My name is Cosmas Kithinji Kubai. I was born in Meru District which is in the Eastern Provence of Kenya, on 3rd Dec 1985. I first heard of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from a school mate, and later on in 2004 I met their vocation promoter, who had come to lead a recollection in St Pius X Seminary where I was doing my High Schooling.
Having deepened my knowledge of the Oblates, loved their Charism, founder and way of life, and having felt a call to be one of them, I began my journey of formation in March, 2006. I began with two years of postulancy in Blessed Joseph Gerald House in Meru, where I was initiated into Oblates’ communal living, prayer life and ministry.
In March, 2008, I moved to Blessed Joseph Cebula House in Nairobi to further my formation and to take a course in philosophy and religious studies in the Consolata Institute of Philosophy, which I completed in May this year.
After taking a three weeks course in Cultural studies in June-July this year, I embarked on pastoral experience in Children of God Relief Institute (COGRI), Nyumbani. COGRI is a home for HIV orphaned children. My role there has been teaching the children, being an adult companion to the children and assisting in doing various jobs (cooking, gardening, and maintenance of the property). This pastoral experience lasts until December (2011).
I am hoping to begin my Novitiate experience in February, 2012. God willing I am looking forward to being an Oblate of Mary Immaculate priest.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to God for granting the being a part of the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and for bringing me this far, to my parents for bringing me up in a Christian way, my formators, spiritual directors and Oblates of the Kenyan Mission for tirelessly laboring to ensure that my spiritual, physical, psychological and intellectual growth is realized. Also, for my colleagues whom I have been journeying with and all the people of good will who have always supported me in their varied ways.
I come from western part of Kenya, specifically Nyanza Province. We are eight in our family, three girls and five boys. I am sixth born and we are all Catholics. My parents both participate in church activities (choir).
I am Josephat Gichana Oenga from the Diocese of Kisii, Western Kenya. I was born in the year 1987 into a family of seven: two brothers and four sisters. I came to know the Oblates while in the minor seminary when Fathers Joe Jacek and Fidel Munkiele came to promote Vocations.
Mwiti James was born on 26/12/1987. I grew up in Igandene village which is a prayer house of the Kionyo Parish. During my early years I attended primary and high school within the schools around the vicinity which I was living. I was brought up by my both parents namely, Francis and Jacinta.
My name is Henry Mbae wa Nabea. I hail from Meru diocese which is in the eastern province of Kenya. I was born and raised up in a Catholic family, and therefore , I was introduced to the teachings of the Church at an early age. The seed of faith was planted in me by my beloved parents who never abdicated their parental role to instil Christian values in us. I am grateful to them for that. In my family I am privileged to have eight siblings; three brothers and four sisters. I am the fifth born and the second son.
In the next moment we saw Chris pick up a gun. He shoot once. Again everyone stopped. The boat slowly made a little turn around and we could see in thirty seconds that on the side of the boat facing us was a big whale’s tail. The boat was moving slowly toward the shore where crowd of people gathered.