The Congregation of Holy Cross Province of East Africa was honored to host a spiritually uplifting two-day celebration at Bishop McCauley Formation House in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the Final Vows and Diaconate Ordinations of six dedicated brothers.
The gathering commenced on October 19 with a warm welcome by Fr. Fulgens Katende, C.S.C., who expressed gratitude for the presence of all attendees.
“It is a joy to welcome each of you to this beautiful celebration as we witness our brothers’ courageous commitment to a life of service and devotion in Holy Cross. May this occasion inspire us all to renew our faith and deepen our own call to serve,” Fr. Katende said, setting a reverent and joyous tone for the day.
Following this, Br. Baruta Moses and Br. Nina Gilbert solemnly pronounced their Final Vows, fully committing themselves to the life and mission of the Congregation. The day also held special significance for Mr. Komushana Benjamin, C.S.C., Mr. Nyenza James, C.S.C., Mr. Matayo Bwanandeke, C.S.C., and Mr. Novert Ogezi, C.S.C., as they made their Final Vows ahead of their ordination to the diaconate.
These our brothers after taking their final vows, pause for a photo with the Provincial and the Vocations director.
The Final Vows ceremony was presided over by the Provincial Superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross in East Africa, Rev. Fr. Peter Caxton Mayanja, C.S.C. In his homily, Fr. Mayanja expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and commitment displayed by each of these brothers, welcoming them as full members of the Holy Cross family. Addressing them, he said,
“Today, we honor not only your commitment to this community but also your courage to serve selflessly in the footsteps of Blessed Basil Moreau. We entrust you to live and proclaim the Gospel with humility and compassion, knowing that the road of service is also a journey of grace.”
The celebration continued on October 20, 2024, with the diaconate ordination of Deacon Komushana Benjamin, C.S.C., Deacon Nyenza James, C.S.C., Deacon Matayo Bwanandeke, C.S.C., and Deacon Novert Ogezi, C.S.C., presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya. In a powerful homily, Archbishop van Megen emphasized the diaconate’s role as an essential ministry of service and outreach. He urged the newly ordained deacons to serve the people of God with fidelity, humility, and love, embodying the Gospel values in every community they are sent to serve. Watch his Homily here 👇👇
The event was a joyful gathering of numerous religious men and women from various congregations and dioceses across East Africa. Attendees included the Sisters of the Holy Cross, priests, religious brothers, and lay faithful who shared in the celebration, representing the bond of unity and shared mission across the Congregation. Holy Cross parishes from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were well-represented, with parishioners coming from as far as Holy Cross Parish in Dandora, St. Dennis Ssebugwawo Konge Lukuli Parish, St. Jude Tadeo Parish in Kyarusozi, St. Adolf Parish in Kanyabachope, Holy Cross Parish Bugembe, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Timboroa, Sacred Heart Parish in Sombetini, St. Brendan Parish in Kitete Mbulu (Tanzania), and St. André Bessette Parish in Koch Goma, Gulu, Uganda.
Parishioners and well-wishers filled the venue and adjoining areas, while many others joined the ceremony virtually through a livestream on the Congregation’s Vocations YouTube channel, bringing together an even wider audience of supporters and friends.
These our brothers after being ordained deacons pause for a photo with the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, HE: Archbishop Van Megen
This occasion was more than a milestone for these newly professed brothers and deacons; it served as a powerful reminder of the Holy Cross mission and the ongoing legacy of love and service. The newly professed members and ordained deacons are now tasked with the mission to bring hope to those they serve, acting as vessels of God’s love across East Africa and beyond.
The Congregation of Holy Cross extends heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, either in person or virtually, and especially to the families and friends who have supported these men on their spiritual journey.
Cutting of the cake by the two Holy Cross Brothers, newly ordained deacons, provincial who was joined by the Nuncio HE: Archbishop Van Megen
May God bless these brothers and deacons abundantly as they enter this new chapter, guided by faith and strengthened by the love and support of the Holy Cross family and their communities.
Last modified: October 25, 2024
