KENYA: AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department Gets New Coordinator

AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department has a new coordinator. Rev. Fr. Paul Mung’athia Igweta from Meru Diocese, Kenya joined the Secretariat in Nairobi on 1^st, June, 2018 to fill the vacant position held by Mr. Antony Mbandi who left the secretariat in September 2017.

The operations of the departments have since been directed by Sr. Tabitha Nyawira of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi the Programs Officer.

In an interview with the Secretary General of AMECEA Very Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Lugonzo, the duration to fill the vacant position has taken a natural course. “The process to find someone in the office has taken a natural course. We had to refer to the membership for recruitment. This called for patience so that our member conference could identify people, conduct interviews so as to get the right person for the office. We are grateful to have Fr. Mung’athia as the right person in the office and he can now carry on with the work,” Fr. Lugonzo explained.

Fr. Mung’athia holds Masters of Arts degree in Justice and Peace and currently pursuing Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in social transformation with specialization in Governance at Tangaza University College. He was ordained priest of the Catholic Diocese of Meru in 2004. Since then Fr. Mung’athia has worked in different parishes and offices including the office of Justice and Peace as an assistant coordinator. Until his appointment, Fr. Mung’athia has been a teacher at St. Joseph Meru Major Seminary in Nairobi.

According to Fr. Mung’athia in an interview, he aims to work towards the mission and the vision of AMECEA so as to fulfil its objectives in relation to the requirements for Justice, peace and caritas department.

“I am here to execute what I actually love and have passion for. I will formulate policies and initiatives that help realize the dreams of AMECEA in relation to its Mission and Vision,” Fr. Mung’athia narrated adding, “First I will have to understand the norms of the institution, to study what my predecessors did then I will come in with my expertise in the line of justice and peace to know what is new that I am to add in the office and what to carry on with. I have bigger dreams for the office and I pray for the good Lord to help me realize them especially for the welfare of the people in this region.”

With the experience and knowledge, he has, the secretariat is certain that Fr. Mung’athia’s new job will open doors and opportunities to a wider network with other partners. “Having academic qualifications and exposure including experience from Justice and Peace office, we expect Fr. to enhance our networking so that he opens up to new partnerships, and to our traditional partners as well so as to implement the mandate that we have received from the bishops,” the Secretary General expressed.

Asked about the relationship between Justice and Peace and that of caritas in terms of work, Fr. Mung’athia appreciated the combination of the two saying, “Caritas’ mission is all about integral development of a human person; those who have either been oppressed, or lack basic human necessities. This is very much related to justice and the partnership of the two offices working together is a beautiful collaboration for the improvement of the dignity of humanity,” he expressed.

The AMECEA secretariat sends gratitude to the diocese of Meru especially to the bishop Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi, to The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and to Fr. Paul Mung’athia himself. “We welcome him and we ask God to strengthen him in his mission. It is our hope that he will share the gifts and the experiences he has to enrich AMECEA. He is assured of our support,” comments the Secretary General.

Fr. Mung’athia too expressed his appreciation saying, “I am happy with the appointed in this office and I thank my Bishop Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi and KCCB for the confidence they have in me to entrust me with this office. I actually intend to do my best. I also extend my appreciation to the AMECEA secretariat for the warm reception,” he concludes.

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By Sr. Antoinette Jecinter Okoth, FSSA