The date September 8, 2024 – the Feast of the Nativity of Mary – shone brightly for our parish and deanery as it witnessed a landmark event: 80 women were formally received and commissioned into the Catholic Women Association (CWA)[34][3]. This ceremony, held at our St. Charles Lwanga Parish grounds, was not only a celebration of these women’s commitment but also a testament to the growth of lay apostolate in Malindi Diocese.
Central Deanery CWA Mass: The event was actually organized at the deanery level (Central Deanery of Malindi, which includes our parish and several others). Our parish had the honor of hosting it, given our spacious church and central location. The main celebrant was Bishop Willybard Lagho himself, signaling the importance he attaches to the role of women in the church[35]. Also in attendance were priests from neighboring parishes, diocesan CWA officials, and hundreds of faithful (filling our church to standing room only, and some tents with screens were set outside for overflow).
The sight was awe-inspiring: The 80 candidates, all women from various parishes in the deanery, processed in wearing identical white and blue CWA dresses and veils. They ranged from young mothers in their 20s to grandmothers in their 60s – a real cross-section of “mothers of faith.” The congregation included many existing CWA members (in uniform) who came to support, and family members of the inductees (proud husbands and children watching their wives/mothers take this step).
During the rite, after the Gospel, each candidate was called by name to come forward. They lined the sanctuary, some visibly holding back tears of joy. Bishop Lagho, in his homily and admonition, reminded them that joining CWA is not merely joining a social group; it is a call to deeper service and evangelization. He highlighted how Catholic women can be pivotal in encouraging and supporting vocations to the priesthood[17][18] – echoing his earlier message from 2021 where he challenged women to foster vocations. “As mothers and primary educators,” he said, “you have a mission to nurture the faith in your families and indeed to sow the seeds of future priests and sisters by your example and encouragement.” The bishop’s words stirred many; some husbands nodded, as if to say they will support their wives in this noble role.
The actual commissioning involved each woman kneeling as the Bishop presented her with a blessed CWA scarf and badge (the insignia of the association). They recited the CWA promise, pledging to uphold Christian values, to be faithful daughters of the Church like Mary and Monica (the patron of CWA), and to serve in humility and love. The Bishop then extended his hands and prayed a blessing over them, officially welcoming them into the association.
The newly commissioned CWA members then received a hearty applause from the congregation. They were beaming – one could sense the empowerment and grace in that moment. It was particularly emotional for those from our parish: out of the 80, 25 were from St. Charles Lwanga Parish (the rest from other parishes). This intake more than doubled our own CWA membership! Our parish CWA choir led the music at this Mass, including the CWA anthem, which resonated powerfully: “Union of Catholic women, pillar of the Church…”
After Mass, the celebrations continued with speeches and festivities: – The Diocesan CWA leader, Mama Felista, gave an inspiring speech urging the new members to be “yeast” in their communities – small in number perhaps but making a big impact by their witness. She humorously noted, “Now our diocese has 80 more prayer warriors – woe unto the devil!” bringing laughter. – A representative of the newly commissioned (a young mother from our parish) expressed gratitude, saying how they underwent months of preparation – weekly formation classes on scripture, church doctrine, family life, etc., plus a retreat – and now they are ready to serve. She thanked their husbands and families for support, and in a moving touch, she had all new members stand, turn to the congregation and say in unison, “Thank you, our family and parish, for journeying with us.” – Bishop Lagho, in closing, gave a short off-the-cuff talk emphasizing unity: he warned the CWA not to form an exclusive club but to remain integrally part of parish life, collaborating with priests and other groups, and being mentors to younger women (like the Wana Maria girls). He also slyly mentioned he looks forward to seeing some of their good work in boosting vocations and parish projects.
Then came the entertainment: the CWA from various parishes had prepared songs and dances. There was a traditional Swahili dance performed by the women of our parish – graceful and elegant, celebrating womanhood and faith. The women from another parish performed a skit on St. Monica’s persistent prayer for her son St. Augustine, highlighting a mother’s perseverance – very apt for the association’s patron.
A grand cake (shaped like an open Bible) was cut by Bishop Lagho alongside the oldest and youngest new CWA members, symbolizing the continuity of generations. Lunch was served for all – biryani, chapatis, stew, all lovingly prepared by (who else?) the existing CWA members of host parish. They insisted the new members relax this day and be served – a gesture of welcoming them into the sisterhood.
The day ended with group photos – 80 new members with the Bishop and priests (a beautiful sea of blue and white), and lots of joy. Our parish grounds felt like a sea of CWA uniforms that afternoon – truly a celebration of Catholic womanhood.
Impact for our Parish: This event had immediate ripple effects. Our parish CWA became one of the largest groups overnight. The zeal of the newly commissioned was evident – the very next week they held a meeting to plan out what charitable activity they could undertake first, settling on visiting the local prison women’s wing with gifts. Also, inspired by the Bishop’s challenge, the CWA started an initiative to have monthly rosary gatherings specifically to pray for vocations, inviting families to join – something that has since drawn good attendance.
Moreover, the presence of so many supportive husbands at the event softened many hearts; a few men commented, “Maybe it’s time we also strengthen our CMA to keep up!” in jest – but indeed, it prompted the men’s group to step up their game too.
For the women themselves, joining CWA gave them a renewed sense of identity and purpose in the Church. One new member, Jane, shared later in a testimony, “I used to feel shy to speak up or lead anything in church, but after the commissioning, I feel a new courage. I know I am part of a big family of sisters, and Mother Mary is with us. I’m ready to serve.” Such personal transformations are the real treasure behind the ceremony.
In summary, the induction of 80 women into CWA was not just a numerical boost; it was a spiritual enrichment for the whole community. It highlighted the pivotal role of women in our parish’s past, present, and future. As the Bishop put it, “When women stand firm in faith, the family stands firm; when families stand firm, the Church stands firm.” This day, our Church indeed felt on very firm footing.
(Photo caption idea: Bishop Lagho laying hands in blessing over a row of women in blue/white uniforms kneeling – the moment of CWA commissioning, with the parish community in witness.)
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