Murang’a: The St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program has celebrated a significant milestone as the largest cohort of 38 priests and religious sisters graduated from its four-month psycho-spiritual formation course at the Beatitudes Christian Formation Centre in Murang’a County. This marks the conclusion of the Program’s 25th Session, which was conducted under the theme ‘Abide in me and I in you’ (John 15:5).
According to Kenya News Agency, participants in the program were drawn from 16 archdioceses and 11 congregations across Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and the Philippines. The ceremony, held over the weekend, featured a keynote address from the chief guest, Rt. Rev. Jackson Murugara, Co-Adjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Meru. Bishop Murugara commended the graduates for their commitment to renewal and emphasized the importance of embodying the Gospel in both word and deed.
Bishop Murugara described the sabbatical as a ‘school of renewal,’ urging participants to integrate the lessons learned into their ministries. He highlighted the importance of humility, compassion, and integrity, encouraging the graduates to apply these values in their various roles within the church and community.
The graduates, comprising 32 priests and six religious sisters, received Certificates in Multicultural Psycho-Spiritual Counselling and Human and Personal Development. Fr. Maurice Okuta from the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru shared his personal journey, expressing initial shock at being selected for the program but later finding it transformative. He emphasized the importance of anger and conflict management, which he learned during the program.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow graduates, Fr. Dan Chaunde of the Catholic Diocese of Isiolo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the sabbatical. He described the program as a ‘God-given chance’ that prepared them to return to their ministries as renewed servants ready for deeper service.
The St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program, established in August 2013 by Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina, aims to provide clergy with a space for rest, psychological renewal, and spiritual deepening. Over the past 12 years, it has attracted participants from Africa, Asia, and beyond. Rev Fr Stephen Kinuthia, the Program’s Director, noted the significance of the 25th cohort being the largest intake to date, highlighting the growing demand for ongoing formation among clergy.
Fr Kinuthia emphasized the Church’s recognition of the importance of ongoing renewal and how the Program offers a safe environment for priests and religious individuals to reconnect with their vocation. The next session, the 26th, is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026.
