Catholic Men from Ngong Diocese participated in the closing mass for the AMACEA Plenary meeting at St Austins grounds (St Mary's School), Muthangari, on the 26th of July, 2026.
You Sing The AMECEA Gloria...
Do You Know What AMECEA Really Is?*
Do You Know What AMECEA Really Is?*
Many Catholics know the AMECEA Mass, but fewer know the organization behind the name. Here are some quick facts:
*✓ What is AMECEA?*
AMECEA stands for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa. It is a regional body that brings together Catholic Bishops' Conferences to promote evangelization, pastoral collaboration, justice, peace, and integral human development in Eastern Africa.
*✓ Where did it begin?*
The idea of regional collaboration was first proposed in 1960 by the Catholic Bishops of Tanganyika (now Tanzania). The first plenary meeting was held in Dar es Salaam from 17–26 July 1961.
*✓ What was it called before AMECEA?*
Before becoming AMECEA, it was known as the Inter-Regional Episcopal Board of Eastern Africa (ITEBEA).
*✓ When was the name AMECEA adopted?*
In 1964, ITEBEA officially became AMECEA, and the Permanent Secretariat was established in Nairobi, Kenya.
*✓ Who are the members?*
AMECEA's full members are the Episcopal Conferences of:
Eritrea | Ethiopia | Kenya | Malawi | South Sudan | Sudan | Tanzania | Uganda | Zambia | Djibouti | Somalia
*✓ What is AMECEA's mission?*
To strengthen the Church in Eastern Africa through:
Evangelization Pastoral collaboration Formation Justice and Peace Integral Human Development Promotion of Small Christian Communities (SCCs)*✓ Some major AMECEA institutions*
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) – Nairobi. AMECEA Pastoral Institute (API) – Eldoret, Kenya (originally founded in Ggaba, Uganda). Blessed Bakanja AMECEA College (BBAC) – Nairobi. AMECEA Ggaba Publications – publishers of African Ecclesial Review (AFER) and Spearhead. AMECEA Social Communications Department. Promotion of Integral Human Development (PIHD) Department.*✓ How often does AMECEA meet?*
The Plenary Assembly is held every four years and is the highest decision-making body of AMECEA.
*✓ Who is the current leadership? (2026)*
Chairman: Rt. Rev. Charles Sampa Kasonde (Bishop of Solwezi, Zambia)
Vice Chairman: Most Rev. Anthony Muheria (Archbishop of Nyeri, Kenya)
Secretary General: Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Makunde (Tanzania)
*✓ Why is the 21st Plenary Assembly special?*
From 19–26 July 2026, Kenya is hosting the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Nairobi.
*✓ Theme of the 21st Plenary Assembly*
"AMECEA's Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance."
*✓ Why should Catholics care?*
AMECEA is more than the beautiful melodies of the AMECEA Mass. It is a living expression of the Church in Eastern Africa walking together in faith, strengthening evangelization, forming leaders, promoting justice, and building communion among the local Churches.
Now you know why AMECEA is much more than a Mass setting, it is a shared mission of the Catholic Church in Eastern Africa.
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NOW YOU KNOW*
NOW YOU KNOW*Click here to view the ceremony at length.
