February story

Faith, Service & the Gift of Time

CELEBRATING 400 YEARS OF GRACE

DEAR CONFRERES, FRIENDS, AND BENEFACTORS

As the year 2025 began, we embarked on a journey of renewal and gratitude, marking 400 years of the Congregation of the Mission. This Jubilee Year is a time to reflect on our Vincentian identity, deepen our commitment to serving Christ in the poor, and embrace new missionary frontiers with hope and zeal.

We were blessed to welcome Very Rev. Joseph S. Williams, C.M., Visitor of the Western Province, and Rev. Kevin Fausz, C.M., Treasurer of the Western Province, whose visit strengthened our bonds of fraternity and mission. Their presence, alongside the dedication of the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Chapel, has been a powerful reminder that God continues to work through us.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our presence not only in Kenya and Uganda but also embracing a new missionary frontier. The Archdiocese of Mombasa has invited us to a beautiful yet needy mission in Tezo, Kilifi

County. Our hearts burn with zeal to bring the Good News to this community, walking with them in faith and service. We entrust this new mission to the intercession of St. Vincent DePaul, praying that it becomes a beacon of hope and transformation.

May this Jubilee Year inspire us all to embrace our call with renewed faith, courage, and the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.

Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows.

ST. VINCENT DEPAUL

On the Footsteps of the Uganda Martyrs

BY VERY REV. FR. EDWIN MUGWE, C.M.

From January 20th to 25th, our confreres embarked on a gracefilled pilgrimage, retracing the steps of the Uganda Martyrs. This journey was not just a physical voyage but a spiritual encounter with the unwavering faith and sacrifice of these holy men.

Our first stop was Munyonyo Shrine, a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. It was here that Kabaka Mwanga condemned the 22 men of God to execution in 1886 A towering tree still stands as a solemn witness to this tragic event. However, today, the site is transformed—home to a magnificent church built by the Franciscan Conventuals, a beacon of faith and devotion. The shrine, dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, continues to inspire pilgrims with its message of Divine Mercy and peace

From Munyonyo, we journeyed to the renowned Namugongo Shrine, the sacred ground where St. Charles Lwanga and his companions embraced martyrdom. Their final hours were marked by unspeakable suffering—torture, mutilation, and execution by fire Yet, in the face of such cruelty, their souls remained steadfast. One can only imagine their final prayer echoing the Psalmist’s words: “As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God.”

Our pilgrimage culminated in Kyebando, Jinja, where our mission continues to flourish. This region holds special significance as the birthplace of St. Mathias Mulumba, one of the Uganda Martyrs and the patron saint of married couples. Here, we commemorated the quadricentennial anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission with a special celebration,

marking a new milestone—the establishment of a new canonical house under the patronage of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, our congregation continues to grow, finding strength and joy under her protective mantle. May the legacy of the Uganda Martyrs continue to inspire us to live out our faith with courage, zeal, and unwavering love for Christ.

C.M IN UGANDA

On 25th January 2024, during the feast of the Foundation of the Congregation of the Mission, The Visitor of the Vice-province of Kenya Fr. Edwin Mugwe, CM. Commissioned two Confreres Fr. Peter Mutula, CM and Fr. John Bosco Idiama, CM to go and be the pioneers of the New Mission in Uganda. Our plan is to expand our Mission in Uganda so that many lives can be transformed. "We are priest for the poor and the poor are our Lords and Masters." St. Vincent DePaul

A New Dawn for Kamulu Novitiate

CHAPEL INAUGURATION BRINGS NEW HOPE

Kamulu, Kenya – Situated to the northeast of Nairobi, the Kamulu Novitiate, under the stewardship of the Congregation of the Mission - Vice Province of Kenya, has long faced the challenge of limited space for its expanding community. On January 16, 2025, this challenge was effectively addressed with the inauguration of a new chapel, marking a significant milestone in the novitiate’s spiritual and communal life.

With a capacity to accommodate up to 40 people, the new chapel stands as a beacon of hope, coinciding with the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year of Hope and the Congregation's 400th anniversary celebrations.

The consecration ceremony, led by His Grace, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, highlighted the chapel’s crucial role in nurturing spiritual growth and unity, making it a vital addition to the novitiate’s mission.

“This chapel is a sacred testament to the shared faith and enduring mission of our congregation,” Archbishop Anyolo proclaimed during the blessing. “The goodness of the Catholic Church is always evident,” he continued. “That’s why we celebrate saints like St.

Vincent de Paul, whose legacy continues to inspire us. We also celebrate milestones, anniversaries, and the launch of new structures like this chapel. It is not just a physical building; it is a sacred space where faith can flourish, prayers can be lifted, and the mission of the Church can continue to thrive.”

The chapel’s inauguration was not merely a solution to a spatial problem; it was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the congregation and the broader community. Very Rev. Fr. Edwin I. Mugwe, C.M., Visitor of the Vice Province of Kenya, and Very Rev. Fr. Joseph S. Williams, C.M., Visitor of the Western Province, U.S.A., underscored the importance of this new facility in fostering a deeper spiritual connection among the novices and the faithful.

Architecturally, the chapel is a replica of the historic St. Lazare Chapel, blending traditional reverence with modern functionality. It features not only a spacious worship area but also a library, sacristy, classroom, office, and bathrooms. "We wanted it to be an offspring of some of our houses, giving both a traditional outlook and a modern taste," Very Rev. Fr. Edwin explained, highlighting the thoughtful design that caters to the varied needs of the novitiate community.

Special acknowledgment

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE

" We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the God Minute family for their remarkable generosity and incredible support in making this dream a reality,” said Very Rev. Fr. Edwin. “Special acknowledgment goes to Fr. Ron Hoye, C.M., Teresa Manna, and the development teams from the Western Province USA and Kenya. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in realizing this vision, providing our novices with a beautiful space to grow in faith and spirit."

A Chapel of Grace

"As Rev. Fr. Dominic Makau, C.M., Director of the Novitiate, aptly expressed, "It is with great joy and belief that we entrust this chapel to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, knowing she will watch over us, intercede for us, and through her, we will receive all the graces we need."

THE VINCENTIAN COMMITMENT TO MISSIONARY SERVICE, FRATERNITY, AND THE UNWAVERING PURSUIT OF CHRIST

Vincentian Visitors from the Western Province Strengthen Missionary Bonds in Kenya

As the year 2025 began, the Congregation of the Mission –Kenya received a special pastoral visit from Very Rev. Joseph S. Williams, C.M., Visitor of the Western Province, and Rev. Kevin Fausz, C.M., Treasurer of the Western Province. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the global Vincentian fraternity and the shared mission of serving Christ in the poor.

Vincentian spirit was alive in the devotion and large turnout of the faithful. The liturgical celebration was a testament to the strong faith community built upon St. Vincent de Paul’s legacy - bringing the Gospel to the most vulnerable.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Their journey across Kenya took them to various Vincentian missions, where they engaged with priests, seminarians, and the faithful, offering spiritual encouragement and strengthening missionary bonds.

1 JOHN 3:18

A Sunday of Faith and Fellowship at St. Kizito Parish, Matisi

One of the key moments of their visit was the Sunday Mass at St. Kizito Parish, Matisi, where the

A Milestone: The Dedication of the Novitiate Chapel

A defining highlight of the visit was the dedication of the new Novitiate Chapel, named ‘Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.’ This sacred occasion was presided over by Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop Metropolitan of Nairobi, and graced by Very Rev. Edwin Mugwe, C.M., Visitor of the Vice Province of Kenya, alongside the Western Province guests.

A place of

worship,

healing, and prayer for many

The chapel, which includes a library and offices, stands as a lasting symbol of faith, prayer, and formation for future Vincentians. Its construction was made possible through the generous support of the God Minute family, led by Rev. Ron Hoye, C.M.

As the Jubilee Year unfolds, this visit has rekindled the Vincentian commitment to missionary service, fraternity, and the unwavering pursuit of Christ in the poor.

Watch a reflection from the visit: Click Here

Expanding Our Frontiers

NEW MISSION IN TEZO, KILIFI COUNTY – ARCHDIOCESE OF MOMBASA

As we mark 400 years of the Congregation of the Mission, we are called to deepen our commitment to evangelization and service. In this spirit, we are humbled and honored to accept an invitation from the Archdiocese of Mombasa to establish a new mission in Tezo, Kilifi County.

Tezo is a community with great faith but also significant pastoral and social needs. Our mission will focus on evangelization, formation, and outreach to the poor, ensuring that the DePaul spirit of love and service takes root in this region. With hearts burning with zeal, we look forward to walking alongside the people of Tezo, bringing them the hope of Christ.

PILGRIMS OF HOPE – JUBILEE YEAR CELEBRATIONS

As we commemorate four centuries of Vincentian mission and service, we embrace our call to be Pilgrims of Hope - deepening our faith, strengthening our mission, and expanding our outreach to those in need. This historic milestone is not only a time of celebration but also a renewal of our commitment to evangelization and compassionate service.

CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION VICE-PROVINCE OF KENYA

Upcoming Events

MARCH 5 – ASH WEDNESDAY & LENTEN CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

The Lenten season begins, calling us to prayer, fasting, and charity. This year’s campaign focuses on deepening our faith and serving those in need.

MARCH 10 – VISITATION BY A SENIOR GENERAL OF THE CONGREGATION

A senior leader of the Congregation will visit, offering guidance and encouragement as we continue our mission.

MARCH 25 – RENOVATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY

A special day as the Daughters of Charity renew their vows, reaffirming their commitment to serving the poor.

MARCH 5 – APRIL 17 (LENTEN SEASON) – EXPANSION OF OUR WOODWORK MINISTRY

A major initiative throughout Lent aimed at growing our Woodwork

Ministry, equipping communities with skills and sustainable livelihoods.

MAY 3 – PRIESTLY ORDINATION

We rejoice as new priests are ordained into the Congregation of the Mission, dedicating their lives to faith and service.

May this Jubilee Year inspire us all to walk in faith, serve with love, and bring hope to those in need.

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