Convention Speakers

CONVENTION SPEAKERS

KCCA 2024 CONVENTION - SPEAKERS

AUGUST 9th 2024 - DAY OF REFLECTION SPEAKERS

Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde

Most Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde is the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa. He was appointed bishop on 15 March 2003 and ordained and installed as the Bishop of Machakos on 3 June 2003. On 9 December 2014, Bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde was appointed Archbishop of Mombasa and was installed as Archbishop on 21 February 2015. He was born on 10 February 1952, in Muthetheni, in present-day Machakos County. He is the first born in a family of six brothers and three sisters. In 1961, his family moved to Kichaka Samba in present-day Kwale County. Where he later, he attended St. Mary's Seminary in Kwale. He then studied philosophy and theology at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Nairobi. Musonde was ordained priest on 9 December 1978 in the Archdiocese of Mombasa. Bishop Kivuva has a career in communication. From 1989 until 1992, he worked as a social communications coordinator for the Archdiocese of Mombasa. In 1992, he was appointed to work in Ukweli Video Productions in Nairobi where he later became the director, a position he held until his appointment as the Bishop of Machakos. Archbishop Martin Kivuva holds certificates in building and construction from Mombasa Polytechnic, in Religious Studies from the University of Nairobi, in aid administration from Selly Oak College in Birmingham, England, in Radio Production from All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi, and a video and radio production from the Institute of Telecommunications in Dallas, Texas, USA. As bishop, he adopted the motto "that all may be one". He has been a champion of the rights of individuals and the disadvantaged, regardless of religious affiliation.

Fr. Antony Parankimlil, VC

Fr. (Dr.) Shibu Sebastian VC, also known as Fr. Antony Parankimalil VC, is a distinguished Catholic priest of the Vincentian Congregation, Marymatha Province, Kerala, India. He was ordained on December 28, 2004. Fr. Antony comes from a family of ten children, with three brothers also serving as priests. Fr. Antony’s academic Background include: Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma in Philosophy, Bachelor of Theology, Licentiate in Spiritual Theology, and a Doctorate in Spiritual Theology.
Ministry Experience include: Former positions include roles at Tabor Divine Retreat Centre (Mumbai, India), Vincentian Study House and Prayer House (Nairobi, Kenya), and Vincentian Retreat Centre (Thika, Nairobi); Held directorship roles at Divine Prayer Center (New Jersey, USA) and Carmel Divine Retreat Centre (Darlington, UK). Fr. Antony is currently, Superior and Director at Vincentian Retreat Centre, Entebbe, Uganda, and in-charge of Outreach Ministries in Kigali, Rwanda; Lecturer at the University of Kisubi, Uganda; and engages in online preaching through the Divine UK YouTube Channel and has led spiritual seminars and retreats globally.
Publications:

"You Are Not Rejected"
"Why Turn to Jesus? An Invitation to Inner-healing"
"All Glory to Jesus"
"Christ is All"
"All Glory to Abba Father" (Music Album)
"The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy Album" (Kiswahili)

Contact Information: Divine Retreat Centre, Vincentian Congregation Cyeru, Kanzenze, Ntarama, P.O. Box 136, Bugesera, Rwanda Phone: +250790955588, +250790955599 Email: divineretreatcentre.kigali@gmail.com Website: www.vincentianpriest.org

Photo Caption: “Joe Healey with Kenyatta University students in Nairobi, Kenya. Can loe Healey get up by himself?"

Father Joseph G. Healey, MM is an American Maryknoll missionary priest who went to Kenya in 1968 and founded the Regional Catholic Bishops Association (AMECEA) Social Communications Office based in Nairobi, Kenya. He was a lecturer at Tangaza University College (CUEA) [now Tangaza University] and at Hekima University College (CUEA) in Nairobi. Over many years he has taught courses on the “Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Model of Church.” He is a member of the AMECEA Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Training Team. He facilitates SCC Workshops and animates SCCs in Eastern Africa. He is an ordinary member of the St. Kizito Small Christian Community in the Waruku Section of St. Austin’s Parish in Nairobi Archdiocese and the St. Isidore of Seville Online Small Christian Community. During the Covid-19 pandemic he started full time in Internet Ministry and now focuses on promoting Online SCCs, the Synodal Process and digital evangelization. He is now based in New Vernon, New Jersey, USA.

Venindah Nyaribari

Venindah Nyaribari is a 19-year-old Kenya-born youth, currently residing in Hillside NJ and attends Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She is a rising junior who is studying Exercise Science on a Pre-Physical Therapy track. She takes pride in being a part of her school African Student Association “Twese” as well as having experience helping out with the Children Ministry at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Jersey City, NJ. Venindah is excited to be a part of gaining more experience working with children during this KCCA event.

John Kinuthia is a Catholic Speaker who grew up in Kenya, with his parents and 6 siblings. John is passionate about sharing the Joy of Christ and telling the story of what God has done in his life. His inspiring and engaging talks are filled with stories from his home country and wisdom learned from his mother and grandfather. John conveys a message of awakening the saint within, cultivating a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, and sharing the Joy of Christ. John and his wife Katie live in the Philadelphia area with their 5 children. He loves reading the wisdom of the saints, hiking with his family, and playing & coaching volleyball. Learn more about John at www.JohnKinuthia.com

Dr. Eunice Aguda is a Doctor of Nursing in Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). She started her nursing career back in Kenya as a Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) . She moved to USA in 1999, and continued to pursue her passion for the profession despite challenges that faced her in a foreign nation.
She earned a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) from University of Michigan, a Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Anesthesia from UMDNJ currently Rutgers, and a doctorate in Anesthesia practice (DrAP) from University of Michigan.
Dr. Aguda is currently practicing as an Anesthetist at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. Her hobbies include listening to music and dancing.

Mr. George Mbiu’s dedication to serving his community started in 2006 when he founded St. Gabriel Small Christian Community in Pennsylvania. He currently serves as active Chairman and has done so for the past 18 years since its creation. In the winter of that same year, St. Gabriel established their sister Jumuiya, St. Agatha Small Christian Community, in New Jersey. Then, years later established St. Charles Lwanga Small Christian community in Pennsylvania. Correspondent with his work within the church community, Mr. Mbiu conceptualized what is now known as the Kenyan Catholic Community of America, KCCA. As one of the founding members, the KCCA held an official inaugural Mass for the now-classified nonprofit in 2012, with representatives in 18 different states. Currently, he serves as the Regional Coordinator for the mid-Atlantic region. His title charges his facilitation within the Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania community. He also has served as a representative for Kenyan community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2011. In addition to his church commitments, Mr. Mbiu has held other public servant roles such as: Bereavement Coordinator in the Philadelphia, and the surrounding township area and Committee Organizer for the annual recreational Fun Day held every summer since 2014. Mr. Mbiu has also served as the designated Master of Ceremonies for KCCA since 2008. It is with great joy that Mr. Mbiu serves as a pillar within his community. Being a public servant is a call from God that he has dutifully obeyed, as he quotes, ''serving mankind is serving God".

Malaika Wanjihia, a 25-year-old young adult lives in Baltimore, Maryland. She went to Morgan State University for her undergraduate studies where she received her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2020. She currently works as an Electrical Engineer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL). While working full time she pursued her master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins University which she completed in May 2023. She leads a mentoring program with APL and Morgan State University where she hosts events for students at Morgan pursuing STEM to gain access to information and knowledge that will propel them forward in their careers. She is the caucus chair for APL of the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) which is an employee resource group that provides information to employees that guide in professional and career development and advocate for the needs of staff as well as promote a sense of community. She is the Wasafiri Catholic Community/Jumuiyas young adult leader, and she owns a hat business where she sells hats that she designs herself.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MalaikasHats

Dr. David Kimori is an associate professor at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. He is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) education. In 2007, he earned a Bachelor of Education in Physics and Chemistry from Kenyatta University in Kenya. He furthered his education by pursuing a master’s degree in science education at the University of Minnesota. In 2016, Dr. Kimori earned a PhD in STEM Education with a focus on Science Education from the same university. With over a decade of teaching experience in Minnesota high schools, Dr. Kimori has also supervised teacher candidates in elementary, middle, and high schools. His commitment to leadership and education extends to his roles as secretary of St. Charles Lwanga Jumuiya in MN and his involvement in various school boards in Minnesota, including St. Alphonsus Catholic School.
Dr. Kimori's passion for education and community development is reflected in his position as the vice chairman of the Minnesota Kenya Development Agency (MKIDA), a non-profit organization. Dr. Kimori is dedicated to enhancing the importance of education by his publications. Additionally, he has shared his cultural heritage and love for education by authoring a Swahili children’s picture book titled Swahili Hakuna Matata. https://a.co/d/0QSYmAk
In his free time, Dr. Kimori enjoys actively involving children in hands-on inquiry activities and real-life challenges to emphasize the practical application of learning.

Guesnerth Josué Perea serves as Executive Director of the afrolatin@ forum, Co-Curator of the AfroLatine Theology Project, Executive Producer of the documentary "Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality”, Co-Host of the podcast Majestad Prieta, and Director of Black Lives and Contemplation, a project of the Center for Spiritual Imagination. His perspectives on AfroLatinidad have been part of various publications including the New York Times, the New Yorker, and Sojourners & his writings are a part of Let Spirit Speak! Cultural Journeys through the African Diaspora, the Revista de Estudios Colombianos, and Engaging Religion among others.

Rosanna Castro is a School Operations Professional and public speaker. Rosanna is a Catholic participant in the documentary "Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality”. Rosanna Castro has been working in education for 20 years and is currently in a leadership coaching position where she supports 11 NYC high schools. She grew up as a Catholic and became a practicing Catholic after doing her Confirmation in her late 20’s. What feeds her faith are The Jesuits, Catholic Social Teaching, The Bible in a Year with Father Mike Schmidt podcast, Rosaries and all things related to the veneration of Mary.

Mary Morara a 19-year-old Kenya-born youth and currently living in Union, NJ. She is an upcoming junior in college studying psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA with a passion of helping and guiding people around me with mental health, especially with minorities and the less fortunate. Mary started working with kids at the age of 14 as youth leader and mentor at the Institute of Music for Children in Elizabeth, NJ. She was a guidance for kids to achieve a better understanding of the arts. She also has experience being a role model for the children in the St. Patrick’s ministry in Jersey City, NJ before entering college out of state. Mary has always had a deep drive and passion for helping children grow and guiding them in their journey into teenage/adulthood. She believes having a youth mentor gives them a sense of comfortability and understanding on the path of growing and learning new things. Mary is delighted to be able to work with the children attending this KCCA event and sharing with them her personal experiences.

Fr. Ignatius Mary Okoroji

Father Ignatius Mary Okoroji, SDV is an ordained Catholic priest in the Congregation of the Society of Divine Vocations and is currently the Retreat Director of his religious community in New Jersey. He has earned a Master's degree in Theology and Ministry of the Word, and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on leadership in diversity and conflict resolution. Fr. Ignatius is the Founder of Communitas Mater Domini (CMD) and is the Author of one of his best-selling books, God's Foot Is On The World: Millennium Reign Of Christ The King Begins.... He holds Healing Masses every month and there have been testimonies of healings and conversions. Testimonies have been shared of reconciled marriages and children born to childless couples. Father Ignatius has a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Immaculate Conception and in everything gives all credit to God.

Sr. Mary Mwangi was born in Kenya to parents; she has three brothers and one sister. She completed her secondary education St Catherine, Nthagaiya Girls School and joined the religious life, at St. Joseph of Tarbes, an international missionary congregation founded in the Diocese of Tarbes in France. After taking her perpetual vows, curious about things and actively looking for experiences to enhance skills and knowledge, Sr Mary joined Egerton University and graduated with a bachelor degree of Education. Later, she graduated with a Master’s degree (MBA) from Universita Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore-Italy.
Throughout her life, Sr. Mary has worked in different ministries including education, and leadership as the co-president Association of Sisterhood of Kenya (AOSK) for 3 years and the Mother Provincial Superior of Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes for six years. She is a professional counselor, spiritual director, and currently the social concern advocate at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Richmond, Virginia. Her passion is to live and build communion in the Spirit of Sisters of St Joseph of Tarbes. Sr Mary enjoys listening to music, reading and traveling. In May 2024, in a colorful celebration, Sr. Mary marked her 30th Anniversary of Religious Profession to the Sisterhood.

Fr. Cayus Maticha Nyarombe is a Catholic priest hailing from Kenya, Kisii Diocese. He was ordained in 2018; a missionary priest belonging to the congregation Augustinians of the Assumption. Currently he is teaching Philosophy in a Major Seminary in Tanzania. The seminary is affiliated to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a BA in Philosophy, a BA in Theology, a master’s degree in philosophy and is currently a doctorate student at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

Sister Alice Mwangi was born and raised in Kenya. She hails from Nyahururu Catholic Diocese, Mary Mother of God, Marmanet Parish. She is a member of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Nyeri (SMI) Kenya. Sr. Alice trained as a nurse at Immaculata University Malvern PA and graduated in May 2019. Her first apostolate was with the Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia and then transferred to St. Sebastian house in April 2021. Currently, she is living at St. Sebastian Parish in Woodside, Queens, New York, working as a Catechist Volunteer in St. Sebastian parish and also ministering at Queens Boulevard Extended care Facility.

Muthoni Gichingiri
Born and raised in the beautiful Garden State, Muthoni is a 16-year-old rising senior at The Taft School, in Connecticut, where she has been a boarding student for the past 3 years. She strongly values being heavily involved in the community, serving as a co-head for several school clubs and activities. At Taft, Muthoni is a member of the Affinity Student Leadership Council (ASLC), a coalition of student leaders that advocates for the needs and concerns of minority students. She has helped organize numerous school-wide events and discussions alongside faculty and administrators, always aiming to create a positive impact on the community around her. She has also been a Varsity coxswain on her school’s rowing team for 3 years and a girls’ Varsity hockey team manager for 2 years. Outside of school, Muthoni has always been driven to understand and help children, often dubbed the “neighborhood babysitter.” This passion also influences her dream to pursue a career in the pediatric field. She is driven by faith and has always strived to serve in the church. At her local parish, and St. Agatha Jumuiya, she has served as an altar server and a lector on multiple occasions. She is elated to continue her service to her community and church by playing a role in this amazing convention.

Fr. Severinus Asiwome Kwazi

Fr. Severinus was born in Ghana West Africa, and he has seven brothers and two sisters. He was a religious Brother for 18 years in the Community of Franciscan Friars of Africa, Ghana, where he was the Vocations Director, Postulancy Master, and Formator of the Brothers.
In response to God’s call to priesthood, he attended the Holy Apostles College Seminary in Connecticut, USA from 2012 to 2017 academic years. He joined the Diocese of Ogdensburg, NY in 2018, ordained a Deacon 2019, and ordained a Catholic priest on August 1st, 2020 in Ogdensburg, NY. He worked as Parochial Vicar for three years in St. Peter’s and Churches of Massena and Lowville. Currently, Fr. Severinus is the Administrator of St. Ann's and Holy Angel's Catholic Church in Mooers Fork and Altona, NY respectively.

Fr. Gabriel Muteru
A native of Kenya, Fr. Gabriel Muteru is the Chaplain/Patron of Kenya Catholic Community in Kenya and currently Director & University Chaplain of Marymount University in Virginia. Fr. Muteru was ordained as a priest through the Archdiocese of Nyeri, Kenya, and served as Vice Rector and Dean of Students at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri before arriving in the U.S. in 1994. Since then, he has accumulated extensive ministerial experience at several parishes in the New York metropolitan area and has worked as an adjunct professor at Saint John’s University, Molloy College, and Dowling College. Fr. Muteru holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the New School of Social Research in New York, a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Fordham University, a Licentiate in Philosophy from the University of Navarra in Spain, and a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from the Seminary of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Nairobi, Kenya.

Fr. Muteru belongs to DMV St Francis Jumuiya. He loves reading, walking and playing pin pong. Fr. Muteru expressed “I always feel that it’s a great honor and privilege from Our Lord and from the Church that has given me the opportunity to serve in my priestly ministry. I love being with the people of God from whom I have learned a lot, shared faith with and most of all the Holy Eucharist. I feel well accompanied by the people of God on the Holy Pilgrimage we undertake in this world to life eternal. Thank you people of God. I look forward to our Convention this year as I thank all who will attend and those who support faith in their various Jumuiyas.”

Paula Agondoa has been an Administrator, a Lecturer at different Colleges including Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), and Contemplative Evangelizers of the Heart of Christ Major Seminary. Since 2016 she has been the Director of Public Participation and Civic Education in Kiambu County, Kenya. Paula has been a youth counselor over the years dealing on motivation, behavior change and drug abuse. She has also have been a grief and loss counselor. Paula has graduated in different fields, certificates, Diploma and Degrees. She holds a Diploma in Justice and Peace, and a Diploma in Business Administration from CUEA, plus a Diploma in Counseling Psychology from St. Paul University. She also holds a Bachelor of Commerce Management and a Bachelor of Commerce Marketing from CUEA, and a MBA in Strategic Management. Paula has been a Trainer of the Choirs in the Archdiocese of Nairobi. She is a commissioned Catholic Women Associations (CWA) trainer in the Archdiocese of Nairobi and is currently training in the Diocese of Spokane as well writing the Diocese of Spokane CWA training manual.

Sister Monique Eloizard is a member of the Sisters of Christian Charity living in Camp Hill, PA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in counselling psychology. Currently, she is a School Counselor at a private Catholic High School and also a Mental Health Counselor in Training (CIT), completing a Master's Degree at Messiah University for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is specializing in Trauma and enjoy journeying with others both on a spiritual and psychological/emotional level... as they seek healing and wholeness. She has been a Religious Sister for almost 25 years; 18 of those years were spent as a Missionary doing various ministries such as health care, education, administration, social work, etc. in different parts of the world.

Sister, Dr. Francesca Mumbua Simon is a member of the Religious Institute of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa - Kenya. She has served the people of God for over 30 years through teaching, administrative work and religious formation. She holds a Ph.D in Peace and Conflict Studies (PSC) and a Master’s degree in the same discipline from the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica. Additionally, she has a master’s degree in theology from St. John’s University in Queens, New York and a Bachelors degree in Education from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi Kenya, besides other diplomas including but not limited to, Religious formation from Kalundu Study center in Zambia. Currently, Sr. Dr. Francesca is a Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Miracles Parish in Brooklyn/Queens Diocese and a part time Professor at St. John’s University, NY. Her main interest is teaching Religion and Theology within the Catholic Church parameters.

Fr. Lawrence Murori was born and grew up in Kenya in a family of two brothers and two sisters. He was ordained priest in the Catholic Diocese of Meru, Kenya, in 2013. Before coming to the U.S.A, he worked in the Pastoral Office of Small Christian Communities, youth, and Parish Ministry.
He came to the USA in 2017 to study Practical Theology and Administration. In 2019, he graduated with two Master's degrees: Pastoral Theology and Legal Studies with a concentration on Administrative Law. Currently, he is writing his doctoral dissertations in Practical Theology and Public Administration.
Fr. Lawrence has research interests in Practical Theology, Small Christian Communities, Leadership development, policy analysis, and strategic planning. His hobbies are: Reading, watching soccer and science documentaries, riding a bike, and listening to sacred Latin music and blues music.

Irene Gichinga

Guided by Catholic faith and community service, Ms. Irene Gichinga strives to create impactful programs that empower young people in her community in New Jersey, back in Kenya and around the world. Through her participation in various boards in not-for-profit and community-based organizations, she aims to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for youth and young adults to give them a chance to get a bright future. Irene is dedicated to children and youth and is the Children and Youth Coordinator both at St. Agatha Jumuiya in New Jersey and at the National Kenya Catholic Community in America (KCCA). Irene is also passionate about education. She leads initiatives to enhance the academic success of people of African descent through several platforms including Empowering Children of African Descent (EPAD) a community-based group that she co-founded. Irene is also in the executive committee of Rubonama Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support underprivileged students in Kenya to achieve their full potential towards academic success. To keep the children and youth engaged in church, Irene likes to blend Christian teachings with fun games and activities. Irene enjoys spending time with her family playing games, quizzes, trivia and travelling and is a strong advocate of parental involvement in the academic and social pursuits of children.

Irene works at the United Nations at the New York office. She has a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University, a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Nairobi and several professional certifications including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

Sr. Anne Kimiri

Sr. Anne Kimiri, a joyful and life-filled Roman Catholic nun, has over 20 years of experience in pastoral care across diverse cultural contexts. She began her journey in the Archdiocese of Nyeri and Murang'a, where she dedicated herself to pastoral care. In 2010, she continued her mission in the Diocese of Embu, Kenya, passionately serving in pastoral care, coordinating catechists, founding Small Christian Communities in Kairuri Parish, teaching catechesis, and leading the Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC) Association. Since 2013, she has continued her mission in New York at St. Sebastian Parish and serves as the Pastoral Care Director at Bensonhurst Rehabilitation and Health Care. As a member of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Nyeri, Kenya, Sr. Anne's commitment to her vocation is unwavering. Her extensive background includes offering pastoral care services in Kenya and New York. Sr. Anne holds a Bachelor of Psychology with a Minor in Theology from Neumann University. Clinical Pastoral Education from Queens Hospital Chaplaincy, and a Diploma in Catechesis and Religious Studies from St. Augustine Catechetical College in Kenya. Passionate about singing, cooking, and storytelling, she is dedicated to holistic care, fostering healing environments, and supporting individuals through life's challenges. Her motto, "to make Jesus known by all near and far," reflects her fervent dedication to spreading faith and love. Enthusiastic in her religious life, Sr. Anne Kimiri brings warmth, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her ministry.

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