Holy Cross Ngandu Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: Holy Cross Ngandu Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: The Holy Cross

Date Established: 3 November 1951

Titular Feast Day: 14 September (Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)

About the Parish

Holy Cross Ngandu Catholic Parish is one of the historic parishes of the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Located within Karatina Deanery, the parish has faithfully served generations of Christians through evangelization, sacramental ministry, education, and community development.

Since its establishment in 1951, the parish has remained a beacon of faith, nurturing Christian communities while responding to the spiritual and social needs of the people.

Our History

Holy Cross Ngandu Catholic Parish was officially established on 3 November 1951 as a centre of Christian faith, evangelization, and community service.

The first priest assigned to the parish was Fr. Jacomino Camissasa, who laid the foundation of the parish through dedicated pastoral care and missionary work. During the Mau Mau Emergency, however, insecurity in the region made it difficult for missionaries to continue serving safely. In 1953, Fr. Camissasa was advised to return to Mathari Mission.

Although the parish no longer had a resident priest, the Christian community continued to receive pastoral care. Fr. Janelli, based at Mathari Mission, regularly travelled to Ngandu to celebrate the Sacraments, minister to the sick, support those in need, and strengthen the faith of the community. He worked closely with the Consolata Sisters, ensuring that both spiritual and charitable ministries continued despite the challenging circumstances.

In 1955, Fr. Richard Rossi was appointed to re-establish the parish. His ministry marked a period of remarkable growth as he established numerous prayer centres throughout the surrounding villages, bringing pastoral care, catechesis, and the celebration of the Sacraments closer to the faithful.

On 25 October 1964, Holy Cross Ngandu Church was temporarily closed, and the faithful were directed to worship at Mary Immaculate Karatina Catholic Parish. The former church premises were designated for the development of Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School. Although this transition presented challenges, the Christian community remained steadfast in faith.

Recognizing the growing pastoral needs of the Catholic faithful, Archbishop Caesar Maria Gatimu approved the reopening of Holy Cross Ngandu Parish in 1968, allowing the local Christian community once again to worship within their own parish.

A new phase of pastoral growth began in 1985 when Fr. Bartholomew Mwangi became Parish Priest. During his tenure, six additional outstations were established, greatly expanding the parish’s pastoral outreach.

Over the years, the parish has continued to grow under the dedicated leadership of its parish priests, strengthening both its spiritual life and community development.

Parish Priests

  • Fr. Bartholomew Mwangi

  • Fr. John Pius Mwago

  • Fr. John B. Kariuki

  • Fr. John Pius Mwago (Second Term)

  • Fr. Paul Ng’ang’a

  • Fr. David Muceke

  • Fr. John Mbai

  • Fr. Thamaini Paul

  • Fr. David Hunyu

  • Fr. John Gitigi

  • Fr. Richard Kibe

  • Rev. Fr. Josephat Mwangi (Current)

Today, Holy Cross Ngandu Catholic Parish continues to stand as a vibrant centre of worship whose rich history reflects resilience, unwavering faith, and a deep commitment to the mission of Christ.

Vision

Transforming lives through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19–20)

The parish is committed to proclaiming the Gospel, forming disciples of Christ, celebrating the Sacraments, and serving the wider community through evangelization and Christian witness.

Worship & Sacramental Life

Prayer and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist remain at the heart of parish life.

Daily Holy Mass

  • Monday to Saturday – 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Holy Masses

  • First Mass – 7:00 a.m.

  • Second Mass – 9:00 a.m.

  • Third Mass – 11:00 a.m.

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Every Thursday – 4:00 p.m. (following Holy Mass)

Titular Feast

The parish joyfully celebrates its patronal feast, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, every 14 September.

Parish Community

Holy Cross Ngandu Parish consists of six Local Churches, together comprising 36 Small Christian Communities (SCCs) that promote prayer, evangelization, Christian fellowship, and pastoral outreach.

Local Churches

  1. Holy Cross Ngandu

  2. St. Peter Rititi

  3. St. Dominic Kaiyaba

  4. St. John the Baptist Kianjogu

  5. St. Ezekiel Kiamchimbi

  6. St. Francis of Assisi Kanyama

Education Ministry

The parish is committed to the holistic formation of children through St. Anne’s Catholic School Ngandu, which offers education from Playgroup to Grade 3.

The school provides quality education within a Christian environment, nurturing learners spiritually, morally, intellectually, and socially.

Legacy of Faith

For more than seven decades, Holy Cross Ngandu Catholic Parish has faithfully proclaimed the Gospel while serving the spiritual and social needs of its community. Guided by the Cross of Christ, the parish continues to build strong Christian families, nurture Small Christian Communities, promote education, and inspire future generations to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.