October is Mission Month, a sacred period of reflection, prayer, and renewed support for missionary efforts. It calls individuals, communities, and the entire Church to participate actively in spreading love and service.
In his ongoing mission to inspire missionary discipleship, Pope Francis encourages Catholic communities to see themselves as agents of change—working and praying together to share God’s love with everyone, everywhere. This special month begins with the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux and culminates with World Mission Sunday, a global celebration of prayer and solidarity across Catholic parishes.
This year, Mission Sunday fell on 20th October, bringing immense joy to the parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Ridgeways. They were blessed to celebrate the occasion with a distinguished guest—His Lordship Rt. Rev. Willybard Lagho, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi.
The day began with a vibrant Eucharistic Celebration, where Bishop Lagho delivered a powerful message on the essence of mission work. He highlighted the Church’s responsibility to serve the needy, reminding the congregation of their collective call to embrace selflessness. Drawing from his experiences, the Bishop shared heartfelt stories of the mission efforts in Malindi.
"The Diocese," he explained, "was carved from the southern part of the Garissa Diocese and the northern section of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, covering 33,254 square kilometres."
Currently serving as the chairman of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CIRDE) in the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Bishop Lagho emphasized the peaceful coexistence between different faiths in Malindi. He also reflected on the challenges following the tragic Shakahola Massacre, acknowledging the loss of many lives. "There is so much more to Malindi than the unfortunate stories you hear," the Bishop affirmed. He urged parishioners to visit the region without fear, describing it as both safe and beautiful.
Bishop Lagho’s homily drew from the Gospel message, urging the congregation to embrace servant leadership. “We must be brothers and sisters, serving one another rather than seeking greatness, like James and John once did,” he reflected. “Jesus gave His life as a ransom, not so we could pursue worldly greatness, but so we could serve others with humility. It is in serving others that we make God—and ourselves—truly happy.”
The Bishop also touched on the exciting developments within the Malindi Diocese. He highlighted the construction of the Stella Maris Pastoral Centre in Watamu—a project designed to foster spiritual growth, community outreach, and social development. The congregation was invited to support the centre’s completion, offering an opportunity to contribute towards the Diocese’s transformative work.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Francis, the parish priest, and all the clergy for their warm welcome. The Bishop acknowledged the parish’s commitment, thanking them for the invitation to serve as both the chief guest for Family Day and the celebrant of Mission Sunday.
The parishioners, moved by the Bishop’s words, pledged their support for the projects in Malindi. Bishop Lagho’s visit was not just a symbolic occasion but a moment of deep spiritual enrichment. It inspired the parish community to embrace mission work with renewed energy and purpose.
Through shared prayer, stories of hope, and a call to action, Bishop Lagho left the parish uplifted, reminding them that mission work is not confined to distant lands. It starts with small acts of service—right where they are.