Sunday 15th April 2012
Today was out final day in Kenya and we began by farewelling the lovely Sisters of Mercy who had looked after us wonderfully during our three days at the House of Spirituality. Our first stop was a return to Marist International College for Mass with the Brothers and many members of the local Kenyan community.It was a truly memorable celebration of the Eucharist which included a new member of the Catholic community being baptised, confirmed and receiving his first Holy Communion during the Mass. The highlight was certainly the very talented local musicians as the band, comprised largely of young Marist Brothers delivered magnificent liturgical music and fantastic harmonies in their enthusiastic rendition of some traditional hymns and local Kenyan hymns. A memorable Mass indeed, during which we were formally welcomed by the celebrating priest.
After Mass we joined several Brothers for morning tea to say thank you and farewell and make a presentation. The Brothers at MIC have developed a memorial park for Br Charles Howard and the next step was to pursue funding for some seating for visitors to sit quietly, reflect or talk, especially of their memories of Br Charles who did so much for establishment of the Marists in Kenya. The Brothers were thrilled to receive a combined donation from our Pilgrimage party which would finance the first stage of their planned seating.
From there we moved to a local shopping centre for lunch and final Kenyan gift/souvenir purchases before travelling to the airport. After a long delay we finally departed for Rwanda where were were met by Br Straton. Another hour's travelling by bus took us to St Andrew centre, where a hot meal awaited and finally - bed!
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