From our sister Redempta Kabahweza, Malindi community, Kenya
On 24 November 2024, the feast of Christ the King, the Community of Malindi joined the Missionaries of Africa in their parish of Tarasaa for the inauguration of the bicentenary of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie. It was a beautiful celebration with Mass celebrated by the Provincial of the EAP Province, Fr. Oswald Mallya.
In his homily he highlighted the passion of Cardinal Lavigerie to save Africans from the slave trade.
His desire was that the dignity of every human being be respected and protected,
especially for Africans sold into slavery, and that is why he founded the two Institutes to spread this Gospel throughout Africa.
He further explained that slavery still exists in another form called modern slavery and Cardinal Lavigerie challenges us to continue the mission of protecting humanity from modern slavery.
As the parish also celebrated its patron saint that day, St Catherine of Alexandria, he linked the saint to the feast of Christ the King, that although St Catherine came from the royal family, she recognised Jesus as her king and did his will, which led to her martyrdom at the age of 18.
He said that St Catherine became a Christian at the age of 14 and after only 4 years of her Christian life she was martyred, challenging us that
it does not matter how many years you have as a Christian, what matters is the quality of your relationship with God.
It was a great celebration with everyone looking excited and full of joy. After Holy Communion, many Christians came forward and danced in a circle and the MSOLA sisters joined in. After Mass, the youth and children entertained us with beautiful songs and dances that made the day more colourful. Everyone ate and went home happy.
We appreciate our brothers (The Missionaries of Africa) in the Tarasaa community for their collaboration.
Standing in front of the Christians and singing together Santa Maria gave us the feeling of being a family working together, and that is what we are.
May Our Lady of Africa continue to journey with us in our collaboration as we continue to follow in the footsteps of our Founder.
