, 2026, Loyolites had the much anticipated community outing to Tigoni, Resort in Limuru. Eric Mwaniki, SJ, assisted by a small committee on logistics planned the outing meticulously. The previous day 9th October was Ugandans independence day, so the community outing also served to remember Uganda’s liberation from British colonialism.
This outing was also of a special kind, since in our company we had Rev. Prof. Elias Opongo, SJ, the new VC of CUEA. The outing was marked by great fun, hiking, indoor games, and stories. While we were on the road to Tigoni, the great news of our new Provincial Fr. Lawrence Kyaligonza, SJ, was broken. This too added to the joy of the outing, since we have been waiting patiently for the big announcement from Rome.
Along with us was Brian our able cook, who was roasting Nyama Choma. Drinks of all kinds were in abundance, reminding us of the prophecy of Isaiah, on the eschatogucal banquet of choicest wines and fat things on the holy mountain. Indeed, the country farm in Tigoni, with lash green, tea plantations, waterfalls and streams, was akin to the Garden of Eden.
After several rounds of walks, and sporting lunch was ready around 12:00 Noon. It was indeed a feast, with Nyama choma as the climax of the meal.
As evening set in, Loyolites were getting ready to head back to Nairobi. To bless the day, some drizzle brought heavenly graces. A few experts of African Intelligence (AI) like Didimus Shirima SJ, ensured that the rain would not disrupt the outing. And sure enough, just a little drizzle amidst the bright sun happened.
The outing was a great one, and the venue fantastic. The Superior Fr. Francis Anyanzu, SJ, expressed gratitude to the organizers led by Eric Mwaniki, SJ, He also appreciated the good spirit and the big turn up.
The next day Sunday, 11th October, 2026, Fr. Binamungu, SJ, presided over the mass at Loyola Chapel, as he was bidding farewell to the Loyola Small Christian Community (LSCC)). He expressed deep gratitude for the love and community spirit of the LSCC. LSCC also appreciated his great contribution in building the choir and in helping to produce the Loyola Hymnal, the was dedicated to Fr. Peter Otieno, SJ.
In appreciation of Fr. Bina, the LSCC organized a colourful offertory procession with an assortment of gifts. In his speech, Fr. Bina welcomed the community to visit him in Mwanza his next station.
The weekend of 16th to 18th candidates to the Society were at Loyola for a Workshop, organized by Fr. Didimus Shirima. Several Jesuits from Loyola and beyond, took part and presented talks on various aspects of Jesuit life. Loyola was a hive of activities, and animated discussions between candidates and Jesuits.
On 21st October, 2026, Loyola Community had a Community mass in commemoration of Fr. Fratern Masawe,.SJ, who had returned to the Lord. The main celebrant Fr. Anyanzu, SJ, invited the members to share some reflections about Fr. Fratern. Speaker after speaker, the rare virtues of Fr. Fratern were mentioned: simplicity, humility, commitment to higher education, formation of ours, service to the
universal Society, and good sense of humour. All these were backed by personal experiences from those who had Interacted with him. The community prayed for the repose of Fr. Fratern’s soul, and thanked God for his life of dedicated service.
After the mass, Fr. Shigi Evarist, SJ, performed a simple function of renunciation. This was in preparation for his final vows on 24, the October 2026. The relevant documents were signed before two witnesses Fr. Anyanzu and Fr. Odomaro. The celebration was followed by a community social.
Loyola has also hosted several guests: Prof. Christopher Brooks friend of Rev. Prof. Opongo, and Emmaneul Akampumuza nephew of Fr. Odomaro. Loyola continues to offer hospitality to our esteemed guests. Feel welcome.