Kenya: Ordination of Fr Victor Otieno in Lodwar

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Fr Joseph Githinji writes: Last Saturday, the Missionary Community of St Paul the Apostle, family members and friends together with the faithful from the lake deanery of the Diocese of Lodwar, celebrated the priestly Ordination of Fr Victor Otieno. The service was presided by Bishop Dominic Kimengich, currently the Bishop of Eldoret Diocese and Apostolic Administrator of Lodwar Diocese. The celebration was graced and honoured by all those who attended the celebration in spite of the Covid-19 restrictions. The Pontifical Missionary Children (PMC) recited beautiful poems of encouragement to celebrate the newly ordained priest.

Lourdes Larruy, representing all the member of the MCSPA, gave her testimony during the ordination about Victor, highlighting of his patience, calmness and humility during his life in the community. She explained how some years back they were in a road accident in Ethiopia but despite the trouble, Victor remained calm. In January, just before his departure to the Philippines after the MCSPA General Assembly, he was involved in another accident that left him badly injured. However, we thank God that after 10 months of recovery process, "the broken Victor" can walk once again. In a nutshell, we can be sure that God wanted Fr Victor to serve Him as a priest. We are grateful for his life and vocation.

Fr Victor has come from very far, prior to his Ordination. He discovered his vocation through the invitation of Fr Alex, and he spend some years in Lobur Mission learning missionary life in practice. He then pursued his philosophical studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA), and later joined Loyola School of Theology in Manila, Philippines. During that time, he did several pastoral visitations and experiences in different countries which have made him appreciate the universality of the Church. He is prepared for pastoral duty at SS Joachim and Ann Catholic Parish Kibish where he has been appointed while residing at Lobur Catholic Mission together with Fr Alex Campón and Fr Joseph Githinji.

Let us rejoice and be glad!

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