By James Mwangi
Catholic youths from Sipili, Ng’arua,
Muchungui, Muhotetu and Ol-Moran parish held a two day retreat from 15-16, August,
2014at Ol-Moran parish. The retreat which was held
outside the parish old hall provided the youths with an opportunity to interact
as well as share life experiences.
The meeting was also attended by the
Host priest, Father James Giacomo, Host Patron, Peterson Muthua, Youth Chairman
of the Denary, Samuel Wambugu, Muchungui parish priest Father Sandro and Sister
Monicah as well as various patrons and matrons from the various parishes.
The meeting also provided the youths
with an opportunity to be introduced to the various patrons and matrons.
The first day of the retreat was dedicated
to interaction. The host Chairman, Muchoki and his fellow youth nicknamed
“break first” led in the evening entertainment.
The second day was preceded by
morning prayers before various youths started sharing their life experiences.
The new church building in Ol-Moran Parish under construction
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James Makala shared a touching life
experience which left most of the youths in tears. Makala grew up in a poor
family. His parents depended on brewing illegal brew. One day his mother was
arrested and imprisoned. Their father then abandoned them. Makala and his
younger brother Kagiri who was seven years old at the time had to feed
themselves.
They ended up becoming street
children. One day Makala attended a meeting where a nun was guiding street
children. After listening to the story of Saint Agatha, he received a revelation.
He stood and told the nun that he will no longer sniff glue and he will start
rehabilitating himself.
One day he was on his way home from church
when he was arrested by police in a case of mistaken identity. He was taken to
the police station where he was forced to bribe his way out.
“The police officers disagreed on how
to share the bribe. During the argumentone of them took out his gun and shot
me. This is why I lost my right hand. Right now I even depend on my wife to tie
my shoe lace as I cannot manage to do that,” said a sorrowful Makala.
He urged the youths to ensure that
they are not blinded by money as it can lead them astray. Today Makala is
working at Saint Martin as an advocate for justice.
Father Sandro narrated how he met
Makala during a conference that they had both attended. Makala had then
informed him that he preferred to remain with his half hand rather than having
a replacement. This he had said would always remind him when washing his face
that he should always stand firm and fight for justice.
“I have actually benefitted a lot
from this retreat. The story of Makala is really touching. I will always stand
and fight for justice. I will never use my financial ability or power to harass
my fellow citizens,” said Angeline Wambui, a youth from Sipili Parish.
The retreat concluded with a mass
which was conducted by Father James Giacomo. He urged the youths not only to
beautify their bodies but also their hearts.
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