Julio Rodriguez
Clergy and Sisters of Garissa Diocese strengthening communion and mission with the their bishop – George Muthaka OFM Cap.
The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV (13/02/2026) in his message for this season began saying: “Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.” He emphasized on three particular objectives:
1. To listen to God’s Word – and only when the word is heard we are able to do this: “Hearing the cry of the oppressed is the beginning of a story of liberation in which the Lord calls Moses, sending him to open a path of salvation for his children who have been reduced to slavery.
2. Fasting: Pope Leo XIV in his message says about this peculiar way of fasting/abstaining: “… I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.
3. Together: He highlighted the spirit of being fraternity while we endure this journey – “Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.
Bishop George Muthaka, the ordinary of the diocese stated that the Theme for 2026 is:
“Pamoja katika Kristo kwa ajili ya Kenya yenye amani, haki na umoja”
“United in Christ for a peaceful, just and united Kenya.”
He,with a fatherly sound, welcomed all his clergy members and sisters to the evaluation reports for 2025 pastoral work of all parish Priests, chaplaincies and departments in our diocese. The pastoral agent coterie had a successful and meaningful discussion and there is hope to deepen into evangelization work. This encounter was done in two days’ work.
Secondly, due to the vast distance of the diocese ( approx. 711 km from Mandera parish in the northern region to Wenje parish to the south) the Chrism mass was joyfully celebrated on the Fifth Sunday of Lent (March 22nd 2026).
All the Catholic faithful on this day thanked God for gracing us with his Spirit that calls everyone to a fruitful life as the priests renewed their vows and obedience to the bishop.
We continue praying and supporting one another as we aim to build a reign of justice and peace while we
Today’s Psalm (89:2) reminds us of the beauty of God’s favor: “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
We wish you all a blessed and joyful Easter – for he is alive in our lives!
Yesu amefufuka!
By: Fr. Julio Antonio Rodríguez, MFM (Missionary Fraternity of Mary)
On the memory of Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero – martyr.