Lieutenant Colonel (Fr) Duncan Ndegwa commemorated his silver jubilee of priestly ordination on 29th July 2025 at St. Raphael Catholic Chapel situated at the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital(DFMH) in Nairobi County.
The solemn yet radiant Mass, infused with military tradition and deep spirituality, was presided over by Rt Rev Wallace Ng’ang’a, the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya; who anchored the celebration in themes of hope, sacrifice, and resilience.
Bishop Ng’ang’a, led the congregation in prayers of thanksgiving. The chapel, embedded within the military hospital, symbolised Fr. Ndegwa’s unique vocation which involves ministering equally to battle-hardened soldiers, recovering veterans, dedicated medical staff, and vulnerable patients.
Drawn from the Roman Catholic Jubilee Year 2025 theme; “Pilgrims of Hope,” Bishop Ng’ang’a lauded Fr. Ndegwa’s “unwavering commitment to God and country.” His voice resonated as he urged attendees to “be bearers of light” in turbulent times, echoing his recent call for Catholics to “share hope with gentleness.”
The Bishop also invoked divine strength for those serving in “the trenches of human suffering,” while reminding the faithful: “Priests too are human, they thrive on your prayers, love, and support.”
He specifically acknowledged Lt Col (Fr) Ndegwa’s parents for nurturing a vocation that has served “God and mankind across battlefields and hospital wards.”
Lt Col (Fr) Ndegwa reflected with humility onto his twenty five year journey; stating that it has been a journey of grace.
“Serving our brave Defence Forces, the hospital’s tireless staff, and the broken seeking solace, this is a privilege I thank God for daily.” he said.
Further, he extended gratitude to Bishop Ng’ang’a, fellow priests, military comrades, and the DFMH Community, alling them his family in faith and service.”
The celebration underscored the irreplaceable role of military chaplains in high-stakes environments like DFMH. Fr. Ndegwa’s Silver Jubilee stands as a testament to a life poured out at the intersection of national service and sacred calling, offering spiritual solace on the frontlines of defence and human suffering for a quarter-century. As the final blessing echoed, the chapel bore witness to a truth Bishop Ng’ang’a had proclaimed: “A soldier grounded in spirit serves with greater honour.”
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