His Lordship Rt. Rev. John Mbua Mwandi has celebrated his first Holy Mass as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, urging Christians to remain firm in their faith and trust in Christ even when faced with difficult circumstances.
The Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Africa Cathedral in Kitui, where Bishop Mwandi used the Gospel account of Peter walking on water to reflect on the challenges Christians encounter in their journey of faith.
Bishop Mwandi said Peter’s experience mirrors that of many Christians who, despite having faith, can become overwhelmed by the storms and difficulties of life.
“Despite the waves that trouble us, we sometimes experience fear, but God is always near us,” he said.
The Bishop encouraged the faithful to remain conscious of God’s presence, particularly during moments of uncertainty and suffering. He noted that God does not always manifest Himself through dramatic signs, but can reveal His presence in quiet and peaceful ways.
He urged Christians to turn to prayer with confidence whenever they encounter challenges, noting that even a simple prayer can demonstrate their dependence on Christ.
Bishop Mwandi also appealed to the faithful to pray for him as he begins his pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Kitui. He asked for prayers that he may become a shepherd who listens to Christ while remaining attentive to the needs and concerns of the people under his care.
Speaking after the Mass, Bishop Mwandi expressed gratitude for the responsibility entrusted to him, saying he had accepted his new mission with humility and a determination to serve the people of Kitui.
“I have received this responsibility with humility, and I will serve you with great love, guided by proper plans that we shall put in place to lead this Diocese,” Bishop Mwandi said.
The Bishop identified several priorities that will guide his pastoral ministry, including improving the welfare of priests, strengthening collaboration with missionaries and enhancing the financial sustainability of the Diocese.
He also highlighted the need to support families in becoming strong and stable, promote vocations to religious and priestly life, and strengthen care for the less privileged.
Bishop Mwandi called on priests, religious and the laity to work together as one family, saying unity and collaboration would be important in building the Diocese and advancing the mission of Christ.
Building on Bishop Mwandi’s call for collaboration, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos, thanked the faithful for their continued support of the Diocese of Kitui.
He has encouraged them to remain hopeful and has called for greater commitment to self-reliance as the Diocese continues to grow in its mission. Bishop Mwongela also encouraged Bishop Mwandi to embrace his new responsibility with courage and confidence, urging him not to be afraid to take up the challenges of leadership and to work boldly in advancing the mission of the Diocese.
Bishop Mwandi was ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui on Saturday, 8 August 2026, succeeding Rt. Rev. Joseph Maluki Mwongela, who had served as Bishop of Kitui before being appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos in January 2026.
Before his appointment as Bishop of Kitui, Bishop Mwandi served as the Vicar General of the Diocese and Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Mulutu Parish. He was appointed to the episcopate by Pope Leo XIV on 27 May 2026.
