On Saturday, December 18, 2021, the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya was blessed to have two of its friars ordained to the priesthood. The ordination ceremony took place at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church located at the Ruiri Catholic Mission in Ruiri-Meru, Kenya.

The ordaining bishop was the Most Reverend Salesius MUGAMBI, Bishop of Meru, Kenya. Years ago, his predecessor of happy memory, the Most Reverend Silas NJIRU, Bishop Emeritus of Meru, invited the Conventual Franciscan Friars from Poland to establish a mission in his diocese. It was our first presence in Kenya.
These ordinations were the first to take place at our original community in Kenya since its establishment close to forty years ago. A good number of Christians and friars came to witness this historic event, which also coincided with a parish family day event.
One of the newly ordained priests is Friar Simon Njoroge WAHITO. He has been assigned to work at the St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary in Kikambala-Mombasa. The other is Friar Bernard Ndung’u KAMAU. He has been assigned to assist at the Our Lady of Angels Formation House in Ruiri-Meru. At the same ordination ceremony, Friar Collins Omondi ODINDO, a member of the Missionaries of Jesus the Savior (Jesolites) was ordained to the diaconate.
In his homily, the bishop reminded the candidates that the mission entrusted to them might not always be merry. There might be problems along the way and challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, by staying focused on Christ, they would emerge victorious. The bishop commended the diversity of the apostolate and said that the Lord still continues to call worthy ministers for his vineyard. He therefore exhorted the friars to dedicate themselves to the work that God will give them, work that will be entrusted to them by the laying on of the bishop’s hands. The clergy are called to give witness to the compassion and love of God. The pillars of their priestly ministry should be revealed by their life of prayer, by forgiveness and by calling the people of God to lead saintly lives, always aware that God is ever-present among his people.
Hearty congratulations to our dear brothers. May our Mother Mary intercede for them in their vocational journey.

Friar Pius MUSYOKA
Provincial Secretary