By Scholastic Wanzala Kanenje, S.J.
September 8, 2024 – The Central Deanery of Malindi Diocese witnessed a day of grace and joy as 80 women were formally received into the Catholic Women Association (CWA), also known as the “Battalion of St. Monica.” The solemn ceremony took place right here at St. Charles Lwanga Parish, Muyeye, during a special Mass led by Bishop Willybard Lagho of Malindi.
The church was packed to the brim with faithful from across Malindi deanery – delegations came from as far as Lamu and Garsen to support the candidates. Dressed in crisp new CWA attire (blue and white lesos emblazoned with images of St. Monica and the CWA emblem), the 80 women could hardly contain their excitement. This day was the culmination of months of spiritual formation and preparation.
In his homily, Bishop Lagho encouraged the new CWA members to use their newfound ministry not as a status, but as a call to deeper faith and service. Drawing an analogy to a tree, he explained that faith is the main stem, while various apostolic groups like CWA and CMA are branches that rely on that stem for survival[15]. He urged the new members – and indeed all Christians present – to strengthen their personal faith in Christ, the source, so that the groups they belong to remain robust and meaningful in the Church, “all for the greater glory of God.” (Yes, he even used the Jesuit motto there, drawing smiles from the priests!)[26].
The Rite of Enrollment was deeply moving: one by one, each woman was called by name, and their sponsor (an existing CWA member) helped them don the CWA uniform blouse and veil – a “blousing” ritual symbolizing being clothed in service. As they stood in rows, Bishop Lagho extended his hands and prayed a blessing over them. Some had tears in their eyes, aware of the commitment they were making to prayer and good works in the Church.
The liturgy was enriched by the combined parish choir, whose angelic voices swayed the congregation with powerful melodies[27]. Particularly notable was a Swahili hymn to the Holy Spirit sung during the blousing – invoking the Spirit’s guidance on these women’s new journey.
Following the Mass, celebration was in order! In the church compound, the congregation was treated to lively and captivating entertainment from the Pontifical Missionary Children (PMC)[16]. The children performed a welcome dance and a short skit honouring St. Monica’s persevering prayer for her son St. Augustine (an inspiration to the CWA to persist in prayer for their families). Laughter and applause filled the air as even some of the newly “bloused” CWA mothers joined the dance with their children – a beautiful image of generations rejoicing together.
As is tradition, the day concluded with a delicious lunch for all. Large pots of Pilau ya Pwani (Coastal pilaf rice) and stewed goat had been prepared by the host parish. Under tents, guests and parishioners mingled freely, congratulating the new members. Spontaneous ululations would erupt every so often as someone praised “Bwana Yesu!” for the blessings of the day.
In a brief address during the lunch, our Parish Moderator, Mrs. Neneya Martha Amuma (herself a longtime CWA member), thanked the Bishop and all guests. She also challenged the newly inducted women: “Today you have worn the uniform. Now go and BE the uniform – stand out in holiness, humility and service.” She humorously added that the husbands should be ready to support their wives, because “a praying and active CWA wife is a blessing to the whole family.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to the 80 women of St. Monica’s battalion who said “Yes” to this calling. They now join an association that is the praying heart of our parishes. Already, they have set a schedule for weekly CWA prayers and intend to start a small joint charity project (rumor has it they plan to sew school uniforms for needy children – very fitting!).As we celebrate this influx of new labourers in the Lord’s vineyard, we pray St. Monica guides them to persevere in faith and St. Charles Lwanga gives them courage. Indeed, “Mwanamke ni jeshi – A woman is an army (for Christ)!” Welcome, dear sisters, to the CWA!
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