| Christ's Love Urges Us On |
Welcome to Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland - the home of St. Patrick's Missionary Society.
We are an International Missionary Society engaged in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We strive to cross the boundaries created by culture, language and world view. We dedicate ourselves to the promotion of a just, inclusive and peaceful world in which all creation can reach the fulfilment which is the destiny intended for it by God. |
We are very saddened by the civil and political unrest in Kenya. We have 68 priests working in Kenya, many in the worst affected areas. People fled in terror from their farms and homes as old tribal hatreds were stirred up. Many flocked to churches and schools for shelter and safety. Our priests are trying as best they can to feed and shelter the displaced. They are receiving help from agencies like Trocaire, CAFOD, Concern, Gorta and the UN. We have also sent out some funds to buy blankets and food.
None of our priests are in any danger. The motivation for the killing and terror was ethnic and political and all ethic groups have suffered. It was sparked off by reports that the recent election was fradulent. Talks, chaired by Kofi Annan, to try to reach a political agreement on the governance of the country have been successful.
The various political parties are now hammering out the details of a power-sharing agreement. It will be a slow and tedious process but thankfully it has been well received by the people. There are still some reports of ethnic violence in some isolated areas of the country but the terrible crisis of a few weeks ago has subsided. There are still 300,000 displaced people in camps and the greatest test of the new government will be their ability to tackle the massive task of returning these people to their farms and homes with adequate security. |
