Passing the Baton

“I am glad that the Church as an institution is harmonious because it is where the entire process of election and handing over is peacefully done. people are satisfied with the result and happy with the person elected. This is proof that the Spirit of God guides the Church in all her activities” These are words of the President of SVD Lay Partners commonly known as Friends of SVD during the inauguration of the new Provincial council in Langata, Nairobi on Thursday 1st, 2023.

On this day, all SVD confreres from Kenya-Tanzania Province, SVD lay partners, and other invited guests gathered at the Common Formation Centre, Langata, Nairobi to witness the inauguration of the new Provincial Fr. William Odeke, and his council members Fr. Peddy Castelino, Fr. Hugo Calis, Fr. Geoffrey Kamau and Fr. Jerome Olianga.

The day began with a prayer and immediately the provincial treasurer gave an update of the financial status of the province at the closure of the past triennium. Then the confreres were taken through the details of the Child and Vulnerable Persons Protection Policy that was then launched and signed by all the confreres. Later the outgoing Provincial Superior Fr. Antony Amissah gave his address about the State of the Province. During the same session, the 2023-2028 Strategic plan was launched.

The handing over and inauguration ceremonies took place during the Holy Mass at the CFC Chapel. The letters of appointment were read for each council member and the Provincial Superior.

In the same celebration, a number of confreres were awarded trophies for standing tall in the following areas:

• Fr. Tom Leyden, Bro. Karl Schaarschmidt, Fr. Rethinasamy Amaldoss, Fr. Leo Fernando, Fr. Antony Amissah – for remaining in the province for the longest time while many others left the province for various reasons.
• Fr. Lawrence Muthee, Fr. Jerome Olianga, Fr. Leo Fernando, Fr. Albert Fuchs, and Fr. Rethinasamy Amaldoss, – for completing their parish contribution towards the self-sustenance of the Province.

The celebrations were concluded with shared meals prepared by the CFC community. We thank God for the blessing upon Kenya-Tanzania province for the last Triennium and ask Him to bless and guide us in the new one.

Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD