Kevin Ochieng Nyanjom, C.M(left). on January 25, 2026
The Archdiocese welcomed the birth of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Parish – Tezo during a vibrant and historic ceremony on January 25, 2026. The solemn Eucharistic celebration, which marked the canonical erection of the parish, was presided over by the Archbishop of Mombasa, His Grace Martin Kivuva Musonde.
The Mass was concelebrated by Vincentian priests, clergy from various deaneries within the
Archdiocese, and was attended by a large number of the Catholic faithful, bubbling with excitement at the establishment of the new faith community. In his homily, Archbishop Kivuva commended the Vincentians for answering the call to serve in Mombasa Archdiocese. He urged the new parishioners to embrace
the Vincentian charism—a spirituality defined by service to the poor and the evangelization.
“The Vincentians come to us with a rich heritage of walking with those on the margins,” Archbishop Kivuva remarked. “My prayer is that St. Vincent DePaul Parish-Tezo becomes not just a place of worship, but a center of charity, where faith is translated into action to uplift the less fortunate in our society.”
The establishment of St. Vincent DePaul Tezo marks the formal entrance of the Congregation of the Mission into the Archdiocese of Mombasa The Vice Province of Kenya, which has been active in other parts of the country, now extends its reach to the coast, bringing with it a legacy of seminary training, parish missions, and social outreach.
| CHURCH | ST. NAME IDENTITY |
| Mtondia | St. Francis of Assiss |
| Tezo | St. Vincent DePaul |
| Ngerenya | St. John’s the Evangelist |
| Chumani | St. Angelia |
| Roka Maweni | St. Justine De Jacobes |
| Matsangoni | St. Anthony of Padua |
| Matangini | St. Stephen |
| Kitengwani | St. Martha |
| Nyari/Danicha | St. Joseph |
The new parish is envisioned to be a hub of spiritual growth and community development. It will oversee a total of nine outstations, extending pastoral care to Catholics spread across the Tezo area. These outstations include both established small Christian communities and new mission areas that will now receive regular sacramental and ministerial support. Speaking on behalf of the Vice Province, Rev. Fr. Benson Odhiambo, C.M. Visitor expressed gratitude to the Archdiocese for the trust placed in the Vincentian family.
“We are humbled and overjoyed to be here in Tezo,” he said. “St. Vincent Depaul said, ‘Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brows.’ We come to Tezo to work, to pray, and to accompany the people of God, following in the footsteps of our patron, St.
Vincent.”
The date of the inauguration, January 25, holds particular significance for the Vincentian family, as it is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. It was on this day in 1625 that the Congregation of the Misison was founded.
by Barack Omondi