Isiolo Catholic Cathedral (St. Eusebius Cathedral) | Isiolo

Isiolo Catholic Cathedral: St. Eusebius Cathedral

The St. Eusebius Cathedral serves as the central place of worship and administration for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Isiolo, which was established on December 15, 1995, when the area was split off from the Diocese of Meru. The cathedral is located in Isiolo Town, which is the administrative and economic hub of Isiolo County in Kenya.

History and Establishment

Formation of Diocese: The Diocese of Isiolo was created as an apostolic vicariate and later elevated to a diocese by Pope Francis on February 15, 2023. The elevation marked an important step in recognizing the growing Catholic population in the region and supporting the church’s mission in the area.

Naming of the Cathedral: The cathedral is named after St. Eusebius, a Christian martyr and pope known for his leadership during the early centuries of Christianity. The name reflects the spiritual heritage of the cathedral as a place dedicated to spreading the Christian faith in the region.

Cathedral and Religious Role

Patron: The patron saint of the cathedral is St. Eusebius, a significant figure in early Christian history, and his name was chosen to honor the values of leadership, faith, and sacrifice that are important to the Catholic community in Isiolo.

Rite: The cathedral follows the Roman (Latin) Rite, which is the common liturgical tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Diocese of Isiolo

The Diocese of Isiolo is geographically large and spans over 25,605 square kilometers. It serves a population of approximately 177,730 people, with about 69,070 Catholics. The diocese consists of 13 parishes, and its activities are guided by a dedicated team of clergy and religious personnel.

Parishes: There are 13 parishes within the diocese, each serving the local Catholic community. These parishes are central to the spiritual life of the residents of Isiolo County, providing regular masses, sacraments, and other religious services.

Clergy: The diocese has 22 priests, including both diocesan and religious priests, who work to serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Catholic community. In addition, there are 46 religious sisters who play a key role in the educational and healthcare initiatives within the diocese.

Seminaries and Vocations: The diocese is focused on fostering vocations to the priesthood, and currently has 12 seminarians in training. These individuals are being prepared for future roles in the ministry.

Educational and Social Institutions

St. Eusebius Cathedral and the Diocese of Isiolo are not just places of worship, but also centers for education and community development. The diocese has several key institutions that are integral to its mission of supporting the local population:

Catholic Dispensary: Provides medical care and health services to the local population, especially in an area where healthcare resources may be limited.

Pastoral Centre and Secretariat: Serves as the administrative center of the diocese, coordinating the various programs, ministries, and activities of the Catholic Church in Isiolo.

Radio Shahid: A Catholic radio station that broadcasts spiritual content, news, and information to the community. It is a key medium for outreach and communication.

Bishop Luigi Locati Nursery & Day Care: A nursery and daycare facility that offers early childhood education and care.

Hekima Primary School: A primary school that provides quality education to the children of Isiolo, aiming to foster intellectual and moral development.

St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School: A secondary school that offers education specifically for young girls in the region, empowering them to achieve their potential in a supportive, faith-based environment.

Bishops of Isiolo

The leadership of the Diocese of Isiolo has seen several significant changes:

First Bishop: Anthony Ireri Mukobo served as the first bishop of Isiolo after the diocese was elevated to full diocesan status in February 2023. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the diocese and increase its outreach in the region.

Current Bishop: In May 2024, Peter Munguti Makau was appointed as the new bishop of the Diocese of Isiolo. He was consecrated on July 27, 2024, and has since taken on the responsibility of leading the Catholic community in Isiolo and continuing the work of his predecessors.

Recent Developments

Elevation of the Diocese: On February 15, 2023, the Apostolic Vicariate of Isiolo was elevated to the status of a diocese, a move that allowed for more direct administration and greater support for the growing Catholic population in the area.

Bishop's Role: The new bishop, Peter Munguti Makau, has continued to build upon the work of his predecessor. His leadership is focused on expanding the diocesan presence and improving religious and educational services to cater to the diverse needs of the local community.

Visiting St. Eusebius Cathedral

Location: St. Eusebius Cathedral is located in Isiolo Town, which is easily accessible for visitors. It is situated within the urban area, making it a central religious and cultural landmark in Isiolo County.

Community Engagement: Visitors to the cathedral can participate in regular masses, attend special religious events, or explore the social and educational services that the diocese offers. The cathedral also welcomes people from various denominations and backgrounds, making it a place of interfaith dialogue and community unity.

Events and Festivals: The cathedral is particularly busy during major Catholic festivals such as Easter, Christmas, and Eid al-Adha, when large congregations gather for celebrations and prayers.

Conclusion

St. Eusebius Cathedral, as the heart of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Isiolo, plays a crucial role in the spiritual, social, and educational life of Isiolo County. It serves as not only a place of worship but also as a center for community development, education, and interfaith dialogue. The cathedral's historical significance, combined with its role in shaping the future of the Catholic community in Isiolo, makes it an essential institution in the region. Whether for religious, educational, or social purposes, St. Eusebius Cathedral is a cornerstone of the Catholic presence in Isiolo.