St. Charles Lwanga Parish is under the spiritual leadership of the Jesuit Fathers (SJ) appointed by the Eastern Africa Province. They bring to the parish a collaborative style of ministry and a wealth of pastoral experience across East Africa.
- Parish Priest (Pastor): Rev. Fr. Sosthenes “Sossy” Luyembe, S.J. – Fr. Sossy has been our Parish Priest since August 2018. He succeeded our founding pastor (Fr. Protus Opondo, SJ) and has guided the parish “until to date.” Originally from Tanzania, Fr. Sossy is known for his energetic pastoral approach and warm sense of humor. He ensures the Sacraments and pastoral programs are accessible to all, and has a special passion for igniting youth involvement and Marian devotion in the parish. Under his leadership, the parish nearly doubled in size and undertook key development projects (like building the grotto and expanding outreach). Fr. Sossy often reminds us, “God’s love has no borders,” encouraging us to be inclusive and missionary.
- Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Damas Lazaro Missanga, S.J. – Fr. Damas hails from Tanzania and joined our parish team in 2022. He assists in all pastoral duties, with particular focus on faith formation (RCIA, Catechism classes) and family apostolate. Fr. Damas also serves as Director of our new Aquiline Tarimo Jesuit School. He brings gentle wisdom and a thoughtful presence—whether he’s preaching, teaching catechists, or counseling couples. Parishioners appreciate his clear homilies and dedication to fostering strong Christian families.
- Assistant Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Deshi Ramadhani, S.J. – Fr. Deshi is a seasoned Jesuit missionary originally from Indonesia who has been part of the Jesuit community in Malindi. He assists the parish on a part-time basis (especially with retreats and spiritual direction) while serving the wider Jesuit mission in the region. With a background in Ignatian spirituality, Fr. Deshi enriches our parish with his deep prayerfulness and global perspective. He often presides at special Masses and helps train prayer group leaders. (Note: Fr. Deshi served in 2024; current assignments are subject to Jesuit superiors.)
In addition to the priests, we occasionally benefit from Jesuit Scholastics (seminarians) on pastoral exposure. For example, Sch. Stanslaus Kanenje, S.J., spent time here coordinating youth ministry and catechesis. Jesuit brothers or scholastics assist with Magis youth activities, altar server training, and school programs, bringing youthful enthusiasm and creativity to our ministries.Founding Clergy: We remember with gratitude Fr. Protus Opondo, S.J. (our first Parish Priest, June 2018 – Aug 2018) and Fr. Atakelt Tesfaye, S.J. (first assistant). They laid a strong foundation, helping organize the initial parish structures and SCCs. Though transferred, they remain part of our story. We also thank Fr. Albert Buijs, MHM, then Apostolic Administrator of Malindi, who officially erected the parish and invited the Jesuits to shepherd it.