Inspired by the international Stella Maris Apostolate, Sr. Margaret Mumbua of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Mombasa has been at the forefront of offering pastoral care to fishermen and their families in the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru. As the Family Life and Migrants Coordinator, Sr. Mumbua ministers to marginalized communities, including truck drivers, victims of human trafficking, women in prostitution, and those earning livelihoods from the water.
Since 2014, Sr. Mumbua has extended her ministry to the fishermen of Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo, despite numerous challenges. Covering the expansive diocese with 63 parishes, including three maritime parishes, she provides spiritual guidance and practical support to the community.
At Naivasha's Karagita Beach, Sr. Mumbua and her team offer pastoral care to diverse groups, including deaf fishermen and the Lake Naivasha Disabled group. She organizes Masses, shares the Gospel, and offers psychological counseling. “We give pastoral care to fishermen, their families, and all who work around the beaches,” she explained.
Jeremiah Mutiso, chairman of Karagita Beach, expressed gratitude for the Church's presence. “They offer Mass, bless us, and show us love,” he said. Zachariah Ngechu, chairman of the Deaf fishermen group, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the encouragement and prayers brought to their community.
Sr. Mumbua acknowledges the struggles faced by fishermen, including a loss of dignity and strained family ties due to their demanding lifestyle. Through counseling and education, she helps them rediscover their God-given dignity and supports them in obtaining essential documents.
Transportation to the beaches remains a challenge, but Sr. Mumbua’s unwavering commitment keeps her moving. “I try to build their capacity and educate them on life skills,” she said, adding that her faith and support from volunteers and well-wishers sustain her efforts.
Masses at the beaches, often celebrated by priests or the bishop, are a vital aspect of the diocese’s outreach. Following these celebrations, tools of work and fish selling points are blessed, fostering a deeper connection between the Church and the fishing community.
“I am a happy religious woman working at the peripheries, as Pope Francis calls us to do,” Sr. Mumbua said. Her ministry exemplifies the Synodal Church's vision of inclusivity and care, leaving no one behind.
Through her dedication, Sr. Mumbua continues to be a beacon of hope, embodying the Catholic Church’s mission to serve those on the margins with compassion and love.