In a spirit of gratitude and joy, the Redemptorists Mission of Kenya joined the global Redemptorist family in marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of St. Gerard Majella, the humble Redemptorist brother known for his holiness, service, and deep devotion to God. The celebrations brought together students from both the Theologate and Philosophate formation houses through a series of spiritual, formative, and fraternal activities that sought to make St. Gerard’s life and spirituality more alive and meaningful in the Kenyan Mission context.
The events were coordinated by Fr. Lewis Mutiso, C.Ss.R. (Prefect of Students, Theologate), Fr. Peter Chitabanta, C.Ss.R. (Socius), and Fr. Dominic Warukenya, C.Ss.R. (Prefect of Students, Philosophate). The celebrations aimed to deepen the students’ understanding of St. Gerard’s spirituality, inspire them to emulate his virtues, and strengthen their commitment to living the Redemptorist Charism with renewed zeal in the service of the poor and most abandoned.
This initiative followed the call of Fr. Edward Joseph, C.Ss.R., Provincial Superior of the Bangalore Province, who designated August 2025 as the Year of St. Gerard and the Formandi, encouraging all formation houses to organize programs that highlight the life, spirituality, and relevance of St. Gerard Majella among Redemptorist students.
The celebrations began with St. Gerard Majella Weeks, held separately in the Theologate and Philosophate communities. During this period, students organized group presentations and discussions focusing on different aspects of St. Gerard’s life, his humility, obedience, purity, compassion, and selfless service. These reflections encouraged the formandi to see St. Gerard as a model of authentic missionary discipleship, calling them to live faithfully and joyfully in community while serving others with love and simplicity.
On 9th October 2025, all students gathered at St. Alphonsus Community in Karen–Nairobi for the culmination of the joint workshop and sports activities. The day began with an inspiring workshop facilitated by Fr. Leandro Langa, CMM., who spoke on Pastoral Work and Apostolate. He emphasized the importance of pastoral involvement as a core aspect of formation, encouraging the students to serve the poor and abandoned with compassion, dedication, and zeal in the spirit of St. Gerard Majella.
The grand finale of the celebration took place on 16th October 2025, the Feast of St. Gerard Majella. A solemn Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Augustine Mugambi, C.Ss.R., and concelebrated by Redemptorist confreres and visiting priests. In his homily, Fr. Nicholas Kibaara, C.Ss.R. shared the legacy of St Gerard Majella in our Kenyan Mission and reflected on key virtues from the life of St. Gerard — humility, charity, faith, joyful service, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, inviting all to emulate his deep love for God and unwavering commitment to service.
The 300th anniversary celebrations not only honored St. Gerard’s memory but also reignited among the formandi a deeper desire to live their vocation authentically, with faith, simplicity, and missionary zeal.
May St. Gerard Majella continue to inspire our formandi and confreres to live the Redemptorist Charism faithfully, joyfully, and zealously in our mission in Kenya and beyond.
Br. George Sifuna
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