The Second Ordinary Chapter of the Vicariate of Kenya was held from 4-9 December at Mazzanti House in Karen, Nairobi. Around 30 friars from the Vicariate of St Rita participated.
Fr. Alejandro Moral, Prior General, participated remotely in the sessions of the Chapter through videoconferences. In his remarks, he thanked the friars for their “availability, sacrifice, witness and service in the various communities of Kenya”, especially in difficult situations. In the same vein, he highlighted three key areas that the members of the Vicariate should take seriously: strengthening community life, interiority and economic self-sustainability.
On the other hand, the Prior General asked the friars to dedicate time to interiority, an essential aspect of Augustinian life, stressing that the care of the interior journey allows us to be close to God, to listen to Him, to dialogue with Him and to share the richness of this encounter among the friars and also with the people they serve. He also stressed the need for the friars to work for the common good and to pool their resources for the growth and economic self-sufficiency of the Vicariate.
Robert Karanja Ireri as Regional Vicar for another four years and assured his accompaniment as spiritual leader of the Order, as well as that of the General Council, and that of the Order.
An Ordinary Chapter in a spirit of fidelity and service
The second day of the Chapter was dedicated to recollection under the guidance of Don Luciano Labanca, Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature. In his reflection, centered on The Challenges of Religious Life: A View from Canon Law, he encouraged the friars to live the Gospel in the defense, safeguarding and protection of minors and vulnerable adults. In the same vein, he invited the friars to look at the approach adopted by the Church to contribute to the local communities of God's people in this part of East Africa.
This was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist for the invocation of the Holy Spirit, presided over by Father Edward Daleng, Assistant General for Africa. In his homily, he emphasized how the Holy Spirit, the gift of God's love and fidelity, unites us in our diversity to reflect the communion of the divine Trinity which is the source of the Augustinian mission. He also exhorted the friars to remain faithful and to be courageous in hope so that the people entrusted to their pastoral care may experience the presence of Christ among them, especially in these difficult times of social and economic hardship.
Finally, the members of the Vicariate outlined in their decisions new plans for the next four years. These include serving with greater determination especially in the education sector with a view to social transformation through the parish apostolate, the main area in this part of Kenya.
Laying of the foundation stone for the construction of St. Augustine's Educational Center.
As part of the celebration of the Ordinary Chapter, the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of St. Augustine's Educational Center and School in Kisumu was held on Monday, December 11. Edward Daleng, OSA, Assistant General, in the presence of Fr. Robert Karanja Ireri, Regional Vicar, Fr. Patrick Barasa, project director; as well as Fr. Stanislaus Wamache Makhoka, Prior of the community and project administrator, Fr. Solomon Bitali, project accountant, Fr. Joseph Oduor, parish priest and member of the project committee; together with the project builder and his team of workers and some locals, especially lay leaders and members of the religious community.
Edward Daleng, who pronounced the blessing rite, also explained the importance of the project for the local community and the Church as part of the Order's mission of evangelization by contributing to the education and development of children and youth, the future generations for social transformation. Finally, recognition and thanks were given to the Prior General and his Council, the St. Augustine Foundation of California, the Province of Ireland, the Italian Episcopal Conference, the Augustinian Foundation in the World, and the entire Order for the financial support of the project.
