The Catholic Diocese of Kitui on Monday, December 8, 2025, joyfully celebrated the ordination of 17 men, 4 to the priesthood and 13 to the diaconate marking a historic milestone as the largest group ever ordained at once in the diocese. The colourful and spirit-filled celebration held at St. John Paul II Institute and presided over by the Bishop of Kitui, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, attracted thousands of faithful from across the diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Mwongela encouraged the Christian community to embrace self-reliance and continue supporting vocations within the Church. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the faithful and called on clergy, religious, and laity to work together harmoniously, emphasizing unity, integrity, and shared responsibility.

Addressing the newly ordained priests and deacons, the Bishop expressed the diocese’s great confidence in them. “You are called to inspire and bring joy to the people of God. As you go to your parishes, bring new initiatives and positive transformation,” he said. He further urged them to serve with humility, to respect the laity, to foster collaboration, and to remain a blessing not a burden to the communities they will serve.

The newly ordained priests received their pastoral assignments immediately after the ceremony. Rev. Fr. Julius Munyoki Ngali was posted to Holy Family Parish, Mutomo; Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mwanzia Mwendwa to St. Patrick’s Parish, Mutune; Rev. Fr. Stephen Kivite Nguu to St. Joseph’s Seminary, where he will also serve as chaplain to Mwingi Boys and St. Gabriel; and Rev. Fr. Martin Fredrick Ndonyi to Holy Family Parish, Kabati.

READ ALSO: Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Wote Diocese

Additionally, the newly ordained deacons, drawn from different parishes including Nguutani, Kamutei, Kanyaa, Museve, Voo, Ikanga, Kasyala, Boma, Kabati, and Mulutu, also received their appointments as follows: Deacon Boniface Thitu to St. Joseph’s Parish, Kavisuni; Deacon Julius Nguthu to St. Mathias Mulumba Parish, Endau; Deacon Joseph Musee to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Mathuki; Deacon Justus Mutua to Christ the King Parish, Katutu; Deacon Josphat Muiya to St. James Parish, Muthale; Deacon Raphael Muasa to Our Lady of Protection Shrine, Museve; Deacon Benedict Mathina to Holy Spirit Parish, Ikutha; Deacon Gabriel Kamali Mutunga to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Kanyangi; Deacon Nicholas Mutinda to St. Peter the Rock Parish, Kiio; Deacon Daniel Muthungu to St. Paul’s Parish, Kasyala; Deacon Onesmus Musyoka Soo to St. Paul’s Parish, Ikanga; Deacon Dennis Maithya to St. Patrick’s Parish, Nguni; and Deacon Charles Joshua to Good Shepherd Parish, Mwingi.

Since its establishment in 1964, the Diocese of Kitui has steadily grown its vocation numbers. The first diocesan priests, the late Archbishop Boniface Lele and Fr. Peter Muema, were ordained in 1974. To date, the diocese has ordained 117 priests.

The diocese now has 102 active priests, 19 deacons, and 75 seminarians at various levels of formation. Under its Pastoral Strategic Plan 2024–2028, themed “A Call to Mission and Self-Reliance,” the diocese aims to reach at least 40 priestly ordinations by 2028. Three priests were ordained in 2024, and 4 have been ordained this year.

Ends///