From September 4 to 11, seventy-eight recently ordained bishops took part in the training course organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches). Among them were two Consolata missionaries: Bishop Peter Makau, Bishop of Isiolo, and Bishop Jackson Murugara, IMC, Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Meru in Kenya.
By Jaime C. Patias *
A second course, organized by the Dicastery for Bishops and entitled “Witnesses and Heralds of the Hope Founded in Christ”, was held from September 3 to 11 in the Synod Hall at the Vatican, with the participation of 114 bishops appointed during the past year.
On September 6, the 192 participants walked together through the Holy Door. On September 8 and 9, at the Pontifical Urban University, they addressed various topics concerning their ministry as pastors. At the conclusion, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin shared a reflection on “The Work of the Holy See in a Globalized World in Favor of Hope and Peace.” On September 11, in the Synod Hall, Pope Leo XIV received the bishops from the five continents.
Servants of the Faith
“I would like to remind you, first of all, of something that should not be taken for granted: the gift you have received is not for yourselves, but to serve the cause of the Gospel,” said the Pope. “You have been chosen and called to be sent, as apostles of the Lord and as servants of the faith. And this is precisely what I would like to briefly reflect on before engaging with you in a fraternal dialogue: the bishop is a servant; the bishop is called to serve the faith of the people,” declared Pope Leo. “I therefore ask you always to remain watchful and to walk in humility and prayer, so that you may be servants of the people to whom the Lord sends you.”
Bishop Jackson Murugara
In this video, Bishop Jackson speaks about his new mission in the Diocese of Meru, sharing his joy in taking part in the course and in personally meeting Pope Leo XIV.
“It was very important for us to meet the Pope. He greatly encouraged us and asked us to share the mission among the different dioceses of the world,” said Bishop Jackson. He encouraged the young Consolata missionaries in formation to continue their journey with their Founder, Blessed Joseph Allamano, as their guide. “Because it is through consolation that the Consolata missionaries remain relevant in today’s world.”
Bishop Jackson Murugara was born on April 7, 1970, in Kamanyaki, Tharaka Nithi County, and was ordained a priest on August 15, 2001, in the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. Appointed by Pope Francis as Coadjutor Bishop of Meru on January 16, 2025, he was consecrated bishop on March 19, 2025, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
Bishop Peter Makau, IMC
The Bishop of Isiolo, Peter Makau, also shared his testimony on the formation course in Rome.
“Meeting bishops from all over the world was a meaningful experience. The encounter showed how important our Church is as a universal Church; we come from different places and cultures, from different realities, yet we are all part of the same Church and the same rich tradition,” emphasized Bishop Peter. The training course focused particularly on the urgency of inculturation.
The bishop explained that the various themes discussed and the speakers’ contributions during the course “reminded us of our mission as bishops. And Pope Leo also left us with a message that summarizes our mission: first, the bishop must be at the service of the Church; second, he must always be close to priests and to the people of God; third, evangelization. The Church is missionary and must go out to those who are not yet part of the flock. And this is why the Pope invited us to build bridges. We are called to be agents of peace, harmony, and fraternity.”
Bishop Peter Makau was born on May 6, 1975, in Nairobi, and was ordained a priest on November 20, 2004, in the Diocese of Machakos (Kenya). He was later sent to Venezuela, where he worked until 2019. Upon returning to Kenya, he served as Regional Superior of the IMC. He was appointed by Pope Francis as Coadjutor Bishop of Isiolo on May 4, 2024, and was consecrated bishop on July 27, 2024.
On Sunday, September 7, the bishops took part in the Canonization Mass of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis.
* Father Jaime C. Patias, IMC, Communications Office
