Fr. Michael Waswa: A Vocation Nurtured at Home, Renewed in Sabbatical
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 […]
Sr. Cordelia Ogene, OLA: A Grace-Filled Mission Across Continents
37! That is the number of years Sr. Cordelia Ogene has been a member of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA Sisters), Nigeria Province. Yet that number could just as easily be mistaken for her age. So what’s her secret? Sr. Cordelia smiles gently. “It’s the Lord’s doing—His grace,” she says, her […]
Fr. Maurice Kigame Lugutu: An unexpected start to a vocation
Fr. Maurice Kigame’s call to the priesthood began in an unexpected way. Growing up in the western part of Kenya, he traces his calling back to his primary school days, inspired by the Guadalupe Fathers who served in his parish and frequently visited his school. “My father insisted that, being Catholic, we should go […]
24th Session Participants Graduate
The 24th session of the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program concluded on Friday, May 9, with the graduation of 26 participants in a colorful ceremony held at the Beatitudes Christian Formation Centre, in Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Murang’a. Held under the theme “Strengthened and renewed by God’s grace, we pilgrims of hope are ready […]
24th Session in Progress
The 24th Session of the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program, which began on January 6, 2025, is currently in progress. This session has brought together priests, religious men, and women from the following countries: Kenya (16) Zambia (4) Malawi (1) Ghana (1) Nigeria (1) Mozambique (1) South Sudan (1) DR Congo (1) The participants […]
Fr. Lucas Yuh: Self-Awareness and Challenging Misconceptions About Sabbaticals
Fr. Afuh Lucas Yuh (R) receives certificate from the Chief Guest, Very. Rev. Fr. Charles Kibe Fr. Afuh Lucas Yuh of Cameroon’s Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda grew up in a devout Catholic family, spending much of his childhood in church, particularly attending Mass. These experiences brought him into contact with various religious figures, including both […]
Fr. Cletus Tita: From Skepticism to Program’s Vocal Advocate
Fr. Cletus Tita (R) receives certificate from the Chief Guest, Very. Rev. Fr. Charles Kibe When Fr. Cletus Tita of the Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon first heard about the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program, he was skeptical. “The impression we had was that it was like panel beating,” he recalls, referring to the […]
Sr. Regina Achan Aniceto: 50 Years of Faithful Service, Graceful Ageing, and Renewal
Sr. Regina Achan (R) receives certificate from the Chief Guest, Very. Rev. Fr. Charles Kibe In 2023, Sr. Regina Achan Aniceto celebrated her golden jubilee as a member of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious institute founded in Juba, South Sudan. Her journey into religious life was inspired by her brother […]
Fr. James Righa: Embracing Healing After Loss
Fr. James Righa (R) receives certificate from the Chief Guest, Very. Rev. Fr. Charles Kibe For the past eight years, Fr. James Righa’s priestly anniversaries have been bittersweet—a constant reminder of his beloved mother whom he lost just months before his ordination. And for the last four years, his birthday has been a sombre occasion, […]
Fr.Chrispine Oduor Okello: A Missionary Journey Rooted in Faith and Resilience
Fr. Chrispine , IMC (R) receives certificate from the Chief Guest, Very. Rev. Fr. Charles Kibe For 25 years, Fr. Chrispine Oduor Okello has devoted his life as a Consolata Missionary, spreading the Good News and bringing consolation to communities across Africa, Europe, and South America. Most recently, he embarked on a journey of renewal […]