Inspiring Progress: Updates from St. Mary’s School and Caritas Garissa

Making a Difference

We’re thrilled to share the latest updates from St. Mary’s School and Caritas Garissa under the patronage of His Lordshib Bishop George Muthaka.

Construction Progress. The construction of the new junior secondary school classrooms at St. Mary’s School is nearing completion. This expansion will provide more educational opportunities for students in the Garissa region.

Environmental Initiatives. The church’s YACA team is making a significant impact on the environment. Their tree-planting efforts are contributing to a greener and more sustainable community.

Caritas Garissa’s Growth. Caritas Garissa continues to expand its reach and services. They have been actively building partnerships with organizations worldwide to enhance their ability to support the community.

Get Involved. We encourage you to learn more about the incredible work being done by Catholic Diocese of Garissa. Consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support these important initiatives.

Enhancing the OCA Process: A Collaborative Approach

The Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) conducted in partnership with the dioceses was instrumental in identifying the strengths and gaps within Caritas Garissa. With the Bishop’s full endorsement, the process laid a solid foundation for targeted capacity development.

Key Elements of the OCA Process:

 

  • Diocesan Engagement: The active participation of dioceses was essential in providing valuable insights into local contexts and priorities. Their ownership of the process ensured the relevance and sustainability of the subsequent actions.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of human resources, financial management, organizational structure, and partnerships enabled a comprehensive understanding of Caritas Garissa’s capabilities.
  • Strategic Action Planning: The OCA findings informed the development of tailored action plans for each diocese, addressing specific capacity gaps and leveraging existing strengths.

Benefits of Bishop’s Endorsement: The Bishop’s support was pivotal in galvanizing commitment and resources for capacity development initiatives. It strengthened the organization’s position within the community and facilitated collaboration with key stakeholders.

Next Steps:To maximize the impact of the OCA, Caritas Garissa should prioritize the following:

  • Implementation of Action Plans: Allocate necessary resources and establish clear timelines for executing capacity building activities.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Track progress, measure outcomes, and make adjustments as needed.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Document and disseminate lessons learned to inform future initiatives and strengthen organizational learning.

Expanding Horizons: Updates from the Catholic Diocese of Garissa

Exciting Expansion at St. Mary’s Primary School

We’re thrilled to unveil the exciting expansion of St. Mary’s Primary School, nestled within our cathedral grounds. This project is a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier education and nurturing the potential of our youth.

Empowering Sustainability with CEI’s Solar Initiative

Thanks to the generous support of the Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI), we’ve successfully launched a transformative solar installation project. Not only does this initiative enhance energy efficiency, but it also champions sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.

Transforming Communities through STAWI Mashinani and MWA

Our partnership in the STAWI Mashinani program, alongside the Millennium Water Alliance (MWA), underscores our dedication to revolutionizing water resource management and uplifting community livelihoods. Recently, Caritas Garissa officials joined us in reaffirming our collaborative efforts during a visit with our Bishop.

Harmony and Talent Shine at Church Choir Competitions – July 13, 2024

We’re excited to share the resounding success of our Church Choir Competitions held on July 13, 2024, at our Cathedral Parish. It was a jubilant celebration of musical prowess and spiritual unity, uniting choirs from local congregations and forging stronger community ties.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Stay tuned for more updates and stories highlighting our dynamic initiatives, community triumphs, and the unwavering spirit of faith and service that defines the Catholic Diocese of Garissa. Together, we continue to thrive and serve with passion and dedication.

Caritas Garissa Community engagement

Caritas Garissa is actively engaging the community in Balambala Subcounty in the development of a sub-catchment management plan. This initiative is part of the broader community development efforts led by the Catholic Diocese of Garissa. These efforts aim to enhance sustainable resource management and improve the quality of life for the local community. The collaboration emphasizes the importance of involving local stakeholders in the planning and implementation process to ensure that the solutions are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the area.

Ongoing Developments in the Catholic Diocese of Garissa: Guided by the Leadership of His Lordship Bishop Rev. George Muthaka

Exciting Times Ahead: Ongoing Developments in the Catholic Diocese of Garissa

Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. I am thrilled to share some wonderful updates about the exciting developments happening in our beloved Catholic Diocese of Garissa. Our community is vibrant and growing, and we have several initiatives underway that I believe will make a significant impact on our spiritual and communal life.

Building Our Faith Community: New Church Construction

First and foremost, we are witnessing the construction of new churches across our diocese. These projects are not just about building structures; they are about creating sacred spaces where we can come together to worship, pray, and support one another. Notable progress includes:

  • St. Joseph Masalani, Wenje Parish: With the foundation laid, we are now moving forward with the construction of the walls. The community’s enthusiasm and participation in this project are truly heartwarming.
  • Our Lady of Peace outstation in Dadaab: The Construction progress of the the church is quite motivating and the willingness of members gives us hope and faith to keep going and continue building the Church and sprending the gospel.

Continued Expansion of St. Mary’s School at the Cathedral

St. Mary’s School, a significant part of our cathedral community, is undergoing major expansion and improvement:

  • New Classrooms: Construction of new classrooms is well underway, providing more space and better facilities for our growing student body.
  • Enhanced Facilities: Upgrades to the school’s infrastructure include improved laboratories, a modern library, and new sports facilities, ensuring a holistic education for our students.

Commissioning of the Pastoral Center

We are excited to announce the commissioning of our Pastoral Center in the diocese. This center serves as a hub for various pastoral activities, training programs, and community gatherings:

  • Training and Retreats: The center will host workshops, retreats, and pastoral training sessions to strengthen our clergy and lay leaders.
  • Community Engagement: It will also serve as a space for fostering community spirit, organizing outreach programs, and promoting spiritual growth among parishioners.

Commissioning of the Caritas Office

We are excited to announce the commissioning of the new Caritas Office in our diocese. Caritas plays a crucial role in our mission of social outreach and development. The new office will:

  • Coordinate Relief Efforts: Enhance our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies and provide aid to those in need.
  • Support Development Programs: Oversee various development programs, including education, healthcare, and food security projects, ensuring they are well-managed and impactful.

Empowering Through Education

Education is a cornerstone of our mission, and we are expanding our programs to reach more children and adults:

  • Scholarship Program: This year, we are proud to provide scholarships to high school students, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
  • Adult Literacy Classes: New classes have started in three additional parishes, offering adults the chance to improve their literacy skills and open up new opportunities.

Enhancing Healthcare Services

Access to healthcare is crucial, and we are making strides in this area:

  • Mobile Clinics: Two new mobile clinics will soon begin serving our remote communities, providing essential healthcare services where they are needed most.
  • St. Joseph Health Center: Renovations are nearly complete, and we will soon offer expanded services, including specialized maternal and child health care, which is a vital need in our community.

Strengthening Our Community

Our outreach programs continue to grow, addressing critical needs and fostering resilience:

  • Food Security Projects: Through community gardens and sustainable farming workshops, we are helping families improve their food security and self-sufficiency.
  • Water Access Programs: Borehole drilling projects are underway in some of our driest areas, bringing the precious gift of clean water to more people.

Inspiring and Engaging Our Youth

Youth engagement is essential for the future of our community. We are investing in their growth and development through:

  • Youth Leadership Workshops: These workshops are nurturing the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills and confidence to make a difference.
  • Sports and Recreational Programs: We are developing new sports facilities to encourage teamwork, physical health, and a sense of community among our youth.

These developments are a testament to what we can achieve together with faith, dedication, and the unwavering support of our community members, donors, and volunteers. Each project reflects our commitment to serving God and our neighbors, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

I invite you all to join us in prayer for the success of these initiatives. If you would like to get involved or support our projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the diocesan office or visit our website.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference!

Blessings,

Communications Director
Catholic Diocese of Garissa

MALTA: Bishop Paul Darmanin OFMCap and Sister, Laid to Rest

CISA

ŻABBAR, AUGUST 8, 2023 (CISA)- Bishop Emeritus Paul Darmanin of the Order of the Friars Capuchin who died on July 25 at the age of 82 was laid to rest on August 3, 2023, with Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta describing him as a “disciple of the kingdom of heaven.”

In his homily during the funeral of Bishop Paul Darmanin and his sister Mary in Żabbar, Archbishop Scicluna said “as we give our last Christian respects, full of faith and hope, we remember Bishop Paul as the disciple, the wise writer, a teacher who truly became a disciple of the kingdom of heaven.”

Bishop Darmanin was the first prelate of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa in Kenya between 1984 and 2015 and eventually returned home to Malta, where he lived in the friary of the Franciscan Capuchins in Floriana.

During the August 3 funeral, the archbishop highlighted Bishop Darmanin’s devotion to Mary, pointing out that “in his Franciscan Capuchin vocation he remained the son of the mother of Jesus and when the Lord called him to be the successor bishop of the apostle, he chose as a motto the words: ‘led by the mother of Jesus, by Mary.”

He added that Bishop Darmanin was a disciple of the kingdom of heaven, in all circumstances of his life, as a Capuchin monk in Malta, a provincial, then bishop “who out of the depth of the love of his heart gave both the new and the old.”

“The old reflected in his loyalty to the teachings, the tradition of the Church, with the apostolic fervour that testified to the name he was given at baptism: Paul the Apostle, our Father, the missionary apostle. But even the new; he dedicated his life to seeing the dream of Garissa becoming a diocese led by the Franciscan Capuchins come true and grow into a community of faith, hope and love, it was also the adventure of his life, the love of his life. He did not do it alone. He was a man who with his gentleness, with his considerate word, also knew how to encourage others to be disciples of the Lord like him.”

Bishop Darmanin’s sister Mary who was also laid to rest on August 3, was eulogized by Archbishop Scicluna saying “today we also say goodbye to his sister who took care of him and he took care of her. The Lord called them within a few days of each other. In the mystery of the Lord’s mercy, we look at him and adore him. To understand him, we must first meet him face to face and on the day we meet the Lord face to face, together with our brothers Bishop Paul and his sister Mary. We really don’t care why but we are lucky enough to meet the love, the mercy, the sweet embrace of the one who truly loves us.”

Following the funeral, Bishop Darmanin’s burial took place in the crypt beneath the Holy Cross Church in Floriana.

Adopted from NEWSBOOK, Originally Posted on August 3, 2023

MALTA: Tribute to Bishop Paul Darmanin OFMCap, Pioneer Prelate of Garissa

By Br John Cassar OFMCap

FLORIANA, AUGUST 8,2023 (CISA)- “Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.” (Mt 25, 21)

On Wednesday, July 25, 2023, the good Lord called Mgr. Paul Darmanin, Bishop Emeritus of Garissa in Kenya.  Thus, the Lord gave him the righteous reward for all the good he has accomplished in his priestly ministry, as Minister Provincial and later as missionary and Bishop of the Garissa diocese in Kenya for 31 years.

Among the many graces I have received from God throughout my life is that of meeting many people. And among them is the person of Bishop Paul Darmanin OFMCap, with whom I have worked and lived with for many years in the Garissa Mission and in recent years here in Malta.

It was on February 3, 1984, that Pope, St. John Paul II, appointed Fr. Paul Darmanin as the first Bishop of the Garissa diocese in Kenya.

Before he was appointed bishop, Mgr. Paul Darmanin was a Provincial of the Maltese Capuchin Brothers.  During his six years as a provincial, he not only visited missionaries in Kenya several times but worked hard to strengthen this mission; he encouraged more friars to go and work in the Garissa Mission.   The missionaries of those early days still remember and mention, among others, his first visit between August and October 1974 when he wanted to see and share the daily life of missionaries and their difficulties; and he foresaw the prospects for the Church, for the Order, and also for the local people. Then when he finished his six years as a provincial, after a while, he opted to go and participate in the future of the Mission.  He wanted to give his share in the development and the building of the local church there.

Mgr. Paul Darmanin dedicated his best years as a missionary and a bishop of the new diocese of Garissa with commitment, determination and courage but above all with great faith. He must have known it wasn’t such an easy mission.

I had known Bishop Paul since I became Capuchin in 1983 and I always followed and read what he wrote about the Garissa Mission.  I always had a deep admiration for him.   But I got to know him more closely when in 1993 I went on the mission myself and even more so when I worked and lived closer with him in Garissa for long years.

Bishop Paul Darmanin was adorned with uncommon humility, silence, and prudence. Although he was a bishop, he always lived the simple life of a missionary and a Capuchin Franciscan missionary.   And that was noticed by all those who met him; everyone confessed the same about him. Not only bishops, priests and religious, but also the civil authorities. The closer I was to him, the more I confirmed this truth.    During the years I lived with Bishop Paul, I was lucky enough to accompany him on his various pastoral visits to the diocese to be close to the missionaries. I travelled with him to the most remote parish in the diocese, that of Mandera, located almost a thousand kilometres from Garissa and situated between two international borders; Ethiopia and Somalia.   Long journeys never end!

During these trips, Mgr. Darmanin always thought well about what to take with him for the missionaries; not only, but he also kept in mind the needs of the people he would meet along the way; he carried several jerrycans with water so that when we were stopped by someone asking for water, we would have something ready to give him.  In the words of Pope Francis, he always “used to have the smell of sheep” because as the Pope said: A good shepherd must carry with him the scent of the flock. He always did so, and thus we knew him!

What has always struck me in Bishop Paul is also his great availability. He was a bishop willing to speak and listen to everyone. He was one who not only had the ability to hear and understand who was speaking to him but also who would put all his attention on the person with whom he was speaking. That’s how you would have considered him at that moment: it seemed that only the person who was in front of him existed in the whole world.  These beautiful qualities attracted also the attention and admiration of other Christians and even the Muslims around.

They also called him Baba Askofu (our father, the bishop) because they admired a father’s qualities in him.  Bishop Paul was a man of few words; but his few words were considered encouragement and full of wisdom, especially in difficult moments that, in a Mission like Garissa, they never fail and sometimes they would also be frequent!  He always kept calm and knew wholeheartedly to do what St. Paul said to Bishop Timothy: “Preach the Word in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim,4,2).4

During his thirty-two years as bishop of Garissa, Bishop Paul remained a missionary, a Capuchin Franciscan missionary as he always has been.   He was instrumental in establishing new parishes and encouraging all charitable projects despite all the difficulties Garissa offered during all those years.  Several new schools were opened and other clinics have been added to continue and strengthen the health and education programmes. All this is the fruit of his silent and quiet work and the enthusiasm with which he inspired missionaries and the seriousness with which he managed all funds as many personnel of the Agencies confirmed.

In this spirit, Bishop Paul worked hard to see the establishment of the new diocese of Malindi, a large part of which was the southern part of Garissa.  And no better leader could be found than Fr Francis Baldacchino OFMCap who was one of the pioneer missionaries since 1974.

On December 8, 2015, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Darmanin and Mgr Joe Alessandro OFMCap was appointed his successor.

Dear Bishop Paul, I give you thanks… for the encouragement you have always given to me, for the beautiful and not-so-beautiful moments we lived together (when the Mission was attacked by armed bandits) … for the personal sacrifices you have made to be close to me in the most difficult moments I have passed… and for all those moments you have been there for me. To me, you were not only Bishop but a father, a brother and a friend. You were an inspiration. I feel not only lucky to have lived with you for many years but also privileged. Now that death has separated us I assure you that for my entire life, I will continue to cherish these beautiful memories that we lived together and pray for you.

Until we meet again at the Father’s House, Kwaheri na kuonana…!   (We salute you until we see each other again).

KENYA: Garissa’s First Bishop, Paul Darmanin Dies in Malta Aged 82

By Arnold Neliba

FLORIANA, JULY 25, 2023 (CISA)– Rt Rev Paul Darmanin O.F.M. Cap Bishop emeritus of the Catholic diocese of Garissa is dead.

“The death of Bishop Emeritus Mgr Paul Darmanin of the Order of the Franciscan Capuchins has been announced at the the age of 82,” reads a July 25 announcement confirming the demise of the founding bishop of Garissa.

The member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin was appointed bishop of Garissa on February 3 1984 where he served until his retirement on December 8, 2018. He returned back home in Malta, where he lived in the convent of the Franciscan Capuchins in Floriana.

Bishop Darmanin, was originally from Ħaż-Żabbar, born on 6 November 1940. He joined the Order and was ordained priest in 1966.

In February 1984, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Garissa in Kenya. He was consecrated Bishop by Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca in June 3, 1984.

Bishop Darmanin was succeeded Bishop Joseph Alessandro, O.F.M. Cap on December 8, 2015 an d retired on February 17, 2022. Bishop George Muthaka, O.F.M Cap the current bishop of Garissa appointed on February 17, 2022.

𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐮𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐲𝐚, 𝐈𝐌𝐂 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥


Pope Francis has appointed Fr Hieronymus Emusugut Joya, I.M.C of the Consolata Missionaries as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal. The appointment was announced today July 20, 2022 in the Osservatore Romano at 12 noon Roman Time.

The 57 years old missionary takes over from Bishop Virgillio Pante, 76, who has been bishop of Maralal for 21 years.

Until his appointment Fr Joya has been a Doctorate (PhD) student in Sacred Theology with specialization in Pastoral Theology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), and a lecturer at the Consolata Institute of Philosophy, Nairobi.

Fr Joya previously served as the Regional Superior of the Consolata Missionaries for the Kenya-Uganda region for two terms from 2011 to 2016.

Fr Joya was born April 17, 1965 in Asinge village, Amukura District in Teso South Sub-County in Busia County to the late Andrew Ojuma Joya and Eremina Ikasere. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Anthony of Padua Chakol Catholic Parish, Bungoma.

He did his primary education at Changana Primary School in African Highlands, Kericho and Asinge Primary School. He later joined St. Peter’s Minor Seminary, Mukumu in the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega in 1982 and finished his high school studies in 1985.

He joined the Consolata Missionaries in 1990, and finished his Philosophical studies in 1993 with an award of Diploma in Religious Studies, and a B.A in Philosophy from Pontifical Urbaniana University.

Thereafter he joined Consolata Missionaries Novitiate Sagana, between August 1993 and August 1994. He later joined Tangaza University College from August 1994 to March 1998 where he was awarded Diploma in Theology, Diploma in Mission Studies; a B.A in Sacred Theology from Pontifical Urbaniana University, and B.A in Religious Studies from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

He took his first religious vows on August 6, 1994 and final vows on November 8, 1997. He was ordained deacon on November 9, 1997 and a priest of the Consolata Missionaries on September 5, 1998.

From June 14 to August 2003 he undertook a Summer Course on Leadership and Psycho-Spiritual growth and development at St. Anselm in England.

From August 2005 to May 2007 he did postgraduate studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and successfully graduated with a License in Sacred Theology with specialization in Pastoral Theology.

Fr Joya previously worked at Loiyangalani Catholic Mission in the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, served as Rector and formator at the Consolata Philosophicum Seminary in Nairobi, and as the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator and Director of Allamano Pastoral Centre in the Catholic Diocese of Maralal. 

See less
— in Maralal.

TANZANIA: “Lack of Care for The Environmental Has Resulted into Conflicts, Violence and Divisiveness in The World,” Warns Cardinal Tagle

By Paschal Norbert

DAR ES SALAAM, JULY 12, 2022 (CISA) – “Lack of care for the environment is manifesting into lack of care for one another as seen in many conflicts in the world. God wants us to be closer to one another because in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, God is closer to us. And we should be closer to one another,” postulated Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples at the Vatican on July 10.

In his homily during the opening Mass of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) 20th Plenary Assembly held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Cardinal Tagle opined that the present-day global conflicts and divisions and lack of care for the environment have contributed to a state of helplessness in the world.

“We need to ask ourselves why is it that caring is less these days?” asked the Cardinal.

The AMECEA 20th Plenary Assembly, which is being held from July 9 to 18, under the theme “Environmental Impact on Integral Human Development,” will focus on the papal encyclical Laudato Si (on care for our common home), Faith, Values, and Ethics in the Care for the Environment, Care for the Integral Ecology, and Church and Government Collaborations among others.

The Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples underscored the importance of the theme of the AMECEA meeting observing that it has come at a time when the world is faced with environmental challenges that have resulted in conflicts, violence and divisiveness.

Cardinal Tagle recognized environmental degradation as one of the major threats facing the planet and urged the 20th AMECEA Assembly delegates to address the underlying causes of this threat that compromises the natural environment.

“We need to discuss the root cause of the environmental degradation to have concrete resolutions after the Assembly otherwise we will have cosmetics resolutions from the assembly,” he appealed.

In referring to the three readings of the day taken from Deuteronomy 30:10-14, Colossians 1:15-20 and Luke 10:25-37, Cardinal Tagle noted how the scriptures speak to the closeness of God to creation and humanity. He wondered why humanity should destroy creation if all that was created invisible and visible have the presence of Christ.

Cardinal Tagle was, however, appreciative that the Catholic Bishops, clergy, religious and laity from Eastern African Countries have gathered in Tanzania to proclaim the Good News that humanity needs to come together.

The 10-day assembly in Dar es Salaam has seen more than 100 Catholic bishops from Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya, that make up the AMECEA region, attend the quadrennial plenary, which is the supreme authority within the association.

Call or visit us.

+254.707052668

Catholic Diocese Of Garissa
P.O.Box 7 – 70100, Garissa – Kenya

info@garissacatholic.org 

Newsletter

Get latest news & update

Connect With Us

© 2022 – THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF GARISSA. All rights reserved 

Carefully crafted by Space