“BISHOP JOSEPH IS THE SON OF THE SOIL, BUT FIRST AND FOREMOST HE IS A SON OF THE CHURCH.” The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya,Most Rev.
Hubertus Matheus Van Megen, paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Bishop of Kitui, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela, praising his outstanding leadership and transformative service to the diocese.
Addressing the faithful during the diocesan pilgrimage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Protection in Museve, Kitui, the Nuncio highlighted Bishop Mwongela’s exceptional personal qualities and lasting achievements.
He described Bishop Mwongela as energetic, intellectually gifted, courageous, and deeply spiritual, noting that these qualities shaped his pastoral leadership.
The Nuncio commended him for key achievements during his tenure, including restructuring diocesan systems, strengthening administration, and promoting accountability and transparency in diocesan operations. He also credited the bishop with deepening the Christian life of the faithful and strengthening pastoral engagement across the diocese.
The Nuncio stressed that his leadership was not self-serving but rooted in servant leadership, integrity, and responsibility.
He described Bishop Mwongela as a Christ-centered shepherd who understands a bishop’s role as caretaker of the Church, “the Bride of Christ,” and who led with dedication, humility, and fidelity to the Gospel.
He encouraged the faithful to preserve and continue the culture of transparency, accountability, and structured pastoral care established under Bishop Mwongela’s leadership, assuring them that his legacy will remain a strong foundation for the future of the Diocese of Kitui.
On his transfer to Machakos the Nuncio reminded the faithful that: ‘Bishop Joseph Mwongela is a son of the soil, a son of the soil.. But first and foremost he is a Son of the Church.”
By James Kisoo
