St. Vincent de Paul Giathugu Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: St. Vincent de Paul Giathugu Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: St. Vincent de Paul

Date Established: 23 August 2014

About the Parish

St. Vincent de Paul Giathugu Catholic Parish is a vibrant faith community within the Mukurwe-ini Deanery of the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Although it became an independent parish in 2014, the Catholic faith in Giathugu dates back to 1924, making it one of the oldest centres of evangelization in the region.

Today, the parish continues to proclaim the Gospel through the celebration of the Sacraments, Christian formation, education, and service, while remaining deeply rooted in its missionary heritage.

Our History

The history of the Catholic Church in Giathugu began in 1924, when Rev. Fr. Domenico Gillio, a Consolata Missionary, established a mission under a large Mugumo (fig) tree on land generously donated by Hilary Muraguri Nyota.

Together with the Consolata Sisters sent by Bishop Filippo Perlo, Fr. Gillio worked tirelessly to establish a strong Catholic presence in the area. Their missionary efforts greatly contributed to the spiritual and social development of the local community.

Among the first Christians were David Wanjohi, Cottolengo Maina, Phaphirah, Zacharia, and Albanas Kaigi, who played a significant role in nurturing the young Christian community. They also assisted Sister Irene in crossing the Rwarai River, then a major obstacle to missionary work in the area.

At the time, Giathugu was an outstation of Gikondi Parish, where pastoral ministry was carried out by Fr. Billio and Fr. Carlo Gwalluzzo.

Journey to Parish Status

In 1976, Bishop Caesar Maria Gatimu visited Giathugu and, having witnessed the remarkable growth of the Christian community, expressed support for its future establishment as a parish.

A significant milestone came in 2009, when Archbishop Peter Kairo transferred Giathugu from Othaya Deanery and initiated the formal process towards becoming an independent parish.

Construction of the priests’ residence began in 2011 under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Anthony Mugi, laying important groundwork for the establishment of the parish.

On 23 August 2014, St. Vincent de Paul Giathugu Catholic Parish was officially inaugurated by Archbishop Emeritus Peter Kairo, together with Rev. Fr. Charles Ndirangu, then Parish Priest of Gikondi Parish.

The newly established parish was entrusted to Rev. Fr. Alex Isonga, assisted by Rev. Deacon Thomas Nyambunde, who guided the parish during its formative years.

On 4 March 2024, the Archdiocese entrusted the pastoral care of the parish to the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers). The parish continues to collaborate closely with the Archdiocese of Nyeri while benefiting from the Vincentian charism of evangelization and service to the poor.

Parish Leadership

Parish Priests

  • Rev. Fr. Alex Isonga (2014–2018)

  • Rev. Fr. Edwin Mugwe (2018–2021)

  • Rev. Fr. John Mburu Ngugi (Current)

Assistant Priests

  • Rev. Fr. Anthony Kioko (Current)

Parish Community

The parish comprises:

  • 10 Local Churches (Outstations)

  • 60 Small Christian Communities (SCCs)

The parish is enriched by active lay apostolate groups including:

  • Catholic Women Association (CWA)

  • Catholic Men Association (CMA)

  • Young Adult Catholic Association (YACA)

  • Senior Youth

  • Junior Youth

  • Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC)

  • Catholic Action (CA)

Vocations

The parish has been blessed with numerous vocations to priesthood and religious life.

Among its sons are:

  • Rev. Fr. Simon Kariuki, currently serving as a missionary priest in the Diocese of Lamu.

  • Rev. Fr. John Maguru, ordained in 2022.

The parish is also blessed with religious brothers from the Brothers of St. Joseph and several religious sisters serving in different congregations.

Worship & Sacraments

Holy Mass

Tuesday – Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m.

Sunday

  • 9:00 a.m.

Confessions

  • Every Saturday – 4:00 p.m.

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Every Thursday – 3:00 p.m.

Local Churches

The parish is served through ten Local Churches:

  1. Mihuti

  2. Karundu

  3. Kangurwe

  4. Giathugu

  5. Kigathi

  6. Kinuri

  7. Karaba

  8. Mutonga

  9. Karuiro

  10. Kai-ini

Together, these Local Churches comprise 60 Small Christian Communities, which form the foundation of parish life through prayer, evangelization, and mutual support.

Educational Institutions

The parish sponsors and supports the following institutions:

Primary Schools

  • Giathugu Primary School

  • Karaba Primary School

Secondary Schools

  • Giathugu Secondary School

  • Karaba Secondary School

Legacy of Faith

From its humble beginnings beneath a Mugumo tree in 1924 to its establishment as an independent parish in 2014, St. Vincent de Paul Giathugu Catholic Parish continues to be a living witness to the enduring power of faith and missionary dedication.

Inspired by the example of St. Vincent de Paul, the parish remains committed to evangelization, service to the poor, Christian formation, and building a vibrant Catholic community rooted in prayer and the Gospel of Christ.