OUR LADY OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE GIKONDI PARISH

1. Basic Parish Information

  • Parish Name: Our Lady of Divine Providence Gikondi Parish

  • Patron Saint: Our Lady of Divine Providence

  • Date Established: 1903

2. About the Parish

Brief Parish History

Our Lady of Divine Providence Gikondi Parish was established in 1903, making it one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the Archdiocese of Nyeri.

The parish was founded by the Consolata Missionaries, who worked alongside the Vincentine Cottolengo Sisters from 1903 to May 1920.

The first baptism was administered to Luigi Kagio on 10 January 1907 by Fr. Luigi Perlo. The first Confirmation was celebrated by Bishop Perlo on 5 November 1913, while the first Christian marriage united Cosmas Kartobangari and Maria Nyathogora in 1912.

The area surrounding the parish became home to many early Christians and orphans gathered from different parts of Central Kenya. In 1919, Benedict Kigotho was baptized at Gikondi by Fr. Gillio and later became a devoted altar server.

On 25 May 1920, three Consolata Sisters, led by Sr. Irene Stephany, arrived at Gikondi. She later became affectionately known as “Nyaatha.”

The first outstations established from Gikondi Parish were:

  1. Karuthi (1918)

  2. Gathuitu/Wahari (1920)

  3. Thuita/Iruri (1922)

  4. Gathukimundu (1923)

  5. Igana/Guathangu (1924)

  6. Kanunga (1931)

These early missions later developed into independent parishes and mission centres, reflecting the significant missionary contribution of Gikondi Parish to the growth of the Catholic Church in the region.

Mission Statement

That All May Be Christians.

Vision Statement

To Have Good Registration in Small Christian Communities.

3. Worship & Sacraments

Mass Schedule

  • Monday – Saturday: 6:30 a.m.

  • Sunday: 9:00 a.m.

Adoration

  • Thursday: 7:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

4. Outstations & Small Christian Communities

  • Outstations: 10

  • Small Christian Communities (SCCs): 57

5. Institutions Under the Parish

Schools

  • Sr. Irene Senior School

  • Mukurweini Technical Training Institute

  • St. Augustine Gikondi Mixed Senior School (Boarding & Day)

  • Kibutio Day Senior School

6. Priestly Vocations from the Parish

  • Rev. Fr. Francis Ruiru (1978)

  • Rev. Fr. Tarcisio Maina (1983)

  • Rev. Fr. William Mutero (1992)

  • Rev. Fr. Joseph Maina (1995)

  • Rev. Fr. Peter Githinji (2001)

  • Rev. Fr. John Gichuki (2007)

  • Rev. Fr. Samuel King’ori (2007)

  • Rev. Fr. Peter Kiongo (2008)

  • Rev. Fr. Peter Maina (2009)

  • Rev. Fr. Charles Gathenya (2010)

  • Rev. Fr. Samuel Njigua (2011)

  • Rev. Fr. Joseph Ngachu (2021)