Caritas Week 2025 Closes with Thanksgiving at Our Lady of Consolata Iriamurai Parish
The curtain officially closed on the Diocese of Embu Caritas Week 2025 (November 17th–23rd) with a profound Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 23rd, held at Our Lady of Consolata Iriamurai Parish. Coinciding perfectly with the great Feast of Christ the King, the final day celebrated a successful week dedicated to putting love into action.
A Week of Compassion
Throughout the week, the spirit of Caritas (selfless love) was visible across the Diocese of Embu (Embu County):
- Monday, Nov 17th: Visiting and supporting the Kigumo Disability and OVC Group.
- Tuesday, Nov 18th: Planting the seeds of a greener future at St Teresa Kithimu Parish.
- Wednesday, Nov 19th: Sharing joy and necessities at St Angela Embu Children’s Home.
- Friday, Nov 21st: Strengthening internal bonds with a Staff Team Building day.
The Homily, Building the Kingdom on Earth
The church was full of joyous Christians and staff ready to celebrate a week well spent in service. Leading the celebration was the Father In-Charge Iriamurai Parish, Fr. Joseph Mbogo, who delivered a truly inspiring homily that challenged everyone present.
Fr. Mbogo powerfully connected the spiritual meaning of Christ’s Kingship to our daily lives. He emphasized that the best way to honor Christ the King is not merely through prayer, but by living out His radical love in our own corners of the world.
“Seek justice, forgive others and serve the poor and forgotten,” Fr. Mbogo passionately preached. “By doing so, you are not just waiting for the Kingdom you are actively helping to build the Kingdom of God here on earth.”
Mbeu programme; Sowing Seeds of Empowerment
Following the powerful message of charity, Fr. Mbogo shifted focus to empowerment and stewardship. He strongly encouraged the faithful to move beyond simply receiving charity and become active participants in the social and economic mission of the Diocese by joining the Caritas economic empowerment program, Mbeu (Savings and Lending Programme).
Sharing his personal testimony, Fr. Mbogo attested to the program’s success:
“Christ the King calls us to a life of service and sound stewardship. Mbeu is not just a loan service; it is a seed of hope. It has personally helped me to manage my finances and embark on projects. With low interest rates calculated on a reducing balance, by joining Mbeu, you are not only securing your own future but actively funding the continuity of Caritas’s vital work within our Diocese.”
A Call to Stewardship
The community was strongly encouraged to plant trees and care for creation, aligning firmly with Pope Francis’s letter, Laudato Si’. This vital message passionately stressed the critical importance of being good stewards of the earth.
The faithful were urged not only to participate in tree-planting initiatives but also to diligently care for the environment, emphasizing that nature is unforgiving and responds with harsh droughts and floods when neglected. “We must listen to the cry of the Earth,” was the powerful closing appeal, reminding everyone that care for creation is an essential part of charity and justice.
The Mass concluded with heartfelt thanks to the Iriamurai Parishioners for their warmth and hospitality. The celebration then transitioned into a communal feast as Fr. Joseph Mbogo graciously hosted Caritas Staff for a delicious lunch. It was a fitting end to a powerful week turning the spiritual feast into a literal one, solidifying the message of love, unity and shared destiny.
