Loyola Associated Press On The Spot with Exciting News
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
New Dawn for Jesuits: Four Priests Ordained in Uplifting Ceremony at St. Joseph The Worker Parish
On Saturday, 13 July 2024, we celebrated the solemn ordination of four Jesuit priests: Fr. Francis Kyalo, SJ, Fr. Paschal Isimwamu, SJ, Fr. Silas Kipkorir Kemboi, SJ, and Fr. Robert Kang’ethe, SJ. The colorful ordination took place at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Kangemi, presided over by Bishop Rodrigo Mejia, SJ. Over 50 priests graced the event, the majority being Jesuits. Behind the meticulous organization of the event were Fr. Peter Otieno, Fr. Chris Mapunda, Fr. Didimus Shirima (coordinating the liturgy), the MC of the day, and Fr. Beatus Mauki, the Parish Priest.
In his brief homily, Bishop Rodrigo shared an anecdote about a priest working on a water project who complained that he was not ordained for such work. Bishop Rodrigo wittily retorted that even baptism is a water project! The congregation roared with laughter, and the message was clear: priesthood cannot be confined to one aspect of sacramental life and ministry. He further elaborated on the three-fold functions of a priest: teacher (prophetic), sanctifier (priestly), and leader/administrator (kingly).
The most solemn and moving moment of the ordination ceremony was the litany of the saints, sung as the priests-to-be lay prostrate in prayer. Equally solemn was the laying on of hands in complete silence, as priests laid their hands on the four candidates for the priesthood, walking quietly to their respective places.
After the ordination ceremony, speeches followed. Fr. Francis Kyalo spoke on behalf of the newly ordained priests, beginning with a song of thanksgiving that the congregation joined. Fr. Kyalo, known for his musical skills, thanked all who had accompanied them on their vocation journey—parents, relatives, formators, and teachers. He spoke with passion and enthusiasm, receiving periodic cheers from the congregation.
In his brief speech, Fr. Kizito Kiyimva, SJ, Provincial of the Eastern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus, congratulated the newly ordained priests and appreciated their perseverance during their formation. He announced their mission assignments: Fr. Kang’ethe to Molo to help establish the proposed Hekima University and assist with the construction project; Fr. Silas Kipkorir to Molo to mobilize the local community and promote peace and reconciliation; Fr. Paschal Isimwamu to work with the Jesuit Hakimani Center at Loyola House and assist in its expansion in East Africa; and Fr. Francis Kyalo to Germany for further studies.
After the Mass, guests proceeded to Kangemi Primary School for lunch, where a sumptuous meal was served. For entertainment, Gen Z stole the show, displaying rare skills in music and dance. They also performed liturgical processions and dances during the liturgy, showcasing their energy and devotion to praising and worshiping God.
The celebration culminated in a dinner at Loyola House, where relatives of the newly ordained priests were treated to drinks and a special meal prepared by the Loyola House community. Several speeches expressed the joy of having four new Jesuit priests full of energy and passion for the mission. The evening was graced by several Jesuits who had been attending the Superiors and Directors of Works meeting at Mary Ward. This celebration, amidst Kenya’s great political ferment, was a source of incredible joy. LAP wishes Frs. Silas, Robert, Francis, and Paschal joy and success in their priestly ministries.
Tremors
On Tuesday, 16 July 2024, at around 8:32 PM, Nairobi experienced tremors for about 7 seconds, with an estimated magnitude of 4.2. Buildings shook!
The Proposed Hekima University (PHu) Moves Across Borders
LAP has established that over 40 participants took part in a leadership training aimed at offering servant leadership skills in an increasingly volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. The participants were mainly from Loyola High School and a few associates of Jesuits in Dar es Salaam. Chris Lowney was accompanied by Fr. Chris Mapunda, SJ, of the Proposed Hekima University (PHU). This is the first time PHU has conducted training across borders. After the training in Dar, Chris Lowney was to travel to Uganda to conduct a similar leadership training in Gulu at Ocer Campion Jesuit College. It is hoped that such leadership training can address the current global Gen Z political ferment, which is volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous.
