Catholic Men Association
Empowering Men for a Good Church, Family, and Society
The Catholic Men Association of Kenya (CMA) is an ecclesial movement dedicated to bringing together practicing Catholic men to take an active role in evangelization and social development. With a strong emphasis on spiritual formation, the CMA strives to empower men to become beacons of faith and service in their homes, churches, and communities.
A History of Service and Empowerment
The CMA’s roots can be traced back to 1947 when the Association of the Catholic Men of the Catholic Action of Italy conceived the idea of an international movement. The idea gained momentum when Cardinal Giuseppe Pizzardi of Italy presented it to Pope Pius XII, who welcomed it and declared it an ecclesial public movement of the Catholic Church.
In Kenya, the CMA was introduced by Catholic missionaries at various times, with the Missionaries of Austria establishing the association in Nakuru in 1983, marking the first Diocesan-level CMA inauguration in the country. An Interim National CMA committee was formed in 1983, facilitating the introduction of CMA in other dioceses and hosting ICCM meetings.
Mission and Vision: A Guiding Light
The CMA’s vision is to effectively form and empower all Catholic Men Spiritually, Socially, and economically toward eternal life. Their mission is to promote the family institution through companionship (spouse), fatherhood (children), and active participation in church for the evangelization and sanctification of humanity.
Guided by this vision and mission, the CMA has made significant strides in empowering Catholic men across Kenya. The CMA fellowship at St. John The Evangelist Parish, for instance, has witnessed a remarkable growth in membership, revitalizing the group and fostering a strong sense of community among its members.
Spiritual Empowerment at the Core
Spiritual empowerment lies at the heart of the CMA’s activities. The group organizes regular spiritual talks and retreats to nourish the souls of its members. These initiatives have not only strengthened the faith of individual members but have also fostered a deeper sense of unity within the group.
Social Development Projects: Making a Tangible Impact
The CMA’s commitment to social development is evident in its Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN) CMA Gender Projects. The Social Development Project (SDP) targets men already in the church, providing them with savings and credit opportunities, self-reliance training, and social empowerment programs.
The Beacon Boy Project (BBP) addresses the unique challenges faced by boys, equipping them with spiritual guidance, life skills, and empowerment to become responsible and contributing members of society.
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
With its unwavering commitment to spiritual formation, social development, and empowering Catholic men, the CMA stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in Kenya. The group’s open and welcoming nature invites all men to join their movement and contribute to building a good church, a good family, and a good society.
As the CMA continues to grow and expand its reach, its impact on Kenyan society is sure to deepen, fostering a generation of men who are spiritually grounded, socially responsible, and dedicated to making a positive difference in their communities and the world at large.