February 8, 2025 was a historic day for the Catholic community of Sereolipi in Kenya, who celebrated with joy and gratitude the inauguration and consecration of the new Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This event marks a milestone in the region’s journey of faith, crowning years of sacrifice, commitment and hope on the part of the community and the Consolata missionaries.
By Francisco Martínez *
The ceremony was attended by Monsignor Hieronymus Joya, bishop of the diocese of Maralal, Monsignor Virgilio Pante, bishop emeritus of Maralal, and Monsignor Peter Makau, bishop of the diocese of Isiolo, along with numerous priests, religious and faithful from the surrounding villages. Also present were friends from Italy and benefactors who supported the project, including Edi Martinelli and Liliana Dalvit, who shared their 27th wedding anniversary with the community.
A particularly significant moment of the celebration was the consecration of the altar, which houses the relics of Mathias Mulumba and his companion Charles Lwanga, both martyrs of Uganda. This sign of profound devotion strengthens the spiritual bond of the parish with the witnesses of faith who gave their lives for the Gospel.
An occasion of profound spirituality and thanksgiving for the journey made to date, testifying to the growth of the Church in this region and the strong bond that unites the Consolata missionaries to the local population.
A story of faith and mission
The story of the Catholic community of Sereolipi is a story of evangelization and sacrifice. Located in the heart of the Samburu East district of Samburu County, this remote area of Kenya has always presented great challenges: arid climate conditions, limited infrastructure and difficulty in accessing basic services.
The Catholic Mission of Sereolipi began in the 1970s as a secondary station of the parish of Archer’s Post, under the guidance of the Consolata missionaries. In 1979, with the official inauguration of the community, a long journey of growth began, supported by the tireless work of numerous priests and religious who dedicated their lives to this mission. Among them, a central figure was Father Egidio Pedenzini, IMC, who for years served the community with dedication, promoting not only the spiritual life, but also social development through educational initiatives and assistance programs.
In 2009, with the growth of the Catholic population, Sereolipi was elevated to an autonomous parish thanks to the decree of Bishop Virgilio Pante. Since then, the number of faithful has steadily increased, making it necessary to build a new church capable of welcoming the community more adequately.
The path to the new church
The idea of building a new church for the parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was born in 2014, but the lack of funds made its realization difficult. For years, celebrations were held in the parish chapel, but the desire for a larger and more welcoming place of worship remained alive in the community.
In 2017, under the guidance of Father Pedenzini and the local council, a fundraising campaign was launched, supported by the faithful and local and international benefactors. However, economic difficulties and the Covid-19 pandemic (2019-2020) slowed down the project.
In 2021, with the resumption of activities, a committee for the construction of the church was established, composed of 50 members, each of whom contributed an initial donation. Thanks to this initiative and the support of friends and benefactors, the project finally took shape.
In March 2022, the construction plan was submitted with an estimated cost of 19.8 million Kenyan shillings.
Despite the tragic passing of Father Pedenzini on 14 October 2022, the project continued under the guidance of Bishop Pante and Father Cornelius Lomatukae, until the arrival in 2023 of the new parish priest, Father Henry Kaziama, IMC, and his assistant, Father Martin Ndumia, IMC.
The Consecration and Opening of the Jubilee Year
The celebration on 8 February 2025 was not only the inauguration of a building, but a moment of profound spiritual renewal for the entire community. Bishop Joya opened the Holy Door of Hope, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope, a time of grace and renewal for all the faithful of the parish.
In his message, Father Henry Kaziama, IMC, emphasized the importance of this church not only as a physical structure, but as a sign of the living faith of the community:
“Today we celebrate not only the building of a new church, but the growth of our community in faith, hope and unity. This church is the fruit of the sacrifice and love of so many. Now we must continue to build the living Church in our hearts.”
Father Martin Ndumia, IMC, also addressed a thought to the missionaries and faithful who made this dream possible:
“After more than 40 years since the birth of the Catholic community of Sereolipi, today we look back with gratitude and forward with hope. May this church be a place of encounter with God and among us, a sign of peace and reconciliation.”
A future of faith and commitment
The new church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is now a reality, but the real mission begins now. The community is called to strengthen its faith and renew its devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with hope and joy.
The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the wedding anniversary of Liliana Dalvit and Edi Martinelli, whose love and commitment have been recognized as an example of Christian union and fidelity.
Looking to the future, the parish will continue to promote initiatives of evangelization, education and social support, following the example of the missionaries who gave their lives for the Gospel.
With a grateful and hopeful heart, the community of Sereolipi looks forward, aware that the true Church is not only made of bricks, but of people united by the love of Christ.
* Francisco Martinez, LMC in Kenya
