The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Van Megen, has paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Bishop of Kitui, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, during the 4th Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Protection Shrine in Museve, as the Catholic Diocese of Kitui brought together thousands of faithful in a major celebration of faith, unity, and mission.
The pilgrimage, which drew Christians from across the Diocese of Kitui and beyond, including priests and men and women religious, was held under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
The pilgrimage featured the Way of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, confessions, and the celebration of the Holy Mass, offering the faithful a profound moment of prayer and spiritual renewal. The event also coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, observed on 2nd February, marked by priests and religious lighting candles at the beginning of Mass as a symbol of Christ as the Light of the World.
Presiding over the Holy Mass, Archbishop Van Megen called on the faithful to reflect deeply on the life God has given them and to make the pilgrimage a special moment of prayer for all. He reminded the congregation that life is filled with both highs and lows, encouraging them not to lose hope during difficult moments but to remain steadfast in faith. He noted that even when the Christian journey becomes tiring, with Mary, believers always find rest.
During his address, the Apostolic Nuncio praised Bishop Joseph Mwongela for his dedicated pastoral service and unwavering commitment to the people of the Diocese of Kitui as he prepares to take up a new pastoral assignment in the Diocese of Machakos. Emphasizing the bishop’s identity within the universal Church, the Nuncio told the faithful, “Bishop Joseph Mwongela is a son of the soil, but first and foremost, he is a son of the Church.”
He described the outgoing bishop as energetic, intellectually gifted, courageous, and deeply spiritual, qualities that shaped his leadership and pastoral approach throughout his tenure.
The Nuncio commended Bishop Mwongela for key achievements during his time in Kitui, including restructuring diocesan systems, strengthening administration, and promoting accountability and transparency in diocesan operations.
He noted that the bishop’s leadership was rooted in servant leadership, integrity, and responsibility, rather than self-interest, and that his efforts helped deepen the Christian life of the faithful while strengthening pastoral engagement across the diocese.
He further described Bishop Mwongela as a Christ-centered shepherd who understands the bishop’s role as caretaker of the Church, the Bride of Christ, and who led with humility, dedication, and fidelity to the Gospel.
Addressing priests and religious, Archbishop Van Megen urged them to truly represent Christ not only through the decisions they make but also through the witness of their lives. He called on them to do away with pride, entitlement, and unnecessary elegance, and instead embrace humility, mercy, and accountability, following the example of Christ who showed compassion to the tax collector.
In his remarks, Bishop Joseph Mwongela expressed heartfelt appreciation to priests, religious, and lay faithful for their collaboration and support during his five years of service in the Diocese of Kitui. He noted that leadership had been made easier through unity and cooperation, emphasizing that the achievements recorded during his tenure were a shared responsibility.
The bishop appealed for peace and reconciliation among the faithful, urging them to live in harmony with one another and to mentor the youth so they may grow into better Christians and responsible members of society.
Photos: Courtesy CDOK
