The 23rd session of St John Paul II Sabbatical program concluded on Friday December 6 with the graduation of 33 participants.
The colorful event that was held at St John Paul II Sabbatical center in Samar, Maragua drew participants from 7 dioceses, 5 archdioceses and 10 Congregations across 7 African countries.
The participants who comprised 26 priests, 6 sisters and 1 brother graduated with a certificate in Multicultural, Psycho-spiritual counselling and Human and Personal Development.
Speaking during the celebration, the chief guest, Very Rev Fr Charles Kibe, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, noted that it is paramount for all religious men and women to prioritize rest, renewal and self-care.
Held under the theme “come to the fountain of life and growth” from the book John 10:10, he urged the participants to increase in goodness and manifest growth just like the wonderful stream described by prophet Ezekiel in Chapter 47; 1-12 that makes every living creature on it multiply and bear fruit in all seasons.
“The river brings healing and wholesomeness, go forth and be at peace with God and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul and strive to be like that stream that restores life in its wake,” urged Fr Kibe while quoting the words of Max Ehrmans in his Desiderata poem.
One of the participants, Fr Kain Joseph Nchitu from the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon noted that the four-month sabbatical program provided them with ongoing formation and renewal and touched them in so many profound ways.
“It provided us with a time and space to rest so as to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose energized in both body and soul as we go forth to serve the people of God. Through this program, we have realized the importance of self-care, self-knowledge, relaxation and inward journey” he said.
“The opportunity has enabled us to embark on a psycho spiritual journey to delve into the depths of our faith and to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and connection beyond measure,” he added.
Another participant, Br Godfrey Wambugu of the brothers of saint Joseph Nyeri observed that the four months’ sabbatical journey had indeed left an indelible mark in him and he would be an ambassador of the program to other religious men and women world over.
“It has been a journey of self-discovery, healing self-awareness, renewal, awakening and resting as well as learning new experiences and I wish all religious men and women can get such an opportunity,” he said.
The program that is enabled and facilitated by 20 residential and non-residential facilitators has continuously attracted participants from various parts of the world and has had a significant impact in their lives.
A brain child of the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, St John Paul II Sabbatical Centre was launched in August 2013 and focuses on renewal and ongoing formation of priests, religious men and women as well as giving them an opportunity to rest and rekindle their spiritual life.
The 24th session is set to begin on January 6, 2025.
By Florence Kinyua