Local news – 29.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - It is not enough to be a priest, be a holy priest: Bishop says

Bishop Dominic Kimengich urges the priests of Lodwar diocese to strife to be holy priests instead of just being priests. His lordship said this today during his homily at St. Augustine's Cathedral parish when celebrating Vocation Sunday Mass.

His Lordship reminded them that,Vocation Sunday is God's Gift to them, the Priesthood. As Christ is a good shepherd he reminded them to be good shepherds in the diocese and make their parishes holy places of people to come for solace. He also informed the Christians that they have been called in their various responsibilities and have to take them seriously since they serve God.

He called the Christians to pray for the Gift of priesthood in the Diocese of Lodwar mentioning that there are only 12 Diocesan priests in the Diocese and 8 seminarians which he says is still far below the distances covered in the Diocese.

The vicar general Fr. Joseph Ekalimon also added that those who join religious life and priesthood are those who say yes to God's call and requested parents to soften their hearts to let their children accept God's call. He added that priest vow for chastity's, poverty and obedience and need to intensify in their prayers so as to remain faithful to their call.

Local News – 28-04-2012 - By Evangeline Munyi - Deaconate Ordination

It was colour and pomp today at Christ the King Parish, Lokichar, when Teddy Keyari Njaya celebrated his Diaconate ordination which was officiated by Bishop Dominic Kimengich.

Keyari, who professed his first vows on 29^th April 2006 in Uganda, is the newest Deacon in the Comboni Missionaries Congregation here in the diocese.

During his homily, Bishop Dominick said it  was indeed a blessing for the people of Lokichar to have brought  Christians of Matunda Parish to Lokichar for the first time. He thanked the Comboni Missionaries & Teddy’s  parents for giving the diocese a deacon.

He advised Keyari to be ready to serve God and His church unconditionally.

The colorful celebration brought together priests from various parts of the diocese, Matunda Parish and the Diocese of Eldoret, where Keyari comes from. Visitors from as far as Mexico were present to witness the great day for people of Lokichar and more so for Teddy Keyari.

The regional Superior of the Comboni Missionaries who was present together with Matunda Parish Priest thanked the people of Lokichar  and the diocese of lodwar as a whole for the Blessing of Deacon Teddy.

Local news – 26.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - There is need to Care for the survivors of Gender Based ViolenceLocal news – 26.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - There is need to Care for the survivors of Gender Based Violence

Training for the Care for the survivors of Gender Based Violence started yesterday at Golden Guest house Lodwar. The workshop which was organized by International Rescue committee Gender based Violence Senior officer Mr. Ken Otieno and Gender Based Violence Officer Mrs. Phoebe kaaman is scheduled to take three days starting yesterday and ending tomorrow the 27^th April 2012.

The training provides all the participants understanding of the dynamics and consequences of GBV in conflicts affect areas , both physical and psychological effects. It also provides participants the tools to use in survivors centred skills when engaging with survivors, including child survivors, practice survivors-centred skills in specific context, it provides all the participants with information on the different roles and responsibilities of all actors engaging with survivors and protection activities and justice mechanisms involving survivors of gender based violence.

The participants were drawn from all walks of life ranging rom medical practioners to social workers from central Deanery. The training will end tommorow with action plans drawn from recommendations of the training.

Local news - by safari Wycliffe – 24.4.2012 - Prayers for young people as they go towards the end of the conference

Youth conference that started yesterday markeddd the climax as the Bishop of the dioses of LodwaDominicic kimengich came to offer his blessings to the youth who had came for the conference since yesterday. Speaking to the youth the Bishop advised the students to put emphasis on their studies and work hard in life to achieve their dreams in life and make a choice that will bring positive impact. The bishop also told the students to respect their call as an example. Quoting from the latest event of Easter the Bishop told the youth to rise and stand still in every challenge they go through in life He told them anything chirst did he did it perfectly and so as youth they should be able to do everything perfectly and in a positive way. Giving the example from the daily life The bishop said we learn from the Phone network which he said when the network is full in a phone the conversation will not be interfered and so he said youth should have full Christian network to help them in their daily life Finally, he wished youth the best in their daily life as they take day to day activities and thanked Fr. Ekalimonn, Philip lobur, Peter Kebo and the group for everything and good work of helping the youth.

Local News – 22.4.12 - By Mary Tioko - Jesus is alive today in our church in the sacraments says priest

The Christian Community of St. Augustine's Cathedral parish today have been urged to participate in the sacraments of the Church. Speaking during the mass at St. Augustine's cathedral parish in his homily, the vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar who is also the Administrator of the cathedral parish Fr. Joseph Ekalimon said that Jesus is alive to them in the 7 sacraments of the Church. Fr. Ekalimon reminded the faithfuls of the 7 sacraments of the church and there importance saying that the sacrament of penances cleanses one making him/her free in this world. It also transforms them. He added that the sacrament of Eucharist feeds there souls and strengthens them. Mentioning on the sacrament of Confirmation he said that Christians receive the seven gifts of the holy spirit when confirmed and that strengthens and helps them in their day to day lives.Fr. Ekalimon challenged the Christians to stand up and be counted when things go wrong in their midsts saying that, transforming lives shows that they are witnessing the risen Christ and are ready to preach the good news to others who do not believe in him.

Local news - by Sofari Wycliffe – 21.4.2012 - Turkana football Club goes for Election

All football clubs today elected their officials in an election that was held at Bishop Mahon's Centre, Lodwar. The election which was presided over by a Kenya Football Federation representative hit a snag when he refused to officiate following Lodwar clubs' failure to pay him Allowance. However, finally after negotiation Mr......Ouma, who had traveled from Kitale agreed to officiate without any allowance. Jackson Nakusa from Earth Movers was elected to the post of the chairman while Lowoko Johnson was elected vice. The Secretary's seat was taken by Stephen Esipitar of Kalokol FC. His vice will be Daniel Edaan Ekiru from Supper United FC. Francis Erukudi was elected to the post of the treasurer. He comes from Earth Movers FC. Lotuwo Zakayo from Loki FC took the post of Vice Treasurer. Eric Long'ole and Jacinta Nangiro were elected men and women representatives respectively. The question of how money allocated by the Government for promotion of sports in the County was raised with some of the members that they had no idea how it was used and called on the sports officials to clear the air.