This is a 60 year ride of struggles, graces, a journey that transforms a young boy to a fully grown man who finds himself loving Kenya. A journey of challenges, some very sweet challenges that Fr Marino has faced squarely with a lot of trust and faith in God eventually becoming a priest.
From a corroded childhood in Martina Franca, Taranto, Italy a boy teetered on the brink of death. Despite prayers clawed their way from his throat, a desperate bargain with a God from his hospital bed. The answer came a lifeline thrown from the heavens. That salvation by the Almighty was such that he devoted the next part of his life as priest.
Fr. Marino's journey is still unfolding(continues to unfold). His zeal and resilience in the priesthood; in understanding his parishioners from the 'kijiji' to those in the upper echelons of society will definitely open a greater horizon in his life.
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Chapters56958
Words2500
pBook Sold5280
PDF SoldReflection
Hope blooms in the face of adversity
Through pronounced a lost cause, Marino's parents refused to let hope raze away like smoke unfurling from a house in quick scratches on a cold winter day.
Love Conquers all
The Gemma family's distinct love for their little child Marino, fuelled their relentless fight. Their bond, forged in the fires of adversity, transcends the ordinary
Knowledge is power, but curiosity is catalyst
Driven by an insatiable thirst for answers, the family explored every avenue, defying limitations and shattering boundaries. Their journey underscores the crucial role of curiosity in pushing past the horizon of the known and unlocking new possibilities.
Faith shines a guiding light
In the face of the unknown, the Gemma's clung to their faith.
Persistence pays off
Despite the setbacks and pronouncements of futility, the family never surrendered. This ultimately led them to the breakthrough they desperately sought
Every life deserves a fighting chance
Marino's case underscores the inherent value of every human life.
Gratitude unlocks joy
Despite the hardship, the Gemma's never lost sight of Gratitude. Their appreciation for the small victories, the moments of respite that surrounded them reminds us that even in the mdst of trials, a thankful heart can lightthe way towards joy.
Suffering refines resilience
Marino's story is not just of medical triumph but of the human spirit's ability to grow through adversity. His illness forged a family bound by unconditional love, unbounded hope, and an unyielding resolve, leaving behind an imprint of resilience.
Sample Chapters
Get a taste of what's in store for you with these sample chapters!
Chapter 1
A death knell echoed through the gemma household, leaving parents Mary and Francis clinging to a sliver of hope for their six-month-old son, Marino. The news arrived in a baritone boom, shattering the porcelain peace of the Gemma household like a dropped crystal decanter....
Chapter 2
A young Marino, now a teenager, embarked on a new chapter. The walls of the hospital became his home. Here, he encountered a dedicated Consolata Brother Paul Ferrari who offered him daily religious instruction. Mass and even communion became woven into the fabric of his days, nurturing a burgeoning faith....
Chapter 3
The sun, a molten coin in the twilight sky, was dizzying into a fall, slumbering groggily into the volcanic rim of the Great Rift Valley. While it did so, it cast long shadows accross the dusty "Iringa" expanse. This was the backdrop for a tradition as old as the baobab trees themselves - the sending of the first-year theology students to Tanzania....
Chapter 4
The Nothern Kenyan landscape unfolds like an overexposed photograph, dominated by vivid and intense colour palette Thatreflects the harshness of it's environment. The prevalent hues are bright and blown out, a visual of the relentless sun that governs this region....
Chapter 5
Assuming the role of an assistant Parish Priest for which he had been assigned, Father Marino found himself working with the diocesan priests of Maralal. For an uninterrupted span of four years and a half, he took a deep dive into the demands of this local community , seeking not only to fulfil his ecclesiastical duties but to also cultivate deep and meaningful relationships with people he served....
Chapter 6
Ok, the first feeling was that Father Marino did not believe he had been appointed the Parish Priest of Consolata Shrine. Father Marino's initial reaction to his appointment as Parish Priest of Consolata Shrine was one of disbelief....
Chapter 7
Stepping into the creaky parish office floors of Consolata Shrine felt like Marino had unlocked the doors to a cherished past. It was a homecoming of the soul, one he needed urgently and fervently after time in the Northern frontier of Kenya....
Chapter 8
Back to the cobbled streets of Rome, the familiar swoosh of the Metro and the old, unhurried lifestyle of the Italian population, Fr. Marino found himself boarding to train to Martina Francain Taranto to the familiar shores of his homeland....
Chapter 9
Fr. Marino's pastoral endeavours in Italy were met with resistance and misunderstandings, leaving him at a crossroads....
Chapter 10
As his time in Kent drew to a close, he got a call. "What? Back to africa?" Marino's eyes widened, his voice laced with disbelief....
Chapter 11
In the heart of Karen, a suburb of Nairobi, kenya lies a little windy road just off Dagoretti Road, past the African International University. That Road is not new to pilgrims for they know it's windy pathway from the way before it was tarmacked into a well paved road compelete with side walks....
Choose a chapter
-
Chapter I
- Heavy Lifting -
Chapter II
- Early Days -
Chapter III
- Tanzania -
Chapter IV
- WAMBA - Bridge To New Geography, New People -
Chapter V
- MARALAL - Bridge To More Souls -
Chapter VI
- CONSOLATA SHRINE - The Administrative Bridge -
Chapter VII
- CONSOLATA & KILELESHWA CHURCH -
Chapter VIII
- ITALY & UNITED KINGDOM - Returning To Centre -
Chapter IX
- UK, KENT - Turning Inward For Solutions -
Chapter X
- MARSABIT - Back To Kenya -
Chapter XI
- Karen Resurrection Garden
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purchase nowMessages from readers
@Eric B Ochieng - Advocate of the High Court, Nairobi Kenya
"Fragile to Fierce is an unapologetic candid biography that is objective with a beautiful literary precision and mastery of the English language equally commands attention in an unprecendented riveting reading style"
@FrancisMaina - former English Head of Department, Starehe Boys Centre & School
"Fr Marino grew Fierce as a modern day missionary. His work is captured so aptly and graphically in this masterpiece. As one who taught Richard English at Starehe Boys' Centre, I cannot be prouder seeing the splendid product of those efforts"
@Mrs Phyllis Kimbo - Former chairperson Consolata Shrine Parish Counsil
"The book is a must read, very captivating and in true Fr. Marino's style, you may have been able to pour yout heart out through the many challenges and successes that define who you are today. No doubt, the book is immensely inspiring and encouraging to those dreaming or aspiring to join priesthood"
@Fr Paul Guarise
"Here is a great, vibrant life-story, carrying an important message for readers especially the youth that go through many challenges in adolesence or young age"
@PeterNdungu
"It is fascinating to read how Fr Marino managed to overcome a life-threatening condition to become a respected servant of the Lord. It's such a pleasure to accompany him on his physical and spiritual journey that truly proves the magnaminity of God"
@JangAdamz
"An irresistible Biography. Excellent capture of the character of a man inside Rev. Fr Marino Gemma who has over the years tirelessly encapsulated the cardinals of our faith of the traditions, Bible as well as the Magisterium of the church and a testament to the calling and power of God to give sustenance"
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About the authors
Cover Design
Arnold Lakita & Damaris Muthoni
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Joseph Jang'iro
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A Biography by Richard Kitheka Mbindyo
This Public Realtions expert isn't your avarage writer. He is a graduate teacher having graduated from Kenyatta University(2001) and studied further over the years.