THE PONTIFICAL MISSIONARY CHILDHOOD
The pontifical Missionary childhood (PMC) well Known in the Diocese of Embu by its motto as Children Helping Children (CHC) is a worldwide association for children aged 0- 14years. It is under the protection of the Child Jesus, and the Holy Father is its supreme leader. It was founded by Bishop Charles de Forbin Janson, in France in 1843, for the little ones to help other little ones.
The aims of this association are:-
- To save children’s lives from death and misery
- To give them baptism and Christian education
- To prepare them to be apostles to their fellow children.
They achieve their objectives through: - Prayer, Offering of their little sacrifices, and Missionary solidarity with the poor.
CHC in the Diocese of Embu is quite vibrant since its foundation in 1986 by the Cardinal John Njue and Sr. Eleanor Gibson (FMA). The movement is one of the most active in the Diocese. The children with the help of their animators (promoters), live out their motto of C.H.C through prayer, sacrifice, Visiting helping the sick, poor, needy and orphaned children within and outside their parishes, weekly contribution of their little offerings through the “Missionary Tin” for the Missionary Solidarity, Preparation and animation of liturgy through liturgical dances and alter servers, Games music and drama activities to enhance their talents etc
To ensure the formation of the children, they meet every Saturday and Sunday for ongoing formation on their Christian faith and for the various activities. Since you can not give what you do not have, the CHC Promoters occasion have seminars, meetings and recollection days in which they are empowered to serve and lead the little ones to Jesus.
The CHC Diocesan Annual Mass was held on 14th March 2009. It was graced by the presence of His Lordship Rt. Reverend Bishop Anthony Muheria the Apostolic Administrator. About 5,000 children from all over the Diocese gathered together at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral to celebrate and spent their day with Bishop. Before the mass, the bishop conducted a catechetical quiz which was based on the letters of St. Paul which was an enriching experience for the children. During the mass the bishop elaborated in depth the theme “As Jesus let us be channels of peace” and helped the children on how to live the theme throughout the year.
The Missionary contributions that the children had collected throughout the year, was presented to the Bishop during the offertory, besides other offerings through which the children expressed their solidarity with the poor and their desire to help the other little ones in the world.
This occasion was also graced by the presence of PMS and PMC National Coordinators (Fr. Celestino Bundi and Sr. Jane Nugi respectively) who thanked the PMC members for the wonders they are doing in support of church Missionary activities.
The day was crowned by a witness of the launching of the CHC libraries in all the parishes of the diocese in which each received about 700 various spiritual books, and a lockable cupboard for storing the books. These books are meant to help the children to grow spiritually, deepen their fain in God, become better friends of Jesus and motivate them to become Saints. Thanks to our Bishop Rt. Reverend Anthony Muheria and to all who contributed towards the establishment of the Library. May God bless them all abundantly.
On 27th – 2nd May, we had a Liturgical …. Seminar for CHC young girls aged between 9 – 13 years at Sacred Heart Boarding Primary School – Kyeni. 200 young girls represented all the 16 parishes of Embu Diocese. They were equipped with knowledge and skills on Mass Animation, Liturgy, Self awareness, sacraments, sexuality, leadership skills, Eucharistic adoration, meaning of music and liturgical dancers in the Eucharistic celebration and of course Practical tips on liturgical dances. Thanks to Bishop Muheria, the CHC Diocese coordinator, Diocesan Executive council and the facilitators for supporting and ensuring the success of it.
In the Midst of a society that has been influenced greatly by Materialism, selfishness, secularism, hatred, Tribalism etc, The Children helping Children Spirit challenges all to realize the urgency of investing our energies on promoting the kingdom of God by being true friends and Missionaries of Christs love in action.
Does that challenge you personally?? What Practical step will you take to be a true friend of Jesus??
By Sr. Caroline K. Katoo FMA
Diocese of Embu CHC Coordinator
