The feast of St Camillus which is often celebrated on July 14th every year around the world in the order of the ministers of the sick was this time round celebrated in a more profound and colourful way. This was because this feast of St. Camillus coincided with the launching of 400 hundred years since the death of St. Camillus and the simple profession of two brothers Joseph Kibe and Sammy Kioko. The day began on bright note with the choir members, staffs, friends and children of Dala Kiye gracing the occasion while donning the T-shirt with the logo of the 4th century celebration and arrived on time before the mass began. The relatives of the brothers who were to profession had also arrived for the big occasion. The others confreres especially from Tabaka and Nairobi also arrived in time to fully participate in the celebration. The religious from the communities around were also in attendance
The celebration began with the Holy Mass with His Lordship, Rev. Philip Anyolo, Bishop of Homa Bay diocese being the main celebrant assisted by the new provincial delegate Rev. Fr. Aloyce Ochar Nyanya and the superior of the Karungu community Rev Fr. Emilio Balliana. The Liturgist of the day was Rev Fr. David Opondo who before the introductory rite invited Br. William Augo to give a brief history of St Camillus for the congregation to actually know and appreciate this great Saint whose 400 hundred since his death was being celebrated. Thereafter the superior of the Karungu community, Rev Fr. Emilio Balliana gave an introductory speech in which he elaborated the essence of the celebration of 400 hundred years since the death of St. Camillus, introduced the new provincial delegate and welcomed the Bishop to officially preside over the Holy Mass.
The Bishop in his homily stressed the fact service to the sick which the camillians has as their fourth vow was very vital for the mission of the Church taking the example of good Samaritan as his point of reference. He summarized the fourth vow in a very catchy statement TAKING CARE. During the mass, the two brothers Joseph Kibe and Sammy Kioko took their first religious vows before the new provincial delegate Rev Fr. Aloyce Ochar Nyanya and with that they were welcomed into the camillian religious family amid songs and dance.
Before the final blessings, Rev. Fr. Julius Morara acknowledged the presences of various visitors, relatives and religious men and women who had graced the occasion. The new provincial delegate also thanked everybody who had graced the occasion and stressed the need of fraternity among the religious.As in each and every occasion forms of entertainment is always part of the celebrations, the children of Dala Kiye presented various items in the form song and poem as part of the entertainment which were really appreciated by the whole congregation. After the entertainment, the mass ended and guests headed for lunch at the religious house afterwhich they left at their own pleasure. Happy celebration to all camillians and the collaborators in this one year period of celebrating 400 years since the death of St. Camillus.
By: Br. William Augo