NAIROBI, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 (CISA) – A week after his appointment as the Coadjutor Bishop-elect of the Catholic Diocese of Meru on January 16, 2025, Msgr. Jackson Murugara IMC sat down with Paschal Norbert, the Editor of CISA, to share insights on his journey to priesthood, his unexpected appointment, and his deep devotion to the Eucharist. In this interview, he reflects on the experiences that have shaped his ministry and the values that continue to guide him.
Msgr Murugara also shares his vision for serving the faithful in Meru, emphasizing his commitment to humility, active listening, and walking together with the people in the spirit of Synodality. He reassures the faithful, clergy and religious that he comes not as an authority set apart, but as a servant leader dedicated to fostering unity and spiritual growth within the diocese.
Q: Kinldy introduce yourself and share a brief history of your journey.
My name is Father Jackson Murugara, the Bishop-Elect and Coadjutor of Meru Diocese.I was born in 1970 in Tharaka Nithi County, in a place called Kamanyaki. I studied in Kamanyaki up to Class 2, but in Class 3, my family migrated to another place, now called Zakulungu Location. There, I continued my education at Modito Primary School, where I completed my Standard 8 examinations in 1988.
After primary school, I joined Materi Boys for Form 1 and later transferred to St. Pius X Seminary in Meru, where I studied from Form 2 to Form 4. In 1993, I joined Consolata Seminary to study philosophy and postgraduate studies for three years. After that, I proceeded to the Novitiate in Sagana for one year before pursuing my theological studies in London.
I was ordained as a deacon in the year 2000 and returned to Kenya in 2001, where I was ordained as a priest. Following my ordination, I was assigned to work in Kagaene Parish in Meru. A few months later, I was sent to Gatunga Parish and then to Mujwa Parish, where I served for about five months.
Later, I was assigned to Kisumu, in a parish called Chiga. During my time there, I also studied the Luo language, as missionaries are required to learn different languages. After nine months, I was appointed to work in Consolata Seminary in Philosophy as a formator of postgraduate students, a role I held for six years. Following that, I went to Rome to further my studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where I specialized in spirituality for two years.
Upon returning to Kenya, I was assigned to work in Sagana, where I took on two responsibilities: managing the Bethany Retreat Centre and caring for St. Mary’s Home for Aged Women. This work of compassion deeply impacted my life.
After Sagana, I was transferred to Consolata Shrine, where I have been serving for the past six years and seven months. It was during this time that I received the appointment as the Bishop-Elect and Coadjutor of Meru Diocese.
Q: How has your journey to priesthood influenced you?
My journey to priesthood has been shaped by moments of prayer, reflection, and the celebration of the Eucharist. As a member of the Consolata Congregation, we emphasize the proper celebration of the Eucharist and Marian spirituality, as taught by our founder, St. Joseph Allamano.
For me, every Mass should be celebrated as if it were the only one in the world. This perspective has deepened my reflection on my vocation and strengthened my missionary commitment. Being under vows as a religious, I have learned to distance myself from material possessions, using them only as tools to fulfill my mission.
This spiritual foundation has guided my life, encouraging me to love the Church and dedicate myself fully to evangelization. It has also prepared me for the responsibilities ahead as Bishop-Elect.
Q: How did you receive the news of your appointment as Bishop-Elect?
The news came as a great surprise. It was something I had never thought of because I was fully engaged in my work at Consolata Shrine. When I received the call, I took time to reflect and ask myself, “What is this?” But I reminded myself that my life and mission belong to Christ, not me.
I accepted the appointment with humility, trusting that the one who has chosen me for this responsibility will also grant me the grace to fulfill it. My response was one of surrender to God’s will, allowing Him to guide me in this new journey.
Q: How do you feel about returning to Meru Diocese after 30 years, especially as a member of the Consolata Missionaries?
Meru Diocese was founded by Bishop Lorenzo Bessone, a Consolata missionary. He later handed over to Bishop Silas Njiru, and subsequently to the current bishop, Rt Rev Salesius Mugambi.
Now, as a Consolata missionary, I am returning to serve in my home diocese. I see this as a continuation of the mission, building upon the strong foundation that has already been laid. In the Church, what matters most is that the mission of Christ continues, whether under a diocesan or congregational priest.
Q: Some clergy members may view you as an outsider. How do you respond to that?
I understand this concern, but I do not see myself as an outsider. I studied in Meru Diocese, at the minor seminary, and have many classmates who are now priests. Though I later served as a missionary outside the diocese, my roots remain in Meru.
While I have not interacted with some of the newer clergy members, I look forward to building strong relationships with them. In the end, we are all part of one Church, working together for the same mission.
Q: What is your personal philosophy in life?
My life is guided by self-giving and continuous reflection. I dedicate myself fully to God and regularly evaluate my spiritual journey to stay aligned with my mission.
Our founder, St. Joseph Allamano, emphasized holiness first, then mission. This principle has shaped my life. I believe in doing good quietly, speaking less, and acting more. Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to pray, and I follow that example by taking time to reflect and seek God’s will.
Q: What are your objectives and mission when you take office as bishop?
As a Coadjutor Bishop, my primary role is to assist the current bishop and ensure continuity in leadership. I will work under Bishop Mugambi, learning from him and supporting his mission.
The structures and foundations of the diocese are already in place, and my role will be to build upon them. When the time comes for me to take over, I will continue the mission with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Q: What message do you have for the faithful of Meru Diocese?
I urge the faithful to pray for me as I prepare for my episcopal ordination. We must also continue strengthening our faith and our Christian institutions, such as marriages, small Christian communities, and parish ministries.
Our mission is to work together in faith, ensuring that all we do-whether in schools, healthcare, or evangelization-is aimed at bringing people closer to Christ. I am looking forward to joining the faithful of Meru in this great mission, building upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessors.
