PRIESTS GET NEW POSTING-By Okoth Peter

Frs. Angel Valdivia and David Escrich of the Missionary Community of Saint Paul the Apostle (MSCPA) have been posted from their present station of Lokitaung Parish to Jimma Bonga Vicariate, where they are expected to work among the Dassanach community of Ethiopia. This was announced to Christians by Bishop Dominic Kimengich during the official opening of the Inter-Diocesan Conference on Peace and Cross-Border Evangelization at St. Augustine’ Cathedral. The area where they have been posted to do missionary work has been without these services for a long time though MCSPA at Todonyang parish has been extending some of their activities to the region; a move that has seen relationship between the two communities improved at times. The priests who have been working at Lokitaung Parish, are expected to move to their new stations by January next year. MSCPA has been spearheading cross-border peace building initiatives among the two communities of Dassanach and Turkana. On the other hand, Fr. Angel who previously worked at the Cathedral has had a hand in evangelization of peace in Turkana when he worked as Assistant Communications Coordinator and later as the Radio Akicha Director.

ADDRESS INSECURITY PROBLEM- Bishop Says- By Okoth Peter

The Catholic Diocese of Lodwar Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich, has called on the Government to address insecurity problem being experienced between Turkana and Pokot communities that has resulted in loss of life with some people getting injured. Addressing the Press at St. Teresa’s Pastoral Centre, Lodwar, during the Inter-diocesan Peace and Cross-Border Evangelization Conference that ran from 8^th to 10^th December 2013 , the Bishop said that there was need for the authority to stamp out the problem even if it meant using the Kenya Defense Force (KDF).However he advised the security officers who will be deployed to the troubled areas to be humane and avoid the temptation of being brutal when mopping out illegal firearms that are used against Innocent people. On oil, the Bishop called upon those involved to consider the needs of the local community instead of trying to politicize the whole thing. He asked the oil company to use its Corporate Social Responsibility to address some of the challenges that are faced by the people living in the area from where they operate. “The issue of environment should be put into clear focus,” he said.

Recently there was a standoff between the Oil Company and Turkana people over what was termed by some people as unequal distribution of jobs. The peace conference that was held at St. Teresa’s Pastoral Centre, Lodwar, was a follow-up to a similar meeting that was held in December last year to address the issue of peace among the pastoralist of Karamoja cluster. It was officially opened by The apostolic Nuncio, The Arch bishop Charles Daniel Balvo on 8^th December 2013 and came to end with the message of hope in which delegates promised to implement the resolutions that had been arrived at .The Diocese of Lodwar Bishop , Dominic Kimengich Closed it.

FAMILY DAY AT JUBILEE GARDENS ATTRACTS MANY PEOPLE- By Okoth Peter

On 7th December 2013, our diocese promulgated Family Day at the Jubilee Gardens, Lodwar that saw many Christians drawn from all parishes sing songs of praise as they danced themselves lame. The ceremony which was preceded by the unveiling and blessing of The Virgin Mary statue was presided over by The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo.

The Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich leads The Apostolic Nuncio before Family Day mass at Jubilee Gardens. He was assisted by his host Bishop Dominic Kimengich and a host of priests drawn from various parts of the diocese. The priests were led by their respective deans; Fr. Desmond Millar (Northern deanery), Fr. Javier Harrinendes (Southern Deanery); Fr. Gregory Kitem (Central Deanery) and Avelino Bassol (Lake Deanery). The ceremony which marked the closing of the Year of Faith saw the 2013-2018 Pastoral Plan launched. Also, a bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church and Vatican II Document were handed over to the Bishop who in turn handed them to the Nuncio. Christians were reminded the importance of the family and asked to uphold the sanctity of the family during the year of the family. Up to over 3 million was raised during the important ceremony out of which Kshs. was contributed by St. Augustine’s Cathedral, while Kanamkemer brought Kshs 270,000. Nakwamoru Parish contributed Kshs 100,000 with Todonyang donating Kshs. 70,000. Senator, John Munyes, who graced the day brought Kshs. 100,000 while Turkana County Governor brought Kshs 50,000. Baringo East Senator, sent Kshs 100,000 while Tindiret Seminary sent Kshs. 30,000. Lastly Radio Akicha was not left behind for they contributed Ksh.100,000.

Local news - by ken simiyu - 20.11.2013 - Nakwamoru health vehicle was attacked today

An Ambulance KAP 346 belongs to the Dioceses of Lodwar was attacked today at 4.00 pm at Ombolion Junction. Confirming the Incident Deputy OCPD of Turkana south Mr Joshua Asedo          said that the heavily armed pokot ambushed the vehicle of Nakwamoru health center which was heading to Kainuk,the ambulance had Sr and a driver who escaped unhurt. This has happened three days after red cross driver was shot and Injured at the same Junction,the area assistant chief Hossea Emeri has called up  the government to intervene because Nakwamoru is becoming a no go zone.

Local news - by ken simiyu - 20.11.2013 - Nakwalele planted more than 200 trees at St Monica

Today Nakwalele Development Organization [NADO] planted more than 200 trees at St Monica Girls Primary school during the parents day.During the excises chairman of Nakwalele Mr Patrick Nacho who was with the Manager Sam Kimei said that they are up to promote environment project of planting trees to curb desertification, setting up Irrigation scheme along river Turkwel and also setting up bee hives to suit market demand.

The chairman also said that the project of planting trees is still on the proses and are aiming of stretching the project up to 10 schools, he mentioned the areas that they are interested with such as Kalokol,Turkana central, Turkwel and Kerio respectively. Mr Nacho added that they are working in hand with community development Trust fund to improve the life of Turkana community.

Local News - 17.11.2013 - By Mary Tioko - Be well prepared for the end of time in word and deeds: Christians told.

Faithful at St. Augustine's Cathedral Church have today been asked to thoroughly reflect on their lives to determine whether they will pass the test for admission into God's Kingdom during Christ's glorious second coming at the end of time. In his homily on 33^rd Sunday of the liturgical calendar, FR. Cosmas Long'or reminded the faithful to be aware of the fact that they will be subjected to the final judgment at the end of time and of the options open to them including heaven, hell and purgatory that awaits every Christian depending on how they have lived their lives and whether they kept the faith.

Referring to the Gospel reading taken from St. Luke, FR. Long'or said Christ Has a marking scheme that He will use to vet those who will qualify to join Him in glory in heaven based on how they practiced the virtues of Love (agape), charity and concern for the wellbeing of fellow humans in their neighborhood.

Fr. Long'or told the Christians that whenever they participate at holy mass they always confess to God for sins committed in their thoughts, words and deeds and that they should consequently reflect on their lives to tell how well they have lived Christ's command to love others in practical everyday life. The priest emphasized that Christians should always show God’s love in their thoughts and not condemns others. He added they should also use their utterances to uplift and motivate fellow Christians on their journey to God's kingdom instead of engaging in gossip, criticism and divisive language that groups people along class and tribal divisions.FR. Long'or further said Christians should assist fellow humans who are incapacitated such as the handicapped, the blind and deaf to live dignified lives. The priest ended with the parting shot that all should be aware of Christ's caution in the Gospel of Mathew 25: I was hungry and you never gave me food; I was naked but you did not clothe me; I was sick but you never came to console me...etc. saying this will proof to be the ultimate test because “whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers,that you do unto Me” .