23rd St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program Concludes with Graduation.
The 23rd session of the St. John Paul II Sabbatical program concluded on Friday, December 6, with the graduation of 33 participants.
The colorful event, held at the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Centre in Samar, Maragua, brought together participants from 7 dioceses, 5 archdioceses, and 10 congregations across 7 African countries.
The participants included 26 priests, 6 sisters, and 1 brother, all of whom graduated with certificates in Multicultural Psycho-Spiritual Counseling and Human and Personal Development. The program emphasized personal growth and spiritual renewal.
During the celebration, the chief guest, Very Rev. Fr. Charles Kibe, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, stressed the importance of rest, renewal, and self-care for religious men and women.
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He drew inspiration from the theme of the event, “Come to the fountain of life and growth” (John 10:10). Fr. Kibe encouraged participants to strive for goodness and emulate the life-giving stream described in Ezekiel 47:1-12, which sustains life and bears fruit in all seasons.
“The river brings healing and wholesomeness, go forth and be at peace with God and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul and strive to be like that stream that restores life in its wake,” urged Fr Kibe.
Fr. Kibe urged participants to embody the healing and renewal symbolized by the river, advising them to maintain peace and strive for personal growth amid life’s challenges. Referencing Max Ehrman’s poem Desiderata, he encouraged them to move forward with renewed strength and purpose.
Participants Reflect on the Sabbatical Journey
Fr. Kain Joseph Nchitu from the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon, shared that the four-month program provided a transformative experience.
He reflected on how the program offered rest, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. It underscored the significance of self-care, self-knowledge, and spiritual renewal, enabling participants to better serve their communities.
Br. Godfrey Wambugu of the Brothers of Saint Joseph Nyeri expressed how the sabbatical journey left an indelible mark on him. He described it as a period of healing, self-awareness, and learning, noting that he would advocate for similar opportunities for other religious men and women worldwide.
The St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program, supported by 20 residential and non-residential facilitators, has consistently attracted participants from around the globe.
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Since its launch in August 2013 by the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, the program has focused on the renewal and ongoing formation of priests and religious men and women, offering them a chance to rest and rekindle their spiritual lives.
With its significant impact on participants, the program continues to grow in reputation and reach. The 24th session is scheduled to commence on January 6, 2025, promising another opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal for religious leaders worldwide.
23rd St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program Concludes with Graduation
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