Local news – 12.06.2011 - By Mary Tioko – Church's stand

The Vicar general of the Diocese of Lodwar gives the church's stand towards the management of the catholic sponsored schools in Turkana County.
The Vicar general of the Diocese of Lodwar today gave the church's stand towards the management of the catholic sponsored schools in Turkana County. Citing examples of the two secondary schools that recently had chaos of St. Francis Xavier Katilu Boys where students destroyed the schools equipments and emphasized that whenever there is a misunderstanding they should solve it amicably without damages. He praised the students of St. Kevin's secondary schools for their peaceful demonstration despite their complains. The Vicar General Fr. Joseph Ekalimon said this in the mass which was led by Fr. John Kizito Manzi at St. Augustine's cathedral parish today. Fr. Ekalimon said that the government should give the church the power to decide on the running of the catholic sponsored schools, he said that the catholic church is a partner in education and thus the government should consult them and that they are always ready for any consultations. Till now the church has not been consulted on St. Kevin's issue.
Fr. Ekalimon gave the faithfuls the history of st. Kevin's secondary school referring to the vision and mission statement as put by the late Bishop Christopher Mahon which has been followed by the Bishop Emeritus Patrick Harrington and Now Dominic Kimengich takes the same mantle. He said that students from poor backgrounds were encouraged to get their education right in this specific school which was design for that. He blamed the people of Turkana county for the culture of silence on many things that happen around them. On this Pentecost day he commanded them to go out and break the culture of silence that has been existing in them as people full of spirit. Fr. Joseph urged the faithfuls to practice their catholicism even in their working places and become Ambassadors of peaces and unity and not separation and hatred. He warned all those spreading rumors on the school to stop it. The priest said that they realize and emphasize the truth always an encouraged the faithfuls to pray for the bishop while away for the betterment of the church.