Malindi Mission
By Kavishe Waweru, SJ
The mission in Malindi was inspired by the historical visit of St. Francis Xavier, SJ on 1542 while he was on route to Goa. He passed by the shore of Malindi, to bury his two friends besides a small chapel that was built by the Portuguese in the year 1498. The Jesuits then erected a community house, St. Charles Lwanga Jesuit Community, on 2017 in Malindi, in a town called Muyeye. The community currently has three members, Fr. Sosthenes Luyembe who is the Superior, Fr. Damas Missanga and Fr. Deshi Ramadhani who is the minister. The Malindi mission currently has 4 apostolic works: parish, school, farm and community house where people come for guided retreats and holidays.
There the Jesuits have a parish, St. Charles Lwanga Church. The current parish priest is Fr. Sosthenes, popularly known as Fr. Sosi. The parish has one outstation, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Msoloni. The outstation is surrounded by a mango farm, which is a very beautiful site. The parish has an approximate number of 750 parishioners.
The farm is growing gradually. Currently the farm produces okra, different vegetables, paw paw fruits, maize among others. They also have a rabbit’s farm. There are two green houses where vegetables are grown from. There is currently one staff who is permanently working there.
The community is in charge of a new Jesuit school, called Aquiline Tarimo Jesuit School. The school is in the initial stage of growing. It is only at the kindergarten level, with three full time teachers. It is proposed to be a huge school. Small visible steps are visible, and at a later date, it is bound to actualize its true potential. The kids are very happy and they are getting quality education. The school is in an area called Kajajini, in Malindi, 6 km away from the Jesuit Community house.
