About Our Parish
Discover the history, mission, and vision of Sacred Heart Parish Dagoretti
Our History
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish - Dagoretti is located in the metropolitan city of Nairobi, covering parts of both Dagoretti South and Dagoretti North, from Jamhuri in the East to Gatina/Kawangware in the West. The parish is found within the Archdiocese of Nairobi, in the Western Deanery.
Founded by Late Cardinal Maurice Otunga, the Servant of God, on 13th August, 1989, it is the amalgamation of 5 churches from 3 different parishes. Dagoretti Corner was under Guadalupe, Satelite-Kabiria was under St. John Riruta, Ngando was under St. Mary's Karen, Gatina was under St. John Riruta and Dagoretti Market was again under St. John Riruta.
Now the Parish is composed of St. Vincent Pallotti-Dagoretti Corner as the mother church and two other outstation churches. The other two churches are: Saint Francis of Assisi – Gatina which was an outstation of St. John the Baptist – Riruta and Sacred Heart church Jesus -Ngando which was an outstation of Regina Caeli Karen which was by then known as St. Mary's. It was in 1993 that the Parish Pastoral Council sat and chose St. Vincent Pallotti – Dagoretti Corner to be the mother church and the center of administration. The Parish covers approximately 20 sq km.
In the history of three decades, we have matured in faith, hope and charity. We have grown to be a faith community where love and unity is experienced, a community nourished by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist as we identify ourselves more closely with Christ and His mission to the world. We are proud on 27th July, 2007 to have begotten another Parish, Mary Queen of Apostles – Dagoretti Market.
From its infancy, the Parish had a lot of individuals and congregations who came on board to assist and do their apostolate in the parish. We have Montfort Community, Patrician Brothers, Franciscan Sisters of Sacred Heart, Little Sisters of St. Francis, Daughters of Sacred Heart, Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes, Franciscan Sisters of St. Anne, Salesians brothers and sisters, Capuchins, Franciscans of Hope, Mary Immaculate Sisters, ODN Sisters, and many more.
It is on our records that the first sacrament of baptism was officiated on 23rd December 1989 in the mother church of St. Vincent Pallotti.
Our Pastors
Since the establishment of the Parish, the Pallottine Fathers (the Society of the Catholic Apostolate) have been administering the parish. Currently our pastors of souls are:
Fr. Msuri Emmanuel SAC
Father In-charge
Fr. George Kamula SAC
Assistant Father In-charge
Other Pallottines Who Have Worked in the Parish
Fr. George Damball SAC
1st Fr In-Charge (Aug 1989-1992)
Fr. Michael Coen SAC
1992
Fr. John McDonough SAC
1992
Fr. Noel O'Connor SAC
July 1992
Fr. Remmy Matanga SAC
1992-1994
Fr. Sylvery Nkuu SAC
July 1994-1999
Fr. Aloysius Kijanga SAC
1999-2002
Fr. Remi Mushy SAC
2002-2005
Fr. John Karanja SAC
2002-2005
Fr. Mathew Sanka SAC
2002-2004
Fr. Phirimin Mwenda SAC
2004-2005
Fr. Sixberth Mrumbi SAC
2005-2009
Fr. Innocent Chami SAC
2008-2010
Fr. John Makabe SAC
2010-2016
Fr. Joseph Mutie SAC
2010-2016
Fr. Cyril Ingosi SAC
2016-2018
Fr. Msuri Emmanuel SAC
Dec 2016 - Present
Fr. Stephen Lwebuga SAC
Aug 2017-July 2021
Fr. Faustin Morumbe SAC
2019-2021
Fr. George Kamula SAC
2021 - Present
Parish Pastoral Council
Currently the Parish Pastoral Council officials are as follows:
Mr. Walter Mayaka
Parish Pastoral Council Moderator
Mr. Edgah Khafumi
Vice Moderator
Mrs. Consolata Akoth
Secretary
Mr. Arthur Magero
Vice Secretary
Mrs Teresa Mwihaki
Treasurer
Our Outstations
Sacred Heart of Jesus - Ngando
The outstation church of Sacred Heart of Jesus Ngando was started in 1982 as an outstation of St. Mary's Karen (now known as Regina Caeli). Fr. John Hughes worked hard in collaboration with the late Francis Ngwiri and the late Christopher Ngugi Mutura to start routine masses. The Church begun at the late Francis Ngwiri's home, where Christians were congregating and celebrate mass under a tree.
In 1983 the late Mama Grace Wahu Kenyatta gave the land on which the Church stands today, after hearing that the leaders were looking for a plot to build a church. With the help of Mama Ngina Kenyatta and the Late Councilor, a 'harambee' was done and soon the construction of the Church began being managed by Mr. Simon Macharia.
On 13/8/1989 the Church was entrusted to the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus under the Congregation of Pallottine Fathers. Construction of the church continued under close supervision of Fr. George Damball, the first Fr In-charge of Sacred Heart Parish. The Church was inaugurated in 1993. Christians continued to increase necessitating church expansion which has already been done. The outstation has a population of about six thousand (6,000) Christians and 10 Small Christian Communities (S.C.C).
Mass Schedule
Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Weekdays: 6:30 AM
Saturday: 6:30 AM
Parish Activities
- • Small Christian Communities (10 SCCs)
- • Youth Ministry and Programs
- • Women's Groups (CWA)
- • Men's Groups (CMA)
- • Children's Liturgy
- • Catechism Classes
- • Community Outreach Programs
Contact Information
Location: Ngando, Dagoretti
Population: Approximately 6,000 Christians
Small Christian Communities: 10 SCCs
St Vincent Pallotti - Corner
The Parish church of St. Vincent Pallotti – Dagoretti Corner was founded on 13/8/1989 under the congregation of Pallottine Fathers. The history goes back to 1980 when the late mama Rosemary Njeri Muguathi gave part of her land for the construction of a hall. The same structure was on Sundays used as a church for the celebration of masses and week days it was used as a training school.
This was the time when the area was under Guadalupe Fathers but at the same time Riruta parish used to offer assistance too. The said hall continued to be used for the same purposes when there was another movement to mama Virginia Waithera Gathuku's place along Wanyee where a semi-permanent church was built.
Christians prayed in that church until 1995 when a new plot was bought from George Wanyee along Ngong Road for the construction of a permanent church. This is where the now St. Vincent Church stands and the church was completed and officially opened on 10th Dec, 1995 in a colorful ceremony. On that day the name of the church was changed from Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church to St. Vincent Pallotti church.
Fr. George Damball was the first parish priest and was assisted by Fr. Michael Coen and Fr. John McDonough. The Church was inaugurated in 1995. It has approximately ten thousand (10,000) Christians and has twelve (12) Small Christian Communities (S.C.C).
Mass Schedule
Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Weekdays: 6:30 AM
Saturday: 6:30 AM
Parish Activities
- • Small Christian Communities (12 SCCs)
- • Parish Administration Center
- • Youth Ministry and Programs
- • Women's Groups (CWA)
- • Men's Groups (CMA)
- • Children's Liturgy
- • Catechism Classes
- • Community Development Programs
Contact Information
Location: Dagoretti Corner, Ngong Road
Population: Approximately 10,000 Christians
Small Christian Communities: 12 SCCs
Status: Mother Church and Parish Administration Center
History of Patron Saint - St. Vincent Pallotti
St. Vincent Pallotti was born in Rome on April 21st, 1795 in a family of Pietro and Magdalena de Rossi. Vincent Pallotti became a priest at the age of twenty three and dedicated himself completely to God and cared for souls. His desire to see all souls saved led him to reach out even to non-Catholics. He gave up teaching in universities for a more vibrant apostolic life. Deep in his heart was the missionary spirit and character to evangelize Rome, communicating the infinite mercy and love of God, and to other parts of the world.
St Francis of Assisi - Gatina
The Outstation church of St. Francis of Assisi - Gatina was founded on 13th August, 1989. The first Christian worshiping community started by using a building that was offered by Mrs. Margaret Waiteyo. This became the place of new initiative and immediately new plans for a permanent church started to get into people's minds and hearts.
It life started with Fr. George Damball, with his appointment as the rector of formation house. Fr. Noel took over the mantle and had to seek assistance to help out with pastoral activities. It was Fr. Angelo, a Montfort Missionary who gave a helping hand in Gatina.
As Fr. Angelo had to leave for South America in 1994, Fr. Sylvery Nkuu was sent to Sacred Heart Parish as an assistant. It was Fr. Sylvery in collaboration with Christians and other well-wishers who took charge in making sure Gatina has the new and permanent church. A half an acre was bought and the project started on 15th August, 1995 and the church was inaugurated in 1997.
The church has also a school project, St. Francis Catholic School. It started as a center to cater for the needs of the children of not well to do families. It was Fr. Angelo Maffin who initiated the project in 1993 which grew to accommodate more under the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. It has approximately ten thousand (10,000) Christians and has forty (40) Small Christian Communities (S.C.C).
Mass Schedule
Sunday: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Weekdays: 6:30 AM
Saturday: 6:30 AM
Parish Activities & Facilities
- • Small Christian Communities (40 SCCs)
- • St. Francis Catholic School
- • Youth Ministry and Programs
- • Women's Groups (CWA)
- • Men's Groups (CMA)
- • Children's Liturgy
- • Catechism Classes
- • Community Outreach Programs
- • Educational Support for Underprivileged Children
St. Francis Catholic School
The school project was initiated by Fr. Angelo Maffin in 1993 to cater for children from less privileged families. It has grown under the care of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, providing quality education and spiritual formation to the community.
Contact Information
Location: Gatina, Kawangware
Population: Approximately 10,000 Christians
Small Christian Communities: 40 SCCs
School: St. Francis Catholic School (Est. 1993)
History of Patron Saint - St. Francis of Assisi
Francis was born to wealthy parents in Assisi, Italy, in 1181. As a teenager, Francis wanted only money and fun. But in 1202, when he was 21, Francis went to war and spent a year in prison. There, he had time to think and pray. Francis realized that money had not bought him happiness. He met a leper and walked right up and hugged him, seeing God's beauty in another human being. Francis gave away all his money, preached and begged barefoot on the streets. He founded the Franciscans and the Order of Poor Clares. He died at age 44 in 1226 and was proclaimed a saint in 1228.
Mwenyeheri Elisabetta Sanna
Kituo cha Sala cha Mwenyeheri Elisabetta Sanna kilifunguliwa rasmi mnamo tarehe 22, mwezi wa Januari, mwaka 2023 kwa ibada takatifu ya misa, iliyoadhimishwa na Padre Msuri Emmanuel SAC, paroko wa Parokia ya Moyo Mtakatifu Yesu Dagoretti. Tarehe hii pia ni kumbukizi ya sherehe ya Mt. Vincent Pallotti aliyekuwa mshauri wa kiroho wa Elisabetta Sanna.
Mwanzo wa Safari
Mnamo mwaka wa 2014, kanisa la St. Francis of Assisi-Kawangware-Gatina lilianza mradi wa kununua shamba la ekari moja kwa nia ya kuanzisha Kigango kipya chini ya usimamizi wa Padre John Makabe wa Shirika la Wapallottini. Wakristu pamoja na marafiki wa kanisa walichanga fedha za ununuzi wa eneo na hati ya eneo (title deed) kupatikana mnamo mwaka wa 2016.
Elisabetta Sanna na Jina la Kituo
Jina la Kituo hiki cha sala, linatoka na mama mwema wa kiimani na kimatendo Elisabetta Sanna aliyezaliwa mwaka 1788 katika mji wa Sardinia, Italy. Akiwa na umri wa miezi 3 alipata ugonjwa wa ndui (smallpox) ambao ulimsababishia ulemavu wa viungo vya mikono. Licha ya hali hii ya nusu ulemavu, Elisabetta hakushindwa kutimiza majukumu yake ya kila siku kama mke na mama. Aliolewa na kupata watoto saba (7), ambao wawili walifariki wakiwa wadogo.
Aliwalea vema watoto hao 5 kwa kuwapatia elimu na kuwafundisha mafundisho ya kiimani, haswa maswala ya katekisimu, akiwasisitizia maisha ya sakramenti. Nyumba yake iliyokuwa mahali pa mafundisho haya, ilikuwa pia mahali pa kukutanikia kwa wanawake wengi waliokuja kujifunza tenzi (nyimbo) za kiimani na maisha ya sala.
Mnamo mwaka 1825 mumewe Elisabetta alifariki baada ya miaka 17 ya ndoa yao. Kupenda kwake sala na maisha ya kujitolea kulitokana na mahubiri ya kipindi cha Kwaresma kinachosisitiza sala, kufunga na maisha ya toba. Kwa sababu mbalimbali, haswa ikichangiwa na hali yake ya afya, Elisabetta hakuweza tena kurudi Sardinia, bali alibaki Rome. Huku ndipo alipokutana na Fr. Vincent Pallotti (aliyekuja kuwa mtakatifu), na kumchagua kama mwangalizi wa kiroho na mshauri katika kipindi hiki.
Maisha ya Sala na Utakatifu
Elisabetta alikuwa mwanamke wa sala na kujitolea. Aliishi maisha ya unyenyekevu na upendo kwa Mungu na jirani zake. Nyumba yake ilikuwa mahali pa kukutanikia kwa wanawake wengi ambao walikuja kujifunza maisha ya sala na kuimba nyimbo za kiimani.
Uhusiano na Mt. Vincent Pallotti
Elisabetta alikuwa mmoja wa watu wa kwanza kuungana na harakati za Mt. Vincent Pallotti za kueneza injili. Alimsaidia katika kazi za kimisionari na kuwa mfano wa maisha ya Kikristo kwa wengine.
Kituo cha Sala - Shughuli na Ratiba
Ratiba ya Misa
Jumapili: 9:00 AM
Siku za Kawaida: Kulingana na mahitaji
Shughuli za Kituo
- • Mafundisho ya Katekisimu
- • Vikundi vya Sala
- • Shughuli za Vijana
- • Msaada wa Kijamii
- • Mafunzo ya Maisha ya Kikristo
Maelezo ya Kituo
Mahali: Kawangware-Gatina
Ukubwa wa Eneo: Ekari 1
Tarehe ya Kufunguliwa: 22 Januari 2023
Usimamizi: Parokia ya Moyo Mtakatifu Yesu Dagoretti
Our Core Values
Faith
Deepening our relationship with God through prayer and sacraments
Community
Building strong bonds of fellowship and support
Service
Serving others with compassion and generosity
Learning
Growing in knowledge and understanding of our faith