After two decades of priestly service in Kenya’s Kakamega Diocese, Fr. Michael Shitemi Waswa arrived at the 24th session of the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program in Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Murang’a with a quiet desperation in his heart. Years of pastoral work had worn him down.
“I came here feeling very tired,” he admits. “My spiritual life had declined, my zeal for pastoral work had diminished greatly, and even my overall enthusiasm had faded.”
The exhaustion wasn’t just personal, it had begun to impact his ministry. “The net effect of this was that my apostolate was getting affected,” he says. But what began as a break from the demands of parish life soon became a transformative experience of spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and pastoral revitalization.
The Kenyan cleric speaks gratefully of the comprehensive nature of the 12-year-old sabbatical program. “We have been exposed to very good programs… geared towards addressing the condition in which I came.” Through well-curated sessions, ranging from emotional intelligence and midlife transitions to collaborative ministry and conflict management, he was able to reconnect with himself and rediscover the vitality that first called him to serve. “All these were supposed to help us to get in touch with our inner self… so we can be more integrated as we move on in our priesthood.”
Beyond the classroom, the four-month residential sabbatical provided moments of deep spiritual nourishment: retreats, recollections, and opportunities to celebrate Mass in local parishes, engaging with diverse communities. “We have had an opportunity to rest, to relax, and to be renewed—physically, spiritually, and even psychologically.”
A defining aspect of the Program was its international fellowship. Priests and religious men and women from across the globe participated. Fr. Waswa found in them not only companionship, but also a wellspring of encouragement and shared wisdom. “It has also been an opportunity to become connected with new friends… to learn new things, and to acquire new experiences that will go a long way in helping me have a different view towards my pastoral work.”
As the program concluded on May 9, Fr. Waswa returned to Kakamega carrying a renewed sense of purpose and a rekindled passion for ministry. “With this new experience and the new knowledge that I have acquired, I’m very sure I’m going to do a lot of things differently,” he says. “My pastoral work will have a positive impact on the lives of the Christians and for the Church.”
Standing at the end of this journey, his gratitude was unmistakable. “We really thank our bishops who have seen it fit that we should be given such an opportunity to go for a sabbatical break… to re-examine ourselves and be able to start anew.”
The period of renewal also led him to reflect on the roots of his vocation. For him, the call to priesthood began in the rhythms of daily family life.
“What inspired me to become a priest, I would say, is my Christian family background. I come from a family that is deeply rooted in Christian faith and in Christian practice. Every day, we had sessions of praying together as a family. And every Sunday, we could never miss to attend Sunday masses,” he recalls.
That early foundation continues to sustain him. Today, his spiritual life remains anchored in daily prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Rosary. He draws inspiration from the life of St. Martin de Porres, a saint whose story he says, keeps him going.
Outside of ministry, Fr. Waswa finds balance in exercise, reading newspapers and spiritual books, and making new friendships. “It is part of what we have learned in this place as self-care or self-love,” he explains. “Sometimes when I have good time, I also devote it for prayers and spiritual reflection.”
To his fellow brothers in priesthood, he offers heartfelt encouragement. “It does not really matter how long you’ve been in priesthood, if I had had this experience earlier, there are many things I would have done differently.”
“I’ve had enough time to rest and to renew myself. I would really encourage many more priests to come and have this experience.”
Meanwhile, applications for the 25th session—beginning August 4, 2025—are now open. The Program is available to priests and religious men and women worldwide who have served for at least five years.
To apply, please visit https://stjohnpaul2sabbaticalcenter.com/application/ to apply.
