Catholic Clerics welcome appointment of Bishop-elect Murugara

By Dennis Dibondo

The Catholic Diocese of Meru Bishop Salecius Mugambi led hundreds of Priests, Sisters, brothers and church leaders in welcoming Pope Francis appointee Jackson Murugara.

The clerics hailed praises and congratulations to the new Diocesan Bishop-elect Murugara and promised to support him by all means possible.

Speaking at Gitoro Pastoral Centre in Meru, Diocese Bishop Mugambi said he and others from different parishes congregated to Pray and welcome the Bishop.

"He will be officially consecrated on March 19, 2025. The venue is not yet decided. This is a gift from Pope Francis. He will return to Nairobi Consolata Shrine where he has been serving before handing over. Bishop-elect will take over automatically after my retirement in the next two years. He will be in the Diocese helping me in ordaining deacons and priests, attending meetings among other responsibilities," Mugambi said.

Mugambi however appealed to young people to join priesthood. He said they have noticed that for the last seven years there has been a decline in enrollment of youths into priesthood. 

He appeal even for the university graduates to apply. Murugara said he was overjoyed for the warm welcome extended to him. 

Murugara who was short of words requested prayers so that God could enable him carry on the task ahead.

"It was a surprise to me when I heard the breaking news. This is not due to our riches but due to the call to serve the Kingdom of God who has granted me this vocation to fulfill God's work," Murugara said.

Murugara’s appointment was officially published in L’Ossevatore Romano in Rome on 16th January 2025 at 12:00 pm Rome time and 2:00 pm Kenyan time.

Until his appointment, Bishop-Elect Murugara, was serving at Consolata Shrine, Westlands, Nairobi.

The Bishop-elect was born in 1970 in Kamanyaki, Tharaka Nithi County, Meru. He is the fifth child in a family of ten.

His journey into the priesthood began with his foundational education at Muthitwa Primary School, where he studied from 1981 to 1988.

He proceeded to Mitiri Boys's School for Form One in 1989 and later attended St. Pius X Minor Seminary in Nkubu, Meru, from 1990 to 1992.

From 1993 to 1996, he pursued a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Consolata Philosophicum and graduated with a degree from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome. 

His spiritual journey deepened when he undertook his novitiate at Sagana in 1996–1997, culminating in his first religious vows in 1997.

He has attained several theology related degrees. Murugara's commitment to the religious vocation was solidified on 18th November 2000, when he made his final religious profession, followed by his ordination to the diaconate the next day. 

He was ordained a priest on 15th August 2001 at Matiri Parish in the Diocese of Meru.

After his ordination, he served in several parishes: Kagaene Parish (October 2001–March 2002), Mujwa Parish (April 2002–October 2002), and Chiga Parish in Kisumu Archdiocese (November 2002–July 2003).

From August 2003 to May 2009, he was a formator for postulants at the Consolata Seminary.

He also served at Bethany House in Sagana from 2011 to 2018.

There, he focused on retreats, Christian formation, and the management of a Charity Home for Aged Women.

Leaders and residents convey congratulations to the appointed IMC. 

As Coadjutor Bishop of Meru. They were in a celebratory mood after Pope Francis appointed Fr Jackson Murugara, IMC, as Coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Meru.

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza said she is looking forward to working with the Bishop elect and all religious leaders in making Meru a model county and a peaceful place for everyone.

"I take this opportunity to congratulate Fr. Jackson Murugara on his appointment by Pope Francis as the coadjutor Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Meru. Karibu Meru Fr. Murugara," Mwangaza wrote on her Facebook page.

Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said Murugara's appointment is a profound testament to your dedication, faith, and tireless service to the Church.

"With great joy and gratitude, we extend heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Fr. Jackson Murugara on his appointment as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Meru by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you in this new chapter of your Ministry as you shepherd God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and love," Njuki said. 

Murugara will be assisting the outgoing Bishop Salecius Mugambi in the same capacity until the incumbent finds it necessary to exit the stage.

The coadjutor may assume office by being commissioned anytime from the date of his nomination.

Murugara’s appointment was officially published in L’Ossevatore Romano in Rome on 16th January 2025 at 12:00 pm Rome time and 2:00 pm Kenyan time.

Until his appointment, Bishop-Elect Murugara, was serving at Consolata Shrine, Westlands, Nairobi.

The Bishop-elect was born in 1970 in Kamanyaki, Tharaka Nithi County, Meru.

He is the fifth child in a family of ten. His journey into the priesthood began with his foundational education at Muthitwa Primary School, where he studied from 1981 to 1988.

He proceeded to Mitiri Boys's School for Form One in 1989 and later attended St. Pius X Minor Seminary in Nkubu, Meru, from 1990 to 1992.

From 1993 to 1996, he pursued a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Consolata Philosophicum and graduated with a degree from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome.

His spiritual journey deepened when he undertook his novitiate at Sagana in 1996–1997, culminating in his first religious vows in 1997.

He has attained several Theology related degrees. Murugara's commitment to the religious vocation was solidified on 18th November 2000, when he made his final religious profession, followed by his ordination to the diaconate the next day.

He was ordained a priest on 15th August 2001 at Matiri Parish in the Diocese of Meru.

After his ordination, he served in several parishes: Kagaene Parish (October 2001–March 2002), Mujwa Parish (April 2002–October 2002), and Chiga Parish in Kisumu Archdiocese (November 2002–July 2003).

From August 2003 to May 2009, he was a formator for postulants at the Consolata Seminary.

He also served at Bethany House in Sagana from 2011 to 2018.

There, he focused on retreats, Christian formation, and the management of a Charity Home for Aged Women.