June 3, 2023 – “Look what the Lord has done in five short years!” This sentiment was on every lip as St. Charles Lwanga Parish celebrated its 5th Anniversary on the feast day of its patron, St. Charles Lwanga. The milestone fell on a Saturday, making it perfect for a full-day celebration of prayer, remembrance, and festivity.
The day began with a Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00 AM, presided by the Apostolic Administrator of the time, Fr. Albert Buijs, MHM, who had been the one to officially erect the parish back in 2018. He returned as a special guest, much to the delight of the faithful who consider him part of the parish story. Concelebrating were our Jesuit priests and a few visiting clergy from neighboring parishes (including a representative of the bishop). The church was packed – parishioners from our SCCs, delegation from outstations, and even some Muslims and Protestants friends came to share in our joy.
In his homily, Fr. Buijs took everyone down memory lane: “I remember standing under a makeshift roof on June 3, 2018, with maybe 50 people, inaugurating this parish. We had no idea what would come, but we trusted in the Holy Spirit.” He marveled at the growth to hundreds of active faithful, calling it a sign of God’s grace. He encouraged the parish to continue in the spirit of St. Charles Lwanga – fearless in spreading the faith. He also congratulated the Jesuit fathers for their dedicated service: “They arrived as strangers, and now they are beloved shepherds here.” This drew a warm applause for Fr. Sossy and team.
After the homily, a poignant moment: a big framed photo of St. Charles Lwanga and the Martyrs of Uganda was unveiled and blessed, to be placed permanently in the church. Also, the original “register book” of the first baptisms and weddings was displayed, reminding everyone of the sacraments that built the community.
Following Mass, the atmosphere shifted to celebration mode on the parish grounds. The Kenya Navy Band (from a local base) had been invited to lead a short parade – adding pomp with their brass instruments as they marched, followed by our uniformed groups (CWA, CMA, PMC) in a procession of pride.
Next was an array of cultural performances. Each of the 14 Small Christian Communities had prepared something, reflecting Kenya’s diversity: – The St. Veronica SCC (mostly coastal Swahili families) performed a Swahili dance with lesos, singing a coastal Taarab-style thanksgiving song. – The St. Jude SCC (with many upcountry migrant families) did a traditional Kikuyu thanksgiving dance, complete with gourds and chants, praising God for “5 years of blessings.” – Our youth group staged a short skit called “The Light in Muyeye” dramatizing the parish’s journey: a candle lit in 2018, gradually lighting others until the whole stage was bright – symbolizing evangelization (this got a standing ovation!). – CWA sang the St. Charles Lwanga Hymn – a soulful hymn in Luganda that they learned just for this day, honoring the Ugandan martyrs’ bravery. – Not to be outdone, the men (CMA) showcased a fun “then and now” sketch comparing the early parish (carrying chairs from home, no microphones) to now (good sound system, many ministries) – it had everyone laughing and appreciating how far we’ve come.
In between, testimonies were given. One elder, Mr. Anthony, shared: “I was away from church for decades. But when this parish started near me, I came out of curiosity. The love I found brought me fully back to the sacraments.” A young lady, Cate, spoke of how joining the youth group turned her life around from bad company to purposeful living. These personal stories underscored that beyond buildings, the real growth is in transformed lives.
The District Commissioner of Malindi, present as a guest, also congratulated the parish on its societal contributions, highlighting the peace and values inculcated in the community. He even quipped that whenever there’s a local dispute, he sees our Justice & Peace folks helping, proving the Church’s positive influence.
A hearty communal meal followed. Every SCC had contributed food – truly a potluck of Kenyan cuisine. There was chapati, biriyani, ugali, fried fish, mukimo, samosas, and even an entire roasted goat donated by a well-wisher. People ate to their fill, sitting under tents or trees, chatting happily. A sense of one family prevailed – just as envisioned.
After lunch, we held a friendly “quiz and awards” session. A trivia quiz about parish history – e.g., “Who was the first baby baptized?” (the mother of that baby proudly answered!). Small prizes were given. Then came awards: The parish recognized some key pioneers – those who hosted early Masses in their homes, the catechist who served since day one, the youth who rang the bell faithfully each morning. They received certificates and a gift (a Bible or rosary). Fr. Sossy humorously gave an award to “the most patient altar server” – a boy who always serves even when Mass runs long, which got chuckles.
In closing, Fr. Sossy led a short prayer of dedication for the next 5 years, entrusting the parish to Christ anew. Balloons in parish colors (yellow and white) were released into the air, symbolizing our prayers rising to heaven.
As evening approached, a final surprise: the youth had prepared a campfire in the field where anyone could come share reflections or sing. Many stayed on, reluctant to have the day end. Around the fire, folks shared what the parish means to them. One could sense hope and faith burning bright, much like the fire.
That night, the stars above Muyeye shone, and so did the hearts of the parishioners. In only five years, with God’s grace, this parish has grown from a seed to a sturdy young tree in the vineyard of the Lord. Challenges like COVID were weathered; blessings like a new church and many vocations were garnered. Truly, we can say as Samuel did, “Ebenezer – thus far the Lord has helped us.”Happy 5th Anniversary, St. Charles Lwanga Parish! Here’s to many more years of serving God and His people, “for the greater glory of God.”
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