St. Mary’s Primary and Junior Secondary School Ongata Rongai hosted this year’s annual St. Mary’s Feast Day at the school grounds, bringing together the clergy, parents, teachers, pupils, parents’ association members, learners from neighboring schools, school heads as well as the institution alumni.
Presided by Bishop John Oballa Owaa of the Catholic Diocese of Ngong the event was themed; ‘My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord’ inspired by Luke 1:46.
The event began with a procession at Shell Petrol Station with the school band leading scouts, teachers and pupils towards the school as police officers ensured security and helped clear the road.
Upon arrival, Chief Guest Bishop Owaa planted a tree and watered it in commemoration of the event before leading the Eucharistic Celebration where he promptly started the mass at 10:30am after being welcomed by Fr. Boniface Mukwe, the school Director.
The clergy kicked off by explaining the importance of The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church on May 31.
“This event is narrated in the Gospel of Luke (1:36, 39-45). The feast recalls the visit of Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth shortly after the Annunciation; the cleansing of John the Baptist from Original sin in the womb of his mother. Mary went into the hill country with haste to visit Elizabeth who was also expectant. This sudden urgency of love shows warmth and kindness. She greeted her cousin Elizabeth, and at the sound of her voice, John quickened in the mother’s womb and leapt for joy. Mary inspires us to live a life of gratitude, generosity, compassion and hope,” he explained.
The Bishop emphasized on the need of children’s protection since they are exposed to multiple challenges even from their own parents who at times poses a threat to them. He cited an incident where a parent locked up his children for days without food.
“Children are exposed to a lot of suffering that could be prevented and that ought to be prevented. They need protection now more than ever. These cases tell us how much children need protection. The fact that some children are not safe at home reflects truly negatively on the society we are building. We need to take safeguarding measures very seriously so that children are safe wherever they are,” he lamented.
After the mass, learners took to the stage to showcase their talents with PP2 pupils reciting a memory verse and a song. Grade 4 learners followed suit with a modern dance and lastly Grade7 learners recited a French poem followed with a Swahili one titled Mwalimu Mtu Muhimu, Wacheni Kumhujumu.
The school head teacher Sr. Zipporah Kanuvi thanked the parents for supporting the institution and noted that the institution is determined to not only ensure students pass with flying colors but also grow up with good morals.
National Parents Association (NPA) Chairperson Mr. David Silas Obuhatsa urged parents to embrace the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) adding that there will be training sessions aimed at educating parents on the new curriculum and assured parents that the government was working on the challenges encountered in its implementation.
Director Fr. Mukwe dedicated the vote of thanks to God, the Bishop, the head teacher, teachers, parents and guardians.
“For without you, St. Mary’s cannot be what it is today. We, the board members sincerely appreciate you for seeing us as the best place to bring your children for holistic formation, quality education and spiritual growth of these children,” he said.
Board of Management Chairperson Mr. Dominic Chesire said that the school was working towards more infrastructural improvements to ensure learners access a serene environment for learning.
“We have begun with the key requirements for junior secondary school – the labs – but the main thing occupying our minds right now is to get rid of the temporary structures that have been here for a long time, and put up a building with three floors for the pre-primary school pupils and some offices. That is our main project right now and we are looking forward to receiving support to ensure all our projects are accomplished,” he said.
Bishop Owaa noted that the project was due for completion within four months.
Also in attendance were; Fr. Paul Ng’eno, Fr. Peter Waweru from Capuchin TV, Fr. Allan Olonana Selempo, Fr. Evaristus Bitanga, and several Catholic Sisters.
By Thuita Jaswant
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