Catechists' Day: A Celebration of Faith and Perseverance
By Nicodemus Mutunga,SJ
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross holds great significance in the Catholic Church as a reminder of the source of our salvation. In Maban, this day is even more special as it is celebrated by the catechists who bear the great responsibility of teaching the faith in this community. Before the presence of the Jesuits working in JRS, the had around ten years without any priest in their midst. Their mission, however, is not without challenges, including lack of financial support, limited mobility, lack of young catechist and language barriers. Despite these hardships, they continue to carry the cross of their vocation with dedication. The day’s celebration began with a Eucharistic Mass led by Fr. Paul, SVD, followed by an inspiring talk from Fr. Meela, SJ, who encouraged the catechists to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment. Fr Paul also issued a book he had prepared translating most prayers to Mabanese language. This is to help the catechists in teaching catechism as most of them cannot write in Arabic and Mabanese languages.
Classes Resume Amidst Challenges
On Monday, September 23rd, St. Mark Primary School resumed classes after a brief closure, though with a disappointingly low turnout. The uncertainty caused by seasonal flooding in Maban, along with the region’s ongoing economic challenges, has made it difficult for families to prioritize education over immediate needs like feeding their households. Despite these obstacles, the school continues to operate for the students who can attend, offering them a sense of normalcy and continuity in their education.
Heartfelt Gratitude
St. Ignatius of Loyola considered ingratitude one of the greatest sins, believing that recognizing and being thankful for God’s blessings is key to deepening one’s relationship with Him. In this spirit, the Maban community is profoundly grateful to all benefactors and well-wishers for their unwavering support of Christ’s Mission. Thanks to their generosity, the community has been able to construct an office at St. Mark Primary School—its only permanent structure—ensuring the safe storage of school property and a conducive space for teachers to prepare for lessons.
Moreover, the children of Good Shepherd, an extension of St. Mark Primary school, are overjoyed as they now have desks for the first time, allowing them to learn in a more comfortable environment. These gifts have planted seeds of hope in the hearts of the young students, for which the community extends its deepest gratitude. We pray that the Lord blesses our benefactors and friends of the Society of Jesus abundantly, fills their lives with peace and joy, and continues to guide them in all their endeavours.
Community Life: A Unique Experience of Religious Living
Community life is a cornerstone of religious living, and the subcommunity in Maban has a particularly unique way of embodying this, even while sharing space with other JRS colleagues. Despite the lack of private or separate residential quarters, the communal spirit flows harmoniously. It is truly remarkable how this community thrives together amid such challenges, demonstrating the strength and resilience that comes from faith sharing and mutual communal support.
