On Saturday 1st March, the Catholic Church in Nakuru-Kenya, witnessed a momentous occasion as Samuel Ngugi Mwangi, a Comboni Missionary, was ordained priest in a solemn and joyful celebration. The ordination took place at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Langa langa-Gilgil, Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, drawing faithful from various parts of the country, including Amakuriat Parish, West Pokot, where he served. They gathered to witness and bless the new priest’s spiritual journey, a journey that we all, as a community, are a part of.
A New Shepherd in the Vineyard of the Lord
The newly ordained priest, Samuel Ngugi Mwangi, has dedicated years of study, prayer, and missionary formation to reach this sacred milestone. Originally from Gilgil, Kenya, he has been deeply involved in pastoral work, embodying the Comboni Missionaries’ charism of evangelization and service to the marginalized.
Bishop Cleophas Oseso of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru presided over the ceremony. During his homily, the bishop emphasized the importance of priesthood in today’s world, reminding the faithful of the words and wishes of their patron, Saint Daniel Comboni, “Save Africa with Africans.”
A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition and Spirituality
The ordination rite, a unique and sacred ceremony that followed the solemn liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church, was a sight to behold. The newly ordained received the sacrament through the imposition of hands, anointing of hands with sacred chrism, and vesting in priestly garments, symbolizing his transformation into a servant of God’s people.
The ceremony was graced by fellow Comboni Missionaries, clergy, religious men and women, family members, and the faithful who came to celebrate this divine calling.
The Journey to Priesthood
Fr. Mwangi’s journey to priesthood involved commitment, sacrifice, and faith. Having undergone rigorous theological training and pastoral experience in different communities, he has shown resilience and dedication in embracing his missionary vocation. His formation included work in Amakuriat Parish in West Pokot, where he ministered to the spiritual and social needs of the people.
A Mission of Evangelization and Service
Following his ordination, Fr. Mwangi was assigned to the Comboni Province of Malawi/Zambia, where he will begin his priestly work. His placement in this mission reflects the Congregation’s dedication to reaching diverse and often underserved communities, aligning with the Comboni missionaries’ broader commitment to serving the world with compassion and devotion.
Fr. Mwangi’s ordination is a personal milestone and a blessing to the Church and the faithful he will serve. As he embarks on this sacred journey, the Catholic community prays for his strength, wisdom, and unwavering faith in his vocation.
A Joyful Celebration
A vibrant celebration followed the ordination, where family, friends, and well-wishers congratulated the newly ordained priest. Songs of praise and traditional dances filled the air as the community rejoiced in welcoming a new shepherd into the Lord’s vineyard, filling the hearts of all present with joy and hope.
With his heart set on his first mission assignment, Fr. Mwangi steps forward in faith, ready to be a beacon of Christ’s love wherever his journey leads him. The ordination of a Comboni Missionary is a testament to the ever-growing call to evangelization and the selfless dedication of those who choose to follow Christ’s path in ministering to his people.
