February 9, 2025 – The Jumuiya of St. Josephine Bakhita at Mayungu Outstation, under St. Charles Lwanga Parish, joyfully celebrated their patron saint’s feast day this past weekend. The day was marked by spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and thanksgiving, as the community came together to honor St. Bakhita and reflect on their faith journey.
The celebrations began with a pilgrimage to one of our diocesan heritage sites: the historic Chapel of St. Francis Xavier in Malindi town. Early in the morning, a convoy of parishioners – youth, elders, children – traveled the 10km to the tiny centuries-old chapel where St. Francis Xavier once prayed. There, led by our parish choir, they recited the Rosary and sang hymns, connecting their local journey with the wider history of the faith in Malindi. This pilgrimage was a moment of prayer, reflection, and renewal. “It felt like walking in the footsteps of saints,” said one youth. “We prayed that like St. Bakhita and St. Francis Xavier, we too can be steadfast and carry the light of Christ.”
Returning to Mayungu, the community gathered under a makeshift tent for the Holy Mass. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Damas Missanga, S.J., our Assistant Parish Priest who regularly ministers to the outstation. In his homily, Fr. Damas highlighted the inspiring life of St. Josephine Bakhita – once a slave who found freedom in Christ and became a symbol of hope and forgiveness. He encouraged the faithful to emulate Bakhita’s virtues of resilience and compassion. Significantly, Fr. Damas also took the opportunity to explain the meaning of the Church’s Jubilee Year currently being celebrated universally. He related the jubilee themes of forgiveness and renewal to the community’s own experience: “Just as Bakhita forgave those who enslaved her,” he preached, “in this Jubilee we are called to forgive past hurts, reconcile with one another, and start afresh in God’s grace.” Many were moved as he tied the global Church celebration to their local reality of seeking peace in families and neighborhoods.
After the spiritually nourishing Mass (which included vibrant Swahili hymns and a liturgical dance by the youth), it was time for fellowship. The community proceeded to share a festive meal along the beautiful Malindi beach not far from the prayer site. Parishioners had collaboratively prepared a potluck of local delicacies – from pilau rice to grilled fish fresh from the sea. As they sat on mats under swaying palm trees, conversations and laughter flowed freely. Children splashed at the water’s edge under the watchful eyes of teenagers. This moment of communion was a testament to the unity and love within the Jumuiya: members enjoyed each other’s company and strengthened their bonds as a faith family.
One highlight was the storytelling session after lunch. Elders recounted how the St. Bakhita community started with just a handful of families praying together, growing slowly to the vibrant outstation it is today. Youth dramatized St. Bakhita’s life, bringing smiles and even tears to the gathering, especially when depicting her joyful baptism after so much suffering.
As the sun began to dip, the day concluded with everyone gathering again to sing the Bakhita Jumuiya anthem, a song imploring their patron’s intercession for the needs of Mayungu. Together they prayed: “St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us!” echoing across the beach in the evening light.
Reflecting on the feast day, community member Agnes Juma said, “It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of faith and community. Despite not having a physical church building yet, today we proved that the Church is truly the people. We felt God’s presence with us strongly.” Indeed, the feast day was a powerful reminder of hope. With St. Bakhita’s example guiding them, the Mayungu faithful are more determined than ever to persevere in their project to acquire land and build a chapel. But until that day comes, they know that “where two or three are gathered” in Jesus’ name – even on a beach or under a tree – He is there among them.
St. Josephine Bakhita, shining witness of faith, continue to pray for the Mayungu community and our entire parish!
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