Sharing Christ's love with the faithful
Theological formation at Hekima College is based on scripture, Catholic tradition and the context of pastoral experiences within varying cultures. Apostolic insertions allow students and lecturers to contextualize the learning process of theology in the world and day to day world which offers opportunities that motivate study and theological reflection. They are many ways of serving the people of God in the local church of Nairobi . By reaching out to the faithful of Nairobi in various settings, both students and lecturers testify to Jesus' life, death, resurrection and post-Paschal message.
Apostolates at Hekima College express the need to learn from others, the poor, disadvantaged, young people, the refugees, the street children, the sick, the disabled, the students, the various youth groups and Christian communities.
To be involved in apostolates means going out once a week in order to be with a community of believers, sharing their moments of prayer and reflection. It implies training believers for the various services of the liturgy and religious education and helping them to acquire some leadership skills.
Most of the students of Hekima College are involved in religious education or planned activities of spiritual guidance and counseling. They are present in our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, in universities and colleges, high schools and centers of girls' empowerment. They care for the street children of Adam's Arcade and visit the sick in Kenyatta National Hospital . They teach catechism in the French-speaking community and help the international French community of Nairobi . They help the staff of Zaidi Centre for Ignatian Spirituality and have various ministries in Holy Trinity Parish, Kileleshwa, Holy Family Basilica and Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Kangemi.
By nurturing the faith of various communities of the local Church of Nairobi, the students and lecturers of Hekima College get the chance to think creatively on the most central issues of sacramental life and religious education and their experience resonate in their life and worship. By sharing Christ's love with the faithful, they are the best ambassadors of the reign of God taking root in the local Church of Nairobi. Sharing the experiences of the faithful teaches the reality to which doing theology must be relevant. The presence of the scholastics in the slum of Kibera helping social workers or assisting in counseling is much appreciated. Their involvement in Christian life communities strengthens the collaboration with lay people.
Jean-Marie Hyacinthe Quenum,S.J. -Coordinator of Apostolates of Hekima College
