The 25th Session of the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program concluded on Friday, December 5, with the graduation of 38 participants—the largest number in the Program’s 12-year history. The colourful ceremony was held at the Beatitudes Christian Formation Centre, home to the Program in Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Murang’a.
Held under the theme “Abide in me and I in you” (John 15:5), the celebration marked the completion of a four-month residential journey centred on ongoing formation, renewal, and personal growth for priests and religious men and women. The participants, drawn from 16 arch/dioceses and 11 congregations across eight countries, graduated with Certificates in Multicultural Psycho-Spiritual Counselling and Human and Personal Development.
In his keynote address, the Chief Guest Rt. Rev. Jackson Murugara, I.M.C, Co-Adjutor Bishop of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Meru, congratulated the graduates and reminded them that the graduation “is not be the end but a new beginning.”
“The church and society are in urgent need of priests and sisters who not only know the truth but live it, who not only preach the Gospel but embody it, who not only serve in word but indeed,” the bishop told the participants drawn from 7 African countries and 1 Asian country.
Referring to the residential Program as “a school of renewal” that teaches participants “to balance prayer and service,” the Consolata Prelate urged the graduands to carry the lessons of the sabbatical into their ministries. He stressed that the knowledge and experiences gained during the four months “must be practiced.”
“The lessons of humility, compassion, and integrity must be translated into action in your parishes, schools, communities, and wherever you will be serving,” Bishop Murugara further reminded the participants during the ceremony attended by hundreds of their families, friends, and people of God.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Fr. Dan Chaunde of the Catholic Diocese of Isiolo described the program as a “God-given chance,” adding, “Today God has picked us, qualified us, and empowered us. Let us return to our ministries and continue being faithful servants.”
The 25th cohort comprised 32 priests and 6 sisters from Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Philippines.
Established in August 2013 by Bishop James Maria Wainaina of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program is a four-month residential and experiential initiative designed to offer a conducive environment for priests and religious men and women to deepen their personal development and rekindle their spiritual lives, fostering a deeper love for God, self, and others.
Congratulations to the participants of the 25th Session.
Applications for the 26th session, beginning January 5, 2025, are ongoing. The Program welcomes priests and religious men and women worldwide who have served for at least five years and who understand the English language.
To apply, please visit: https://stjohnpaul2sabbaticalcenter.com/application/
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