The Sacred Heart procession in Taita Taveta on November 28, 2025, brought together Christians from across the county in a powerful journey of devotion. Beginning in Voi and culminating in Wundanyi, the ceremony reflected unity, gratitude, and the deep spiritual traditions that continue to shape Catholic communities in Kenya.
The Start of the Sacred Heart Procession in Voi
For a full week, the Sacred Heart statue had been hosted in Voi. The atmosphere in the parish was filled with prayer, hymns, thanksgiving, and personal testimonies. Families visited daily, youth groups held worship sessions, and members of the Catholic Men Association (CMA-K) safeguarded the statue with admirable dedication.When the day of the Sacred Heart procession arrived, Christians in Voi knew this was not just a ritual but a moment of spiritual significance. The community gathered at dawn, ready to escort the statue to Mwatate for the official handover.
The Road Journey Toward Mwatate
Unlike other years when processions began on foot, this time the Sacred Heart statue was carefully placed at the back of a pickup truck. A small team of CMA-K representatives sat beside it, holding it firmly throughout the journey. They braved the strong wind and dust of the Voi–Mwatate highway, ensuring the statue remained safe.Behind the pickup, a convoy of parishioners followed in cars and motorbikes. The road to Mwatate became a moving line of prayer, song, and reverence — a reflection of how deeply rooted the Sacred Heart procession has become in the region.
Walking Unyo Unyo During the Sacred Heart Procession
Upon reaching Mwatate town, the journey transformed. The statue was lowered from the vehicle, and the Christians of Voi began walking unyo unyo, step by step, carrying the statue toward a waiting assembly from the Wundanyi Deanery.Women from CWA led worship songs, youth groups lifted banners high, and the men of CMA-K walked with dignified calm. The air was filled with rhythmic singing, creating a moment of pure devotion.
Sacred Heart Procession Handover in Mwatate
Ahead along the roadside, hundreds of Christians from the Wundanyi Deanery stood ready to receive the Sacred Heart. Groups had traveled from Mwanda, Mghange, Rong’e and other parishes, forming one large chorus of welcome.As the two groups met, joy rippled through the crowd. The handover ceremony was brief but deeply symbolic. Voi presented the statue with humility and gratitude, while Wundanyi received it with reverence and thanksgiving.After a short joint prayer, the Voi faithful returned home — some by vehicle, others by motorbike — fulfilled in their mission.
Wundanyi Continues the Sacred Heart Procession
With the statue now in their care, the Wundanyi community continued the Sacred Heart procession uphill toward their parishes. Their week of prayers, reflection, and celebration began immediately, and they too would later hand the statue to another deanery.This movement of the Sacred Heart across Taita Taveta continues to strengthen bonds among parishes, reaffirming unity and shared faith.
Reflection: Why the Sacred Heart Procession Matters
The Sacred Heart procession is more than a religious journey — it is a cultural and spiritual connection that binds communities. It shows how faith travels from home to home, village to village, heart to heart.
As a Swahili proverb gently reminds us:
“Umoja ni nguvu.”
Unity is strength — and this procession is a living reminder of that truth.
Suggested External Resource
- Catholic liturgical traditions overview: https://www.vatican.va
