The member of the Clergy ADN looked back at the beginning of St. Austin’s Parish that he said started “from humble beginnings” and added, “This community has blossomed into a vibrant congregation. Through trials and triumphs, joys and sorrows, we have persevered, united by our shared belief in God.”
“We honor the countless souls who have walked these hallowed halls before us. Their prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment have paved the way for us to stand here today. They are the foundation upon which our faith is built, and their legacy continues to inspire us,” Fr. Edwin said.
In our history, he continued, “we have witnessed generations come and go, each leaving their mark on this sacred space.”
On his part, Fr. George Omondi Onyango, the Parish Priest, reflected on the parish’s inclusive nature, saying, “From our vibrant youth ministry to the embrace of diverse cultural traditions within the Catholic International Community and Francophone groups, we have built a family of faith that thrives in unity.”
The yearlong celebrations culminated in the launch of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Garden envisioned as a spiritual sanctuary for reflection and renewal.
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In his message, the Parish Priest of St. Austin’s Msongari Parish looked back at the events of 1899, when three pioneer Spiritans facilitated the establishment of the mission.
Fr. George Omondi said, “It is recorded that 125 years, four months and eight days ago, on 16th August 1899, the pioneer Catholic missionaries visited this place, and eventually purchased this land from Chief Mzundo.”
These Spiritan missionaries, he said referring to Bishop Emile Augustin Allgeyer, Fr. Alain Hemery, and Br. Blanchard Dillenseger, “planted a symbolic tree, which signified the planting of Catholic Faith in Inland Kenya. Today, we are celebrating the growth of that tree that has its branches stretching far and wide.”
Fr. Omondi highlighted activities that have been part of the yearlong celebrations of the 125 years since the Parish was established. “Providentially, we celebrated all the seven Church Sacraments,” he said, and went on to recall “celebrations of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Penance.”
“On February 11, the World Day of the Sick, we had anointing of the sick and shared a meal,” he said, and described the June 14 Priestly Ordination of nine Spiritan Deacons as “memorable” being the highest number of Kenyan-born Spiritans ordained on a single day.
“That the ordaining Bishop was a Spiritan makes the day even more symbolic,” Fr. Omondi said, referring to Bishop Mbinda.
The Kenyan-born Spiritan Priest also recalled the September 21st “colorful group celebration of Matrimony” of 12 couples, the Sacrament of Confirmation conferred to over 400 candidates on October 10, and the “pilgrimage to Bura-Taita in August, during which we treaded the very paths of our Parish founders in prayerful singing,” which he described as “breathtaking”.
He thanked those who facilitated the various anniversary celebrations, saying, “The committees, collaborating with the Parish Pastoral Council and guided by our yet-to-be published Parish Strategic Plan, have delivered admirably.”
“Today, as we celebrate the conclusion of our 125th anniversary, I joyfully invite you all, at the end of Holy Mass, to witness the launch and blessing of the site of our Prayer Garden, whose construction is part of our anniversary,” he said about the spiritual initiative estimated to cost KES. 40 million (US$.307,000.00).
“When realized, as a destination of pilgrims, the Prayer Garden will provide a spiritual sanctuary for prayer and reflection,” Fr. George said.
He also “humbly” appealed to the Local Ordinary of Nairobi Archdiocese “to consider making St. Austin's Parish a Shrine”, explaining, “In doing so, you will be honoring the significant and historic role of this Parish in the faith journey of all Catholic Parishes in Inland Kenya. Your Grace, you will also be honoring the pioneer Catholic missionaries.”
On his part, the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Austin’s Msongari Parish, Fr. Henry Omwoyo, appealed for continued collaboration to realize new goals.
“In a span of 125 years, St. Austin's Parish has stood out as an epitome of pastoral excellence, faith growth, youth empowerment, and children formation,” Fr. Henry said.
He added, “Our pioneer missionaries sacrificed their all to ensure the local church is established and strengthened. We have witnessed thousands and thousands being baptized and confirmed, we have seen many received into the Catholic faith and many other solemnizing their marriage in St. Austin’s historic parish Church.”
“May we move to greater heights under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” the Kenyan-born Spiritan Priest said in his goodwill message.
In another goodwill message, the Moderator of the Parish Pastoral Council Moderator, Peter Warutere, said that in marking the 125th anniversary, “We celebrate not only our history but also our commitment to a sustainable spiritual future.”
“In the course of time, we have built a strong, vibrant family that brings together over 3,500 parishioners from a diverse range of communities and interests,” Peter said, and added, “The Parish community is highly inclusive and includes over 25 Small Christian Communities and Ecclesial groups.”
The Parish Moderator also recognized the presence of the Catholic International Community (CIC) and the Francophone Catholic Community of Nairobi, abbreviated as CCFN from the French name, “Communauté Catholique Francophone de Nairobi”, comprising French speaking residents in Nairobi.
For the Moderator of CIC, Elmer Noronha, the 125th anniversary “reminds us of the importance of a firm and unwavering faith. It is by our faith that we stand strong and continue to grow and reminds us of the bonds we formed along the way.”
“This milestone marks not only the 125 years of existence but also the enduring presence of God's love and guidance. We thank God for his salvation and may the blessings of Almighty God, Our Lord Jesus,” Elmer said in his goodwill message.
On her part, the Moderator of CCFN, Corine Nana, recognized the important role of the Holy Spirit in guiding “our founding members and brought his people together as a community around the French language just over 40 years ago to worship in this holy place.”
“It is with immense gratitude that we are proud to be part of such a rich and diverse heritage. Together, let us work to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, so that through our life of witness many will be converted and perpetuate this heritage for the greater glory of God,” Corine added.
Dr. Augusta Abate, the Moderator of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) of St. Austin’s Msongari Parish, thanked “Kenyans from different parts of the country who participated in the growth of this parish and carried the faith to other parts of the East African region.”
“Some of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these families are here with us today,” Dr. Abate said, and implored, “We pray for God's grace and protection on all the families represented here, especially now that the family unit is facing various challenges. This is why the need to continue our work of evangelization is more critical than ever before.”
The Parish youth leader, Stanslous Muindi, said young people at St. Austin’s Msongari Parish are “deeply honored to be part of this rich legacy of faith, service, and community.”
“As young people, we are inspired by the resilience and dedication of those who came before us, paving the way for this vibrant parish. Today, we are committed to carrying forward this torch, embracing our faith with passion and ensuring that the next generations continue to find a home in this sacred space,” Stanslous said in his goodwill message, and added, “May we always be a beacon of love, and unity for all.”
Meanwhile, Catechist Pius Nzioka expressed gratitude for the collaboration among pastoral agents, including parents and volunteers.
“As we look to the future, St. Austin's remains dedicated to continuing the mission of faith and spiritual growth for generations to come,” Catechist Pius said in his goodwill message ahead of the December 8 conclusion of the 125th-anniversary celebrations of St. Austin’s Msongari Catholic Parish.
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