Kenya Mission is Alive and Well

By Father Ron Ramson, CM

St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Kamulu (below, left) is active and growing, as is the Woodworking Program, which trains Kenyans in skills they can use to support their families.

For 28 years the Vincentians have been making a difference in poverty-ridden Kenya. Many things have changed since we first arrived but it brings me great satisfaction to report that we are making a difference.

Our mission began in 1981 with three Vincentians training and forming clergy at the request of the local African bishop. Today, we have 12 Midwest Province Vincentians serving in Kenya and more in the formation program at DePaul Centre.

In addition to teaching in our own seminary, we Vincentians are continually committed to forming men for other dioceses in Kenya. Presently, Father Robert Wood, CM, and Father John Richardson, CM, are teaching at Christ the King Seminary in Nyeri, while Father Thomas Esselman, CM, is teaching at Tangaza College.

As Vincentians, our call to form the clergy transcends seminary life. Thus, we offer continuing formation and education of diocesan priests through the Emmaus Program. In October, priests from five dioceses attended the fall session. Bishop David Kamau, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, opened this year’s program by celebrating the Eucharist.

The Woodworking Program continues to bring hope to Kenyan families. Brother Jim Donlevy, CM, reports that he presently has six students in the program. It is important to note that 11 Kenyans have already graduated from the program and are now able to provide for their families.

This year marked the 40th anniversary of Holy Cross Parish in Thigio. Holy Cross has more than 100 families and is currently being served by our East African Vincentians, Fathers Lennoxie Lusabe, Philip Njenga and Ignatius Mukanzi, CMs. The anniversary was marked with an outdoor Mass and celebration. Vincentians from DePaul Centre joined the parish for the occasion.

In September, St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Kumulu also gathered on the feast of their patron saint. A crowd of parishioners and Vincentians joined together to celebrate the Eucharist. Father Rod Crowley, CM, pastor, along with Fathers Alex Isonga and John Musolo, CMs, were overjoyed to see so many come together in the Vincentian spirit to honor this great saint of charity.

Our collaboration in Kenya with the Vincentian family is most evident with the Daughters of Charity. In Nairobi, the Daughters recently opened the DREAM program, where they offer HIV/AIDS testing and treatment for the poor in the area. We supply clean water for their operation, which serves hundreds of sick and dying Kenyans.

Experiencing the horrific violence of 2007 and 2008 in Kenya has impacted all of our lives: students, parishioners, and missionaries. Many families of those being served by the Vincentians were directly affected by the violence, even our own employees and students. Thanks to contributions from our loyal donors, like you, we were able to bring assistance to many Kenyans. It was very evident that the Vincentian spirit was alive during this difficult time.

Once it was safe to travel again, I had a chance to visit Our Lady of Fatima High School in the Korokocho slum. This high school has a “Friends of St. Vincent de Paul Club” and
many students who are involved in this club actually stopped the burning and destruction
of buildings throughout Kenya during the riots.

The school’s administration is so proud of these students, who are truly living the charism of St. Vincent de Paul.

As St. Vincent tells us, “To be involved in the service of Jesus is a sacred trust to which we have been invited.” All of you who have supported us with your prayers and contributions have responded well to Christ’s invitation and we are grateful.