From Sr Xaverine Mukatabaza, Malindi, Kenya
Allow me to begin with the words of our superior general, Sr. Angela Kapitingana during the official opening of the new community in Morocco. She said,
“We may be few in number, but history has shown us time and again that even a small group, united by a common purpose can produce a profound witness.” She continued: “Let us carry out this mission with joy and determination, knowing that our strength lies in our unity and our faith. We are mission and our presence here today is a witness to the transforming love of the Risen Lord who calls us to journey together as we expand our tent.”
When I read this article that our sisters in Morocco shared, it reminded me of our reality in Malindi, Kenya, a place of primary evangelization. Indeed, our presence in Malindi as well, is a witness to the transforming love of the Risen Lord who calls us to journey together and enlarge our tent. And all our apostolic experiences are for this purpose.
Recently, we were invited by the parish priest of Chakadulu, one of the parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi, to share with the youth some insights that could be helpful for their Christian growth. This is a parish where there is a young lady, Jacintha Celina, aspiring to join our congregation.
Let us keep her in our prayers as she continues her studies and her journey with us.
Young people here need our spiritual guidance to grow in their Christian faith. Aware of this, I accepted the invitation of Fr. Ngala to animate the youth in his parish. Seeing the lack of participation of the youth in the church movements, I felt deep within me the desire to simply share with them about their role in the church.
It was a beautiful sharing. We were able to see together how their participation begins within their families and communities even before they go to church.
“The first mission is at home” in other words “Charity begins at home”
They were very happy to discover that each one of them has a mission to accomplish. God is calling each one of them as she or he is simply to be there for him and for his people. This can be realized in services such as: volunteering to be moderators of the children, visiting the sick, the elderly and those in need in their parishes.
The youth are the leaders of tomorrow. This means that they need to be guided with a lot of love and patience. They are called to be witnesses of Jesus Christ in their families and among their fellow youth. There is also a call to be models for others as they imitate Christ.
Those who attended the seminar were those committed and willing to learn more about God and the church. This presentation was preceded by Mass, followed by a second presentation on the liturgy by Fr. Ngala.
Let us continue to pray for them, that they may truly become witnesses of Jesus Christ in their own way as long as it pleases God.
