Symon Patron Surmieda, a Mill Hill missionary student from the Philippines on Mission Experience Program (MEP) at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Oloolaimutia, Masai Mara, Kenya, alongside Fr. David Masiga, MHM, and Fr. William Epiti, MHM, shares an overview of his mission area.
Masai Mara is one of the most famous places in Kenya, known for the spectacular migration of wildebeest and zebras from the Serengeti to the Mara River. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Along with its rich natural beauty, Masai Mara is a place where God’s mission is actively alive and growing.
At St. Francis Xavier Parish, located in Oloolaimutia, there are about 400 Catholics. The parish was founded nearly three years ago. Many parishioners have come from other parts of Kenya, seeking better opportunities. Our main goal is to meet their spiritual needs through pastoral care. This includes making the celebration of Sacraments accessible and encouraging participation in Small Christian Communities (SCCs).
In our SCC gatherings, we reflect on God’s Word and include catechetical teaching to deepen the faith. Our efforts mainly focus on children, youth, and various church groups, helping them grow in their faith.
The main parish station is in Oloolaimutia, but we also serve nine outstations, including Talek, Sekenani, Nkoilali, Nkineji, Ngoswani, Naikara, Kishemoruak, Siana, and Olpusimoru. Some of these areas are as far as 65 kilometers from the main station. Traveling to the outstations can be challenging due to rough roads, high fuel costs, and heavy rains that sometimes make it impossible to visit certain places.
Despite these difficulties, we continue working together to build a faithful and active Christian community in Masai Mara.
