November 26, 2024
The Catholic Diocese of Kitui is set to climax its year-long Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a grand ordination ceremony at the St. John Paul II Institute on December 7, 2024.
The event, which marks 60 years of the Diocese’s establishment, will see three men ordained to the priesthood and six to the diaconate.
This historic milestone is being celebrated under the theme “Journeying Together as a Eucharistic Community,” which has guided the faithful throughout this year of reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future.
A Moment of Grace and Growth
The Jubilee year was officially launched on February 9, 2024, during the opening of Mwambiu Parish, and has been characterized by numerous activities highlighting the Diocese’s spiritual and vocational growth. The ordination ceremony is expected to draw thousands of faithful from across the Diocese to witness this momentous occasion.
The three deacons to be ordained as priests are Peter Wambua of Museve Parish, Timothy Boniface of Mutune Parish, and Antony Musembi of Kwa Vonza Parish. Joining them as newly ordained deacons are Julius Ngali (Nguutani Parish), Joseph Mutisya (Boma Parish), Emmanuel Mwanzia (Kyuso Parish), Stephen Kivite (Kweluu Parish), Martin Ndonye (Kamutei Parish), and Joseph Manzi (Ikanga Parish).
A Rich Legacy of Vocations
Since its establishment in 1963, the Diocese of Kitui has witnessed remarkable growth in vocations, producing 110 priests over the decades. The first diocesan priests, Archbishop Boniface Lele and Fr. Peter Muema, were ordained in 1974, setting the foundation for generations of clergy who have since served the Diocese and beyond.
Vocational growth has steadily risen, with ordinations occurring as follows:
1963–1973: 0
1973–1983: 7
1983–1993: 15
1993–2003: 33
2003–2013: 26
2013–2023: 29
Today, the Diocese boasts 94 active priests, four deacons, and 90 seminarians at various stages of formation, a testament to its commitment to nurturing vocations.
Honoring the Pioneers and Missionaries
As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Diocese will honor its first priests, the late Archbishop Boniface Lele and Fr. Peter Muema, for their pioneering contributions. Additionally, Sr. Muli, the first religious sister from the Diocese, will be celebrated for her 50 years of perpetual vows.
The event will also recognize couples and individuals baptized and wedded 60 years ago, who were among the first fruits of the Diocese’s evangelization efforts.
The Diocese has also made a mark on the global mission field, with priests serving in congregations such as the Consolata Missionaries, Franciscans, and St. Patrick’s Missionaries, bringing the Gospel to various parts of the world.
A Vision for the Future
As the Diocese looks back on six decades of growth and service, it also casts its gaze forward with renewed commitment. Under the Diocesan Pastoral Strategic Plan 2024–2028, themed “A Call to Mission and Self-Reliance,” the Diocese aims to ordain at least 40 priests by 2028, beginning with the nine clerics this December.
This forward-looking plan underscores the Diocese’s dedication to fostering vocations, building self-reliance, and strengthening its Eucharistic identity.
Celebrating Faith and Unity
The Diamond Jubilee is a moment of celebration, not only for the clergy but for the entire Catholic community of Kitui. As the faithful gather on December 7 to witness the ordination of new clergy, the occasion will serve as a powerful reminder of the Diocese’s journey of faith and its mission to spread the Gospel.
For the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, the Diamond Jubilee is more than just a milestone; it is a beacon of hope, symbolizing 60 years of grace, growth, and unwavering faith. As it continues its journey, the Diocese remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing vocations, fostering unity, and living as a true Eucharistic community.
