Front Row/Left to Right: Kayden Moore, Serenity Shahan, Kelsey Moore, Haylee Shahan, Father Boniface, Kameron Moore and Aiden Shahan. Back Row: Teddy Clark Marcella Dean, Austin Dean, Isaac Shahan and Patrick Clark. Photo submitted by Nancy Peterson
By Echo Menges
Twelve youth from St. Joseph Parish, joined by Father Boniface Kasita, parishioners and international guests, traveled to the Jefferson City Diocese on June 21 as part of a Jubilee Year pilgrimage celebrating faith, fellowship and Father Boniface’s 55th birthday.
The group left Knox County early Saturday morning at about 7 a.m. and returned about 12 hours later.
Friends of Father Boniface from Uganda — Charles Kawuma, his wife, Gloria Nansubuga, and their daughter, Hosanna Kawuma — met and traveled with the group. The trip coincided with Father Boniface’s 55th birthday.
The group visited the Cathedral of Saint Joseph and the Missouri State Capitol during their visit. The travelers also enjoyed gourmet pizza at Arris’ Pizza and ice cream at the Central Dairy Ice Cream Parlor.
Nancy Peterson; Matt and Bobbi Clark; Erin McAlvany; and Sadie Moore enjoyed the day along with Blake Dean, Marcella Dean, Isaac Shahan, Aiden Shahan, Serenity Shahan, Haylee Shahan, Kayden Moore, Kaneron Moorer, Kelsey Moore, Patrick Clark and Teddy Clark.
The youth pilgrimage marked a Jubilee Year event for the parish.
During a Jubilee Year, also known as a year of hope, Catholics are invited to renew their faith and hope, emphasizing reconciliation, forgiveness and a return to God’s grace.
The Jubilee Year officially began with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Dec. 24, 2024, and will conclude on Jan. 6, 2026.
