A new beginning and a new era in Nakuru Diocese/Kenya

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A new beginning and a new era in Nakuru Diocese/Kenya

The Kenya Mission is growing in number and facilities or resources. For some years we have been operating with 3 parishes (St. Stephen Kionyo; St. Paul Kisaju and St Eugene Irinda), but starting from November 2019, we have added another parish in Nakuru Diocese in Kenya. Nakuru Diocese is situated in the western part of Kenya in the region of Rift Valley. It has within it 4 counties: Nakuru county, Baringo county, Kericho county and Pokot county. This is our first presence in Nakuru Diocese. Saint Joseph the worker/Larmudiac Catholic Parish exists since 1989, served by many priests in the past. And now, the parish is served by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, OMI/Kenya. The Parish has 9 stations, 4 are bordering Mau-Forest and 5 others are in the villages. The population living near Mau-Forest might be evicted anytime by the government in order of protecting the forest. The place where the parish is located suffered the post-Election Violence clash of 2007-2008. Many people relocated, trying to save their lives. The remaining of the burnt houses can tell you how things were that time. This has also reduced the number of the Christians in the church since many people were displaced. The parish population belongs to the middle class of the country. Most of them are farmers with low income. The number of catholic Christian is very few since Nakuru has got so many denominations. We share the same population in different churches and faith. We are taking time to learn the mentality of the people since we are still new in the parish and the diocese. We have been in this parish for one month only. The people are welcoming and lovely. The bishop is very supportive and trust missionaries. He expects Oblates to be a sign of love to the people and witnesses of the gospel. The Diocesan clergy seems to be with Oblate presence in the diocese. As Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate we are among many male congregations working in the Diocese of Nakuru.

Fr. Faustin, OMI with leaders of Saint Peter (outstation)

Fr. Faustin, OMI with the chairman of St. Peter, Mr. James in front of the church.

Celebrating mass inside the church

Receiving the bible for readings.

During the mass

People are receiving the body of Christ. Communion

By Faustin Litanda, OMI