Loyola Celebrates the Life of Novice Daniel Mwamba and Hosts AFRICAMA House
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
Saturday, 26th September 2026 was the peak of a series of celebrations by Loyolites. The double celebration was dedicated to celebrate the life of the late Novice Daniel Mwamba and to host AFFICAMA community. The latter was a reciprocal hosting since AFRICAMA had hosted Loyolites some time back.
The decision to host the family of Novice Daniel Mwamba, came after several consultations. Some Jesuits led by Fr. Didimus Shirima, SJ, had visited the bereaved family in Machakos and celebrated mass there. It was quite befitting to host Novice Daniel’s family members and assure them that they will remain part of the wider Jesuit family, to which their son belonged. Novice Daniel’s family and friends graced the occasion, that commenced at 10:30 AM with a Eucharist celebration presided over by Fr. Didimus Shirima, SJ., with all the Jesuits priests in house concelebrating. Regent Eric Mwaniki, SJ, animated the vibrant liturgy. Novice Daniel’s mother, two of his sisters, last born brother, an aunt, and some relatives and friends graced the celebration. Fr. Didimus gave a moving homily with details of the inspiring life of Novice Daniel, and linked with the readings for the memorial mass. He explained how Novice Daniel was very focused and clear about his vocation, and how his main goal was to attain holiness and become a saint. A short excerpt from his autobiography was read out to the congregation, that captured Novice Daniel’s singular resolve to follow the path of holiness. Another moving anecdote that Fr. Didimus shared was how Novice Daniel was resolved to even sell a portion of his land so as to settle some pending university loans. What emerged from Novice Daniel’s brief life in the Noviciate as well as his candidacy, was the consistent passion and focus on following Christ with undivided attention. His fellow novices also gave moving testimonies regarding his devotion, prayer life, singleness of purpose and self-sacrifice.
Family members, starting with the mother, also confirmed Novice Daniel’s inspiring life and solid faith. His regular renewal at the Vincentian Prayer Center, active participation at Church Choir, and dedicated teaching of religion at School, were singled out, as testimony of his deep faith and a spirit of service. His two sisters shared on how he had inspired them in their own faith journey and life’s struggles. One famous Gospel musician Ms Rose who had known Novice Daniel for a brief period, also attended the celebration, and shared how Daniel had been a committed member of the choir. On learning that there was a memorial celebration for Novice Daniel, Rose made a sacrifice to come and attend.
Fr. Francis Anyanzu, SJ, Superior of Loyola Jesuit Community, expressed deep gratitude to the family, relatives and friends who had graced the celebration. He emphasized the strong bonds that now exist between Daniel’s family and Loyola House. Even though the death of Daniel was a big loss and left a lot of pain, such coming together of the two families, served as a sign of enduring bonds, Fr. Anyanzu emphasized. He assured Daniel’s family that Loyola House doors were open to them, whenever they happen to be in Nairobi.
After the mass and some speeches, the guests were invited to share a meal that had been prepared. Daniel’s family sat at Loyola Palm Gardens accompanied by Fr. Didimus, as they shared the meal together, as they reflected on the life of Novice Daniel.
Come evening time, around 6:00 PM, the second group of guests from AFRICAMA arrived at Loyola. AFRICAMA high powered delegation was led by Fr. Deogratias Rwezaura, SJ, JCAM Conference Assistant for Formation, accompanied by Fr. Hlobo Rampeoane, SJ, Director, Justice and Ecology Office/Justice and Ecology Network of Africa (JEO/JENA), Fr. Binamungu Mukasa, SJ, (doing his sabbatical) and Regent Agi Peter Onah, SJ, SJ, AJAN Liaison Officer. The conversations were animated and guided by the MC of the evening Regent Eric Mwaniki, SJ. Introductions were made, this time with some details of what each person was doing.
Complex abbreviations from different office holders were also elaborated upon, since many did not know what such esoteric acronyms like JCAM, AFRICAMA, AJAN, JEO/JENA, LCMC, PHU, and Hakimani, were all about. The Superior of Loyola Community Fr. Anyanzu, SJ, expressed deep gratitude to AFRICAMA team for honoring the reciprocal invitation. As an assortment of drinks were being shared, followed by a sumptuous dinner, the two communities were in full agreement that a simple MoU should be drafted to help cement the strong bonds existing between Loyola and AFRICAMA, under the framework of Jesuit intercommunity collaboration and solidarity. Table conversations were animated, and the climax of the celebration was the cutting of a special cake befitting the high-level event. The guests returned to AFRICAMA, but also promised to revenge in the near future.
This Saturday of 26th September, 2026 will remain engrained in the annals of Loyola House.
