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Catholic Diocese of Isiolo-vocations office, Isiolo/Marsabit Road, Isiolo (2026)

21/05/2026

𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐗𝐈𝐕 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Pope Leo XIV is set to release his first encyclical, 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒔 (“𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚”), on May 25, 2026, focusing on the protection of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.

The document draws a historic link with Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum, highlighting the Church’s response to today’s technological revolution just as it did during the Industrial Revolution.

The encyclical will be presented at the Vatican with leading Church officials and AI experts, underscoring the urgent need for ethical guidance as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes work, education, communication, and society.

09/05/2026

The outgoing Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, has reflected nostalgically on his seven-year mission in Kenya, contrasting the “vibrant” and youthful Church in the East African nation with what he described as an “old and grey” Church in Germany, where he has been transferred.

Speaking on May 6 after presiding over the Episcopal Consecration of Mons. Obed Muriungi Karobia as Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), Archbishop van Megen said his departure from Kenya was emotionally difficult as he approached the final weeks of his diplomatic and pastoral service in the country.

“As it was mentioned by His Grace Maurice Muhatia, these are my last days in Kenya,” he said, and added, “I still have about three weeks. So, in a sense, I'm pushing those farewells as far away as possible, because it's always hard.”

The Dutch-born Vatican diplomat recalled arriving in Kenya exactly seven years earlier, on May 5, after leaving Sudan during a tense period in Khartoum.

“I had thought of arriving incognito,” he said, and went on to recall the situation in the capital city of Sudan, Khartoum, in May 2019, “There was a lot of tension in this city. There were barbed wires, there were tanks on the street, there was a bit of shooting here and there.”

He recounted traveling through Addis Ababa before landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at dusk, expecting a quiet arrival before settling into his diplomatic mission. Instead, he encountered a jubilant reception that left a lasting impression on him.

“But, of course, Kenyans do not take that kind of thing,” he said humorously, and recalled, “When I came into the country, first of all, of course, there was a representative protocol; there were like three or four bishops at least. And, of course, also the Cardinal (John Njue) was there.”

Archbishop van Megen particularly remembered the choir that welcomed him with Swahili songs despite his unfamiliarity with the language at the time.

“And, of course, I didn't know a word of Swahili,” he said, adding, “I know you heard in my sermon, it's still a bit of a struggle. But they started to sing this song Jambo bwana... hakuna matata… It was a very swinging welcome. And I really never forget that.”

The Vatican diplomat said the warm reception even created diplomatic complications in his first days in Kenya. “Two days later, I was called here by the neighbors of foreign affairs,” he recalled, and further recalled being told that “officially you didn't even present your letters yet to the president; and here you came in like a Pope.’”

Reflecting on his next mission in Germany, Archbishop van Megen described the assignment as “nearly a home game,” noting his strong childhood familiarity with the Western European nation.

“I'm half a German,” he said, and continued, “I speak the language. I know the culture. I know the country very well. I have probably been there a thousand times or more.”

He explained that Germany had always been close to his upbringing.

“Germany was very close to my village,” he said, and recalled, “Even as children, we would cross the border to get into Germany. To play or to go shopping with my parents. Or to go even to church there at times. So, nothing new there.”

Yet despite that familiarity, Archbishop van Megen said the pastoral reality awaiting him in Germany differed sharply from the Church experience he had encountered in Kenya.

“You might say, that makes it much easier. Yes, it does,” the native of Netherlands said, and continued, “But on the other hand, hey, that church in Germany is a bit like the church in my own country. It's like me. Old and grey. Right? Full of uzee (Swahili for old age).”

“And the young people, I'm not sure where they are ... But they are not in church, I can tell you that one. And that will be the challenge in Germany,” he shared.

In contrast, Archbishop van Megen praised the Catholic Church in Kenya as youthful, hopeful and spiritually alive.

“Compared to the church in Kenya,” he said, “Kenya, a vibrant church, a singing church; a church full of the spirit of good people, and bad people, like everybody. And old and young, you know. A church with a future.”

The outgoing Apostolic Nuncio linked that future to the Episcopal Consecration of 46-year-old Bishop Obed, whom he described as a sign of the Church’s continuing vitality.

“It's not about for me being a Nuncio or being a Bishop or being a Priest,” Archbishop van Megen said, he said. “It's about being a Christian. It's about being able to follow Christ. To follow into his footsteps. That he may be in me. That is the most important thing. That he be in me.”

09/05/2026

Have you ever noticed that during Benediction or Eucharistic Adoration, the priest sometimes covers his hands and shoulders with a long cloth before lifting the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament? Many Catholics see this beautiful gesture but may not fully understand its meaning.

That cloth is called the humeral veil.

First, the humeral veil is a long rectangular vestment placed over the priest’s shoulders and arms, usually worn during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament or certain solemn processions involving the Eucharist.

The word “humeral” comes from the Latin word related to the shoulders, because the veil rests around the shoulders and covers the hands.

Second, the humeral veil is meant to draw attention not to the priest himself, but to Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist. When the priest lifts the monstrance while wearing the veil, the symbolism is that the blessing comes from Christ Himself in the Blessed Sacrament, not from the personal power or importance of the priest.

In simple terms, the priest hides his hands to emphasize that it is Jesus whom the people are adoring.

Third, this gesture reflects deep reverence toward the Holy Eucharist. Catholics believe the Blessed Sacrament is not merely symbolic bread, but truly the Body, Bl00d, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.

The Bible says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51).

Because of this belief, the Church surrounds the Eucharist with signs of honor, beauty, silence, incense, candles, and sacred vestments.

Fourth, the humeral veil also has a practical liturgical role. During Benediction, the priest uses the ends of the veil to hold the monstrance while making the sign of the cross over the people with the Blessed Sacrament.

This liturgical gesture developed over centuries as part of the Church’s reverence for Eucharistic worship.

Fifth, the humeral veil is not worn at every Mass. It is mainly used during:
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament,
Eucharistic processions,
and certain solemn occasions involving sacred objects.

Spiritually speaking, the veil reminds Catholics that the Eucharist is sacred and that all attention should ultimately lead to Christ present in the sacrament.

In simple words, priests wear the humeral veil when lifting the Blessed Sacrament to show reverence and to emphasize that the blessing comes from Jesus in the Eucharist, not from the priest himself. The veil helps focus the faithful on Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.

Now you know.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): John 6:51

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1373-1381

Roman Missal

Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

09/05/2026

Have you ever heard church bells ringing before Mass and wondered why Catholics still keep this tradition? In many places, the sound of the bell travels through the streets long before the liturgy begins. To some people it may seem like a simple custom or a way of announcing time, but church bells have carried deep spiritual meaning in Catholic life for centuries.

First, church bells are traditionally rung to call the faithful to prayer and worship. Before modern clocks, phones, or public announcements existed, the bell was the Church’s way of gathering people together for Mass, prayer, and important liturgical celebrations.

The ringing of the bell reminded Catholics that something sacred was about to take place.

Second, the bell also symbolizes God calling His people. Just as Scripture often speaks of God gathering His people together, the church bell became a visible and audible sign of that invitation.

The Bible says: “I rejoiced because they said to me, ‘We will go up to the house of the LORD’” (Psalm 122:1).

Spiritually speaking, the bell invites the faithful to leave ordinary activities behind for a moment and turn their attention toward God.

Third, church bells were historically believed to sanctify the surrounding area by reminding the entire community of God’s presence. In many Catholic cultures, hearing the bell encouraged people to pause briefly, pray, or prepare themselves interiorly for worship.

Even those who could not attend Mass often recognized the sound as a reminder of prayer.

Fourth, bells are not only rung before Mass. In many churches, smaller altar bells are also rung during important moments of the liturgy, especially during the Consecration. These bells help draw attention to the sacred mystery taking place on the altar as Catholics believe the bread and wine become the Body and Bl00d of Jesus Christ.

Fifth, the ringing of church bells also reflects joy and solemnity. Major feasts like Christmas, Easter, weddings, ordinations, and important celebrations are often accompanied by joyful bell ringing, while funeral tolls may sound slower and more solemn.

In this way, the bells become part of the prayer life and emotional life of the Christian community.

Sixth, the Church even has special blessings for church bells. Traditionally, bells are blessed before being used because they are dedicated to sacred purposes and worship.

Spiritually speaking, the church bell is more than noise or decoration. It is a reminder that God still calls His people together, invites them into prayer, and gathers the Church around the Eucharist.

In simple words, Catholics ring church bells before Mass to call people to worship, announce that something sacred is beginning, and remind the faithful to prepare their hearts for prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Now you know.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Psalm 122:1

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1067-1071; CCC 1179-1181

Roman Ritual

General Instruction of the Roman Missal

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

09/05/2026

The Seniority Order (highest to lowest precedence) for Catholic Priestly Titles.

The seniority here is determined by:

· Jurisdiction (power over others)
· Honorific rank (monsignor grades)
· Office within a Diocese or Order
· Canonical precedence (e.g., Vicar General outranks a Parish Priest)

Highest Seniority (Diocesan & Curial)

1. Vicar General:
The Bishop’s “second-in-command.”
Has ordinary executive power over the entire Diocese and always outranks all other Priests locally.

2. Episcopal Vicar:
Similar to Vicar General but for a specific territory or group.
Seniority just below Vicar General.

3. Judicial Vicar:
Chief canon lawyer and head of the Diocesan marriage tribunal.
Seniority equal to a Vicar General within judicial matters; otherwise sits below.

4. Protonotary Apostolic:
Highest monsignor rank.

5. Honorary Prelate (Domestic Prelate). Second-highest monsignor rank.

6. Chaplain of His Holiness:
Lowest monsignor rank.

7. Rector of a Seminary:
Has authority over formation, faculty and Seminarians.

8. Promoter of Justice – Diocesan “prosecutor” for penal cases. Equals a Judicial Vicar in penal matters.

9. Defender of the Bond:
Canon lawyer who argues for marriage validity. Serves under the Judicial Vicar.

10. Chancellor:
Keeper of Diocesan archives and records. An important administrator but lacks judicial authority.

Mid Seniority (Parish & Institutional Leaders)

1. Parish Priest:
Fully installed head of a Parish with tenure rights.

2. Rector of a Shrine or Non-Parish Church: Leads a church that is not a Parish (e.g., a national shrine).

3. Parochial Administrator (Father in Charge) Temporary Parish head without tenure.
Sits below Pastor but above Parochial Vicar.

4. Fidei Donum Priest:
A Priest sent from one diocese to another. Seniority depends on the role he fills.
As a title alone, it grants no extra rank.

5. Chaplain (Hospital, Prison, Military, University).
Seniority varies by assignment.
A military chaplain with rank (e.g., Major) may outrank a Pastor within that setting, but not in Parish hierarchy.

6. Exorcist:
A delegated office, not a rank.
The priest remains at his base seniority (usually Pastor or Parochial Vicar).

7. Parochial Vicar:
Assistant/associate pastor.
Entry-level parish role.

8. Notary:
A Priest who witnesses official acts.
Low seniority; often a Parochial Vicar or a chancellor.

Religious Order Titles.

These exist outside the Diocesan structure. When serving in a Diocese, a Religious superior’s seniority is usually equal to a Pastor.

1. Superior General:
Head of a worldwide religious order (e.g., Jesuits, Franciscans, Dominicans).
Very high seniority within the Order; in a Diocese, treated as a guest.

2. Provincial Superior:
Head of a Religious province.

3. Abbot:
Head of an autonomous monastery.
Has quasi-episcopal authority over his monks.

4. Prior:
Head of a priory which is a monastery but not an abbey.

5. Guardian:
Head of a Franciscan friary.

6. Master of Novices:
Responsible for initial formation (novitiate). Seniority below Prior but above ordinary friars.

7. Conventual Prior:
Head of a smaller Community of friars (e.g., Dominicans, Augustinians).

8. Definitor:
A consultor to a Provincial or Superior General.

Academic & Vatican Roles (Specialized)

These are expert roles, not hierarchical ranks.
Seniority comes from the office they hold, not the expertise itself.

1. Official of the Roman Rota:
A Priest-judge at the Vatican’s highest appellate court.
Seniority is high (equivalent to Protonotary) but only within tribunal functions.

2. Undersecretary of a Dicastery:
Senior Vatican administrator, usually a monsignor.

3. Penitentiary of St. Peter’s:
A Priest at St. Peter’s Basilica with special faculties to absolve reserved sins.
Seniority similar to a Canon.

4. Theologian:
No inherent seniority unless also a professor or Bishop’s advisor.
A Professor of Theology at a seminary ranks under the Rector.

5. Censor of Books (Book Censor):
A delegated expert.
Seniority is the Priest’s base rank (e.g., Pastor).

6. Professor of Sacred Scripture:
Same as Theologian; seniority determined by academic rank within a seminary.

7. Spiritual Director:
Usually an experienced senior Priest assigned to guide seminarians or clergy.
Seniority flows from his primary office.

Click below for more information and education

25/04/2026

NEWS IN:
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe to be the Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret .

This appointment comes after the official solemn welcoming of Bishop Dominic Kimengich as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa Archdiocese.

Bishop Joseph Obanyi Who is also the Bishop of Kakamega will oversee the running of Eldoret Diocese until it gets an official shepherd to succeed Bishop Dominic Kimengich....

09/04/2026

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Archbishop Bert Van Megen, who has served as Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya since 2019, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Germany.

02/04/2026

Today we celebrate the Birthday of Priesthood..and the institution of the Holy Eucharist....
Mention one Priest we pray for him as we wish them a happy Birthday...

26/03/2026

𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐫. 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐢 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐚, 𝐎𝐅𝐌 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯., 𝐚𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢

𝐁𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭

The Holy Father has appointed Msgr. Obed Muriungi Karobia, OFM Conv., as the new Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi. In an announcement made today by the Holy See Press Office, the member of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv.) will, upon his episcopal ordination, assist Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, in the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese, alongside Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau.

Fr. Obed Muriungi Karobia was born in Meru, Kenya, on June 29, 1979. He made his simple profession on July 24, 2004, his solemn profession on October 10, 2010, and was ordained to the priesthood on July 28, 2012.

As a member of the Franciscan Conventuals, Msgr. Obed was elected the first Minister Provincial of the newly established Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya in September 2019. Until his appointment, he has been serving as the Supreme Moderator of the Franciscan Servants of Mary Queen of Love Fraternity, a religious community of priests and brothers.

Prior to being appointed the first Superior of the Province in Kenya, the 46-year-old friar also served as the Vocations Promoter for the Conventual Franciscan Friars in Kenya.

He becomes the first Conventual Franciscan friar and missionary to be appointed a bishop in Kenya since the Order established its inaugural mission in the country in 1984, with its foundation in Ruiri, Meru.

25/03/2026

𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐗𝐈𝐕 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐤𝐢 𝐍𝐣𝐢𝐫𝐮, 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐞

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has accepted the resignation of Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote. In an announcement released by the Holy See Press Office, Bishop Kariuki voluntarily stepped down from the leadership of Kenya’s youngest diocese.

The 63-year-old prelate was appointed the pioneer Bishop of Wote on July 22, 2023, and was installed as the first bishop of the diocese on September 30, 2023. A few months after his installation, he suffered a severe health crisis that led to prolonged hospitalization and mild paralysis, affecting his speech.

Following this development, the Catholic Diocese of Wote is now sede vacante. However, the transitional arrangements initiated last year remain in place. Rt. Rev. Simon Peter Kamomoe, the current Auxiliary Bishop of Wote, will continue serving as Apostolic Administrator, overseeing the pastoral and administrative needs of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

We urge all faithful to pray for Bishop Kariuki, asking God to grant him strength and healing, and to express gratitude for his dedication and willingness to shepherd the Diocese of Wote from its inception.

Catholic Diocese of Isiolo-vocations office

21/05/2026

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

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09/05/2026

25/04/2026

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25/03/2026

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