It has been 60 years since the founding of the Diocese of Marsabit on November 25, 1964, under the leadership of Bishop Mons. Carlo Cavallera, a Consolata missionary. To mark this jubilee, the Church of Marsabit, together with many friends from near and far, gathered on a rainy day (a sign of blessing) on November 23, 2024. They came together with their pastor, Bishop Mons. Peter Kihara, to thank God for the great things the Lord has done and continues to do in this church, located in the Northern Frontier District of Kenya.
By Godfrey Msumange *
The well-prepared liturgy, animated with songs, dances, and performances by children and adults, took place in the courtyard of the Cathedral under a large tent set up for the occasion. The active participation of all made the ceremony truly unique.
Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri presided over the concelebration, joined by Bishop Peter Kihara of Marsabit, Bishop Peter Makau of Isiolo, Bishop Antony Ireri Mukobo, Emeritus of Isiolo, Bishop Hieronymus Joya of Maralal, Bishop Norman King’oo of Machakos, Bishop Virgilio Pante, Emeritus of Maralal, and Bishop Emeritus of Nyeri, Mons. Peter J. Kairo.
The celebration also included the entire General Council of the Consolata Missionaries, who were in the country for their November Council meeting, the Regional Council of the IMC in Kenya, around 70 priests, and several religious men and women.
While celebrating the 60th anniversary of the diocese’s founding, it is important to remember that the seeds of the Gospel and the presence of Christianity in this region date back even further. As early as 1914, when Catholic missionaries arrived in Moyale, they found a Protestant evangelical chapel and later the presence of the Catholic Church.
“What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12-13). “Let us give thanks to the Lord for the great things He has done for us,” emphasized Bishop Peter Kihara, the third shepherd of the Marsabit church, who has led it for 18 years. “This is a moment of joy and gratitude to the Lord, thanks to the spiritual giants: the missionaries and religious men and women of various congregations, Fidei Donum priests, catechists, benefactors, and laity committed to living their faith.”
The fruits seen and harvested today come from the sacrifices, dedication, and missionary zeal of many people. Among them are laypersons Paolo Valle, providentially sent to Marsabit in 1948, and Elias M’Ategi. They are “considered the providential founders of the Catholic Church” in Marsabit. They were responsible for prayer and catechesis in the only chapel in Marsabit. Later, missionaries Carlo Andrione, Paolo Tablino, and Bartolomeo Venturino arrived.
The Diocese of Marsabit was formally established on November 25, 1964, carved out of the Diocese of Nyeri. Mons. Carlo Cavallera, who was the bishop of Nyeri, took charge of the new diocese, bringing along some Consolata missionaries.
The Second Vatican Council played a pivotal role in the growth of the diocese, as Pope Pius XII’s Fidei Donum encyclical inspired many churches to send missionaries to these areas. Marsabit received priests from the Diocese of Alba in Italy, Augsburg in Germany, Murang’a in Kenya, and the dioceses of Iași and the Archdiocese of Bucharest in Romania. This presence was further enriched by other missionaries, including the Comboni, Benedictine, and Salesian missionaries, along with other congregations. The first diocesan priest was ordained in 1993, and there are now 18 diocesan priests and three local sisters.
The Diocese of Marsabit comprises 14 ethnic groups, with the largest being the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, and Gabbra. It has 50,000 baptized members, 18 diocesan priests, 12 Fidei Donum missionaries, 13 religious institute missionaries, 44 consecrated women, and three brothers serving in 17 parishes, with another one set to open soon. The parishes are few and far apart, with the farthest one about 400 km from the bishop’s headquarters, often across deserted and challenging roads. Despite these challenges, the diocese remains a shining presence, offering life and hope by serving the people in education, health, human development, and peace-building initiatives.
As part of this jubilee celebration, the diocese inaugurated and blessed its new diocesan secretariat and the bishop’s residence, marking a significant step in the development of the local church. As part of the celebration of this jubilee anniversary, the local church will be enriched by four priestly ordinations that will take place in the coming days.
Over its 60-year history, the diocese has been led by three pastors, all Consolata missionaries: Bishop Carlo Maria Cavallera (1964–1981), Bishop Ambrose Ravasi (1981–2007), and the current Bishop Peter Kihara.
* Father Godfrey Msumange, IMC, missionary in England.
Photos of the jubilee celebration
