20/01/2025
Rector’s Speech on the occasion of Thanksgiving Mass for 2024 KCSE results and Launch of Academic Year 2025 on Monday January 13, 2025 at Goshems chapel.
“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept were toiling upward in the night” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Rev. Fr. Wilson Waweru, our retreat master; beloved parents of Caleb’s Class; our pride, the Calebs; dedicated teachers led by our very able and esteemed Principal, my dear sons—the seminarians—and all friends of Good Shepherd Minor Seminary,
It is with profound gratitude and joy that I stand before you today as we gather to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Caleb’s Class and mark the launch of the Academic Year 2025. This occasion serves two purposes: to give thanks to God for His abundant blessings and to officially begin a new chapter in our seminary’s journey of integral formation.
Thanksgiving for KCSE Success
First, let us pause to celebrate the incredible KCSE results achieved by Caleb’s Class. To my dear sons—the Calebs—you have made us proud beyond words.
You are not just former students to me. You are my sons, my joy, and my pride. Your journey through this seminary was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first day, your unity, care, and prudence as a class were evident. You are not just a group of young men—you are a brotherhood. A family that has walked together, prayed together, laughed together, and grown together.
You were a truly unique class. I will always remember your open-mindedness, your willingness to consult, and your honesty with me. You were never afraid to seek guidance, share your thoughts, or ask for help. This openness made you a joy to walk with, and it is a mark of your maturity and wisdom.
Your prudence and corrigibility were a blessing, not just to me but to everyone who journeyed with you. When corrections were needed, you accepted them with humility and grace, always striving to be better. This spirit of growth and transformation defined your time here and will undoubtedly set you apart as you venture into the world.
You have not only excelled academically but have demonstrated holistic growth, embodying the vision of Good Shepherd Minor Seminary: to be a distinguished center of integral human formation, producing transformational leaders of the church and society.
Your hard work, resilience, and faith remind me of the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.” My sons, your perseverance has awakened the gates of success, and we thank God for walking this journey with you.
To the parents of Caleb’s Class, your unwavering support and partnership have been indispensable. Maya Angelou once said, “I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” You stood firm amidst challenges, trusting in God and this seminary to nurture your sons. Your presence here today is a testament to your faith and commitment, and we honor you.
To the teachers, both present and absent, there can be no school better than the sum quality of its teachers. Our esteemed preceptors, you have not only been teachers but mentors and coaches committed to make a difference. Your selfless dedication has shaped these young men into what they are today. You have not only taught them but also inspired them, reflecting the words of Brad Henry that “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” Your deeds have truly inspired hope, ingited imagination and instilled love, guiding the Calebs to success.
This success was not without its challenges. When KNEC sent an official to camp here, questions were raised about our integrity. Yet, as the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 23:5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Today, the presence of that official serves as proof of the credibility of our results, and we celebrate with heads held high, knowing our success is untainted.
Launch of Academic Year 2025
As we transition from celebrating the past to embracing the future, we look ahead with hope and determination. Our guiding theme for this year is drawn from Romans 5:5: “And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges lie ahead, our hope in God is steadfast and sure, and His love will guide us through every endeavor.
For this first term, we are inspired by 1 Timothy 4:10: “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” This calls us to work diligently, knowing that our efforts are rooted in faith and trust in God. My dear sons, as we embark on this academic year, let these themes inspire you to strive for excellence in all you do.
Shakespeare said gratitude is the least of all virtues but when neglected, it becomes the worst of all vices.
Allow me to take a moment to thank Fr. Wilson Waweru, a long time friend, a very prayerful man of God, a remarkably intelligent priest, with the gift of the garb only rivalled by St. John Chrisostom, a serious and seasoned educator, for his guidance during this year’s annual retreat. Fr. Wilson, you have helped instill spiritual wisdom and strength in our seminarians. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Fr. Wilson, you have left an indelible mark on their hearts, and we are deeply grateful.
Declaration of the Academic Year and Thanksgiving
As we close this celebration, let us carry with us the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” My dear sons, you are called to serve, to lead, and to transform the world as men of integrity. Let this year be a testament to your faith, hard work, and commitment to God’s mission for your lives.
With immense gratitude for the past year and great hope for the future, I now officially declare the Academic Year 2025and Academic Term 1 of 2025 officially started.
May God’s grace guide us in all we do.
Enter to learn, leave to serve.
Thank you, and may God bless you all abundantly!
