Mukuru, a slum in the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi, is home to some 10,000 people living in wood and corrugated metal shacks, crowded together, with no running water, electricity, or sewage systems.
Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Mukuru is packed. At the Offertory procession, with the gifts of bread and wine are baskets of vegetables, flour, rice, bread, and other necessities for the less fortunate members of the parish.
Spreading the Good News
Then, at the end of Mass, the new words of dismissal — “go and announce the Gospel of the Lord” — come to life immediately as the missionary priest and others navigate narrow dirt paths, spreading the Good News of God’s love to the sick and those suffering in any way.
They enter humble dwellings to offer prayers and help — and, above all, to be a presence of the Lord Who never abandons us.
Together, in prayer and sacrifice, we can make a world of difference, as we spread the faith and care for God’s people in a world of need.
Last year, the Pontifical Mission Societies sent $7,000 to Holy Spirit Parish in the Diocese of Nyahururu, north of Nairobi in Kenya. Many families in the parish’s villages do not have money to buy clothes for their children.
With the help he received, Fr. Samuel Amugori Romata was able to buy clothes for the children, some 4,000 in that area — as those working at the parish continue to be a witness to the Lord’s great love.
Helping hope live
Through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, you can be a part of “helping hope live” in Kenya and throughout the missions.
I ask first for your prayers to support the work of priests, Religious, and lay catechists throughout the developing world.
And I ask for your financial help. Perhaps you could offer $40, equal to $1 for each day of Lent? If you are able, could you give even more? Through your gift, you are telling the poor, “God will never abandon you” — and you are helping those who invite them to live in the hope of our Lord’s Resurrection.
May you and those you love experience abundant hope, peace, and great joy, especially at Easter!
Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer is director of the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese of Madison. Contributions to the Propagation of the Faith may be made at the parish or may be sent to: P.O. Box 44983, Madison, WI 53744-4983.