Eastern Africa Jesuits

08/05/2026

May 8 | Blessed Fr John Sullivan, SJ

Born in Dublin in 1861, Blessed Fr John Sullivan came from a mixed religious family — a Protestant father, Sir Edward Sullivan, future Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and a deeply Catholic mother, Lady Bessie Josephine Sullivan. Following the custom of the time, John was baptised into the Protestant Church of Ireland.

An outstanding student, he attended Portora Royal School in Enniskillen and later Trinity College Dublin, where he won the Gold Medal in Classical Studies in 1885 before studying law. After the sudden death of his father, John moved to London, completed his legal studies, and became a barrister in 1888.

Though he inherited wealth and enjoyed an elegant lifestyle, travelling widely across Europe and even spending time with Orthodox monks on Mount Athos in Greece, his heart was searching for something deeper. In 1896, at the age of 35, he was received into the Roman Catholic Church at the Jesuit church in London, believing it was through the prayers of his devoted Catholic mother.

In 1900, John entered the Society of Jesus and was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1907. Most of his priestly life was spent at Clongowes Wood College in Kildare, where he taught students and young Jesuits while dedicating himself tirelessly to preaching, helping the poor, comforting the suffering, and praying for the sick. Many people experienced healing through his prayers, and even today his crucifix remains a symbol of hope and healing around Dublin.

Fr John Sullivan died on 19 February 1933 in Dublin. His holiness was recognised by both Catholics and Anglicans, and on 13 May 2017 he was beatified by Pope Francis.

06/05/2026

The AOR – Jesuit Development Office staff today held a blessing ceremony for its new water fountain, led by Rev. Fr. Rusatsi Andrew, SJ. This occasion marks an important milestone in promoting access to clean water while enhancing the office environment for both staff and visitors. Rev. Fr. Kituyi Ambrose, SJ, was also present to during the event.

As we celebrate this step forward, we warmly invite all well-wishers and partners of goodwill to journey with us in this noble mission of expanding access to safe and clean water for more families within Kangemi and beyond.

04/05/2026

May 4 | St. Jose Maria Rubio

St. Josemaría Rubio (1864–1929), a Spanish Jesuit known as the “Apostle of Madrid,” was canonised in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.

Born in Dalías, Almería, the eldest of 13 children, he pursued studies in philosophy and theology in Almería, Granada, and Madrid, later earning degrees in theology and canon law. Ordained in 1887, he served as a parish priest in rural Madrid, where he became known for his austerity, dedication to catechesis, and service to the poor.

In Madrid, he worked as a chaplain, teacher, and diocesan official, while actively ministering to workers in the suburbs. Deeply drawn to the Jesuits, he eventually joined the order in 1909.

Fr. Rubio was especially renowned as a confessor, often drawing long lines of people seeking spiritual guidance. Stories from his life recount remarkable moments of insight, prophecy, and conversion, including helping a man return to faith shortly before his death and assuring a woman of her father’s salvation, which was later confirmed.

A humble and tireless priest, he devoted himself to preaching, serving the poor, and founding spiritual and social initiatives, including associations and schools in Madrid’s poorer neighborhoods.

He died on May 2, 1929, and was remembered for his holiness, charity, and simplicity. Reports of miracles—such as healings and prophetic insight—surrounded his life. He was beatified in 1985 and canonised in 2003, with a confirmed miracle involving the healing of lung cancer.

His legacy endures in his message: “Do what God wants and want what God does.”

01/05/2026

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker | Labor Day - May 1

We honor St. Joseph the Worker, the humble guardian of Jesus, who sanctified human labor through his quiet obedience and faithful service.

On this Labor Day, we are reminded that work is not only a duty, but a vocation—a way of participating in God’s creative plan. As we bless our tools, we entrust our labor to the Lord:
🙏 that our work may glorify God
🙏 that every worker may be treated with dignity
🙏 that those without work may find hope and opportunity

May St. Joseph teach us to labor with faith, humility, and trust in God’s providence.

St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us.

01/05/2026

30/04/2026

April 30 | Feast of Our Lady of Africa 🌍

Today, we celebrate Our Lady of Africa, a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and faith across the continent.

Under this title, Mary reminds us that Africa is deeply loved and entrusted to her care. She walks with her people especially the poor, the suffering, and those seeking peace and justice.

As we honor her today, we are invited to pray for our continent:
🙏 for unity among nations
🙏 for peace in places of conflict
🙏 for dignity and opportunity for all

Our Lady of Africa, pray for us and for all Africa.

25/04/2026

April 25 | Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, one of the four Gospel writers and a key figure in the early Church.

St. Mark, a companion of St. Peter and St. Paul, is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel that bears his name—the earliest and most concise account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His Gospel highlights the actions of Jesus and calls believers to faithful discipleship.

This feast reminds us of the mission of the Church to proclaim the Good News to all nations, just as St. Mark did through his witness and writing.

St. Mark, pray for us.

21/04/2026

April 21, 2026 | REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS ON HIS FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

We remember a shepherd who led with humility, compassion, and a deep concern for the poor and the marginalized. His words and actions challenged us to live the Gospel more authentically, to care for our common home, and to encounter one another with mercy.

As we mark this anniversary, may his legacy continue to inspire us to walk in faith, serve with love, and build a more just and compassionate world.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

17/04/2026

The Jesuit Devepment Office had the privilege of welcoming a distinguished delegation of partners whose dedication continues to transform communities across continents.

Among our guests were representatives from Misean Cara: John Moffett – CEO, Jennifer Donovan – Donor Engagement Manager, Clare Matthias - Communications & Digital Marketing Professional, Alix Tiernan – Learning and Capacity Manager, Mary O’Connor – Member Engagement & Coordination and from the GHR Foundation USA: Yende Anderson.

Their visit to Kenya followed a week-long continental Conference on Children with Disabilities at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), Kasarani—an inspiring platform advancing inclusion and dignity. We’re especially encouraged that our Programmes team was part of this important learning experience.

The engagement was vibrant and forward-looking—strengthening partnerships, sharing the impactful work of the Province, and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration.

Misean Cara continues to be a key partner in supporting our Province-wide mission most especially in South Sudan, reflecting a shared vision and a strong commitment to lasting impact.

Together, we are driving change where it matters most 🤝

12/04/2026

April 12 | DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

“‘THERE IS NOTHING MORE MAN NEEDS THAN DIVINE MERCY - THAT LOVE WHICH IS BENEVOLENT, WHICH IS COMPASSIONATE, WHICH RAISES MAN ABOVE HIS WEAKNESS TO THE INFINITE HEIGHTS TO THE HOLINESS OF GOD.’ As a gift to humanity, which sometimes seems bewildered and overwhelmed by the power of evil, selfishness, and fear, the Risen Lord offers His love that pardons, reconciles, and reopens hearts to love. It is a love that converts hearts and gives peace. How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy!”

LORD, WHO REVEALS THE FATHER’S LOVE BY YOUR DEATH AND RESURRECTION, WE BELIEVE IN YOU AND CONFIDENTLY REPEAT TO YOU TODAY: JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU, HAVE MERCY UPON US AND UPON THE WHOLE WORLD!

~ Pope Saint John Paul II

07/04/2026

Deacon Elect, Alvin Vincent Mulinge, SJ. ⏐ A Vocation Narrative Forged in Faith

I was born in Kitui, Kenya, where the seeds of my faith were planted early by my grandmother, Veronica — a devout woman who brought me along to Mass and small Christian community gatherings. From childhood, prayer was as natural to me and I enjoyed leading it. At just five years old, I caused an unintentional stir at a church gathering when I loudly questioned why an elderly woman had begun eating without first praying, drawing
laughter from the entire congregation. From that moment, my family and neighbors affectionately began calling me 'Pastor'; or 'Father'; — names that would prove prophetic.

My early education deepened my spiritual life. At EMCO Academy, an Anglican primary school in Kitui, I carried a personal Bible and led prayers at weekly assemblies. I then attended Chogoria Boys High School, a Presbyterian institution, where the near-absence of Catholic priests intensified rather than diminished my vocation. As a Catholic students' leader,
I felt the weight of this spiritual gap acutely and resolved to enter the major seminary immediately after completing my secondary education.

However, God had other plans. My strong Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results earned me a place at the University of Nairobi. Bishop Anthony Muheria of Kitui encouraged
me to pursue university studies first, reassuring me that a genuine vocation would withstand the test of time. I enrolled in a degree programme in Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management.

University life became a grace-filled chapter for me, largely through my involvement with St. Paul's Catholic Chaplaincy. There, I encountered Jesuit priests who came regularly to lead
Bible study sessions, retreats and Sunday Masses. Observing their apostolic zeal and intellectual depth, I felt the Holy Spirit drawing me unmistakably toward the Society of Jesus.
After graduating in 2015 and completing an internship in Gaborone, Botswana, I officially joined the Jesuits on 9th May 2016 and began my novitiate formation in Arusha, Tanzania.

My Jesuit formation has unfolded across several countries and chapters. I completed my novitiate in Arusha, Tanzania in 2018 before moving to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of
Congo, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy in July 2021. I was then missioned for Regency — a formative stage of missionary service — in Wau, South Sudan, teaching at
Loyola Senior Secondary School. Living among the marginalized, and the forgotten became a defining moment in my priestly journey. It was there that I came to understand, in
the most profound sense, that loving Christ means joyfully embracing one's own cross.

Since June 2023, I have been in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, engaged in theological studies — a season I describe as a grace-filled encounter with the heart of God. As I approach my ordination to the diaconate, I understand this call as an invitation to kneel, to serve, and to wash the feet of others. My life bears witness to one enduring conviction: that God never abandons us, and that the Cross of Christ is always glorious and triumphant.

I commend myself to your prayers, that I may fully embrace this ministerial duty of service with love and total magnanimity 👏