Our parish recognizes and respects the local culture of our people. We sometimes hold events that celebrate our community’s cultural heritage in harmony with our faith:
- Swahili Cultural Night: Once we held an evening of Swahili coastal culture at the parish hall – with traditional Swahili dishes (pilau, viazi karai), poetry and taarab music, and a talk on how the Gospel can be expressed in our local culture. This was a hit and helped the different ethnic groups appreciate each other’s backgrounds. We might make it an annual or biannual event.
- Jumuiya Competitions: In a friendly spirit, we have had SCC competitions in choir singing and even sports. For instance, a Choir Festival where each Jumuiya choir presented a song and was judged on harmony and message – it encouraged improvement and was a fun, praise-filled day. Similarly, we had a Parish Sports Day where SCCs fielded teams for football and netball; people came in their Jumuiya colors. This fosters unity and healthy competition.
- Fundraising Harambees: Though primarily for raising funds (for a project or charity cause), harambees in Kenya are community events. Our parish harambees usually start with a prayer, then maybe a performance by youth or choir to motivate, then pledges and contributions. They often feel like mini festivals as we all unite for a goal. We ensure these are done transparently and with thanksgiving. In 2023, a major harambee was done for the parking lot project, raising a significant amount and doubling as a fellowship event (with food and entertainment) that brought even non-Catholic friends to support.
- Pilgrimages: Occasionally, the parish organizes group pilgrimages. We’ve visited the Portuguese Chapel in Malindi town, where St. Francis Xavier prayed (a historical pilgrimage site)[4]. We’ve joined diocesan pilgrimages to the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace in Mukongoro (a site in our diocese). We dream of organizing a pilgrimage to Namugongo in Uganda for the Uganda Martyrs—perhaps when finances allow, maybe for a small delegation or youth group. These journeys strengthen faith and community bonding, as pilgrims pray and travel together.
Keep an eye on our communications for announcements of such special events. The parish bulletin, Sunday announcements, and our new website’s News section will provide details so you can participate.Every week and year brings new opportunities to grow and celebrate together. By engaging in these events, you truly become part of the heartbeat of our parish family. As our patron St. Charles Lwanga and his companions stuck together in faith, we too journey together, sharing joys, carrying burdens, and above all rejoicing in the Lord always.