About
I took up pastorship of this remote and hilly parish in August 2019. This is not like other parishes because its terrain and high level of poverty among the faithful make it unique. My first day at this parish made me feel that my priesthood was being tested. On my way, while transporting my luggage on my motorcycle, it broke down several times because of the bumpy, rocky and hilly roads. Little did I know that this challenge was a pointer to the hardships I was beginning to face. Shockingly, after reaching the parish, and during the handover ceremony, I was informed of how the parish started in October 2013 but has been struggling since then. To my worst surprise, I found in my bedroom only an old bed and mattress. They were in such a poor state that I could not use them. Luckily enough, I borrowed a mattress from one of the parish council members and placed it in one of the corners where I slept. I am struggling to make the place more habitable. At this church, I found none of the vestments and vessels that we use during the Mass. I use my personal vestments I acquired at my ordination back in July 2016.
Some of the local food I eat is donated by my Christians from their small gardens. The rest comes from my little parish gardens. Unfortunately, there are some of my Christians who don’t have enough food to eat and at some point they come to the parish to ask me for some food. When I have it, I share with them what receive from other Christians of good will. God bless them for their generosity.
Transport
I have an old motorcycle for my pastoral work. The terrain of the area makes using of my old motorcycle a death risk. In December 2019, its brakes got faulty, I fell down and bruised my legs and left arm. Riding this across the 30 x 33 miles of the parish on rocky and bumpy poor roads endangers my health through exposure to harsh weather – scorching sun and stormy rains. The worst is when the motorcycle gets a mechanical problem and I have to walk the many miles to reach the out-station churches to hear confessions,administer other sacraments, and celebrate the Mass. Our Masses normally last 3 – 4 hours, and it is night time and I am exhausted by the time I walk back to the Parish House . The lack of a proper means of transport is a great hindrance to my pastoral work.
Little or no Tithe and Offertory Collections
The priests in my country don’t receive a monthly salary. I depend on what comes from my Christians. My painful situation is that I am serving the poor people who hope that I will be able to give them what they need.
Our normal Offertory amounts to $5 and about $70 in the Monthly Tithe. This little resource makes the running of the parish almost impossible and it hurts and discourages my ministry. Lack of funds means that I must go without basic items like soap, clothes, medical care when I am sick, shoes and other personal effects.
The very many heartbreaking and painful challenging situations of the people in St Luke Kashorero Parish have hindered its growth and development. On a sunny day, we hide under a small shade for prayers and Mass. Most people remain exposed to the sun. It becomes difficult for us to have Mass on a rainy day and at 6:00 am on Thursdays during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament it’s always very cold. We already have an architectural plan for the desired church and the foundation was constructed two years ago. We pray that God blesses us with money to complete the construction of our parish Church.
