The Kenyan LLAK Story

Living the Charism of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie

History Of Lavigerie Lay Association Of Kenya

Who we are: A Group of Lay persons, mainly from OLQP Parish, Nairobi who are interested in sharing in the charism of M.Afr and MSOLA. Currently has 17 active members.

Founded – The Lay Apostolate was founded in April 2012 by Fr. Martin Onyango, Fr. Felix Phiri, and Fr. Innocent Maganya in line with Vatican II Council’s Decree.

Primary Objective:  To Share in the Charism of M.Afr. and MSOLA in Kenya and participate in the work of evangelization, promotion of human dignity, justice and peace and integrity of creation.

The Kenyan LLAK Story

The LLAK Logo Explained

The cross symbolises our Faith. The 3 entities (M.Afr, MSOLA and LLAK) are joined by the gift of Christ.

Africa Map – Cardinal Lavigerie’s Passion. Encounter the African world especially in Kenya

Two hands at the Top, M.Afr, MSOLA

Centre hand LLAK

The last hand, Community.Kenyan Jurisdiction – The colours of the Kenyan flag

Living Cardinal Lavigerie’s Charism Today

Cardinal Lavigerie’s Vision was to evangelise Africa and the African World. M.Afr and MSOLA have realized this. What next?

  1. Sustainability: Africa and the African World is fairly evangelized. How should his vision then be sustained?
  2. Collaborative Sustainability: The 3rd Pillar LLAK comes in to provide the anchor missing for sustainability of M.Afr and MSOLA Institutions/ Missions/Projects and area of interests in Kenya. They wear the local outfit and understand the Kenyan environment. The presence of the Lay in the work of evangelization will provide the local advantage missing in administration of Missions/Projects and help provide continuity and  sustainability. Many times in the past, such projects had to close when the founders moved.
    1. The Lay, who do not wear a Religious outfit will work according to their circumstances, and leverage on the local opportunities that our Kenyan Society will present for the benefit of both M.Afr and MSOLA missions in Kenya. 

LLAK Current Activities In Kenya

  1. Identity: The Association is recognized and has an approved Constitution.
  2. Hold monthly meetings
  3. Informal Formation: The Group is currently undergoing an informal Formation Program on M.Afr and MSOLA charism.
  4. Animations in other Parishes: LLAK organizes Outreach and Animation Program in other Parishes to create awareness.
  5. Carry out Charity Works: In various Institutions.
  6. Retreats/ Recollections/ Bible Studies:  Avenues of Deepening our faith.
  7. Formal Formation of Members: Currently working on a Formation Program through which members will undergo before being recognized as full members.

Areas of Collaboration

Evangelisation

(Reaching out and evangelising in areas where the consecrated may not be in a position to reach). This aims to help people to discover their real Life Purpose.

Seeking to bring the good news of Jesus into every human situation and seeking to convert individuals and society by the divine power of the gospel itself. Living the Gospel in our families, workplaces, community etc., through words and deeds.

Members are also encouraged to be vocal in defending the church when under attack, when it comes to Catholic doctrines.

Participation in Administrative Roles

LLAK Members are taking active participation in various administrative roles in institutions where M.Afr and MSOLA have interests in Kenya. Some members sit on the Boards of:

Professional Expertise for Leverage

LLAK is composed of a pool of expertise in various fields. This come in handy whenever the two congregations are seeking for these services in the country(Lawyers, Engineers, Accountants, Immigration etc).

  • Tushirikiane Africa (Tusa), 
  • Prisons Ministry, 
  • Learning Institutions etc.

Participation in various Apostolates  in which M.Afr and MSOLA are engaged

  1. Ecumenism Dialogue and Encounter; 
  2. Prisons Ministry;
  3. Care of the Environment; 
  4. Modern slavery and human trafficking;
  5. Immigrants.

Joint Project 

Currently working on implementing a Joint Project for the 3 entities as a Landmark (This is in initial stages).

Observe and participate in key events and Feasts marked by M.Afr and MSOLA.

Challenges

Natural Family Commitments.

Financial Challenges

Inadequate Instructions in the Faith/Catholic Teaching.

Lack the numbers.