Mexico-Based Catholic Priest “excited to be back in Kenya” for 2026 Deaf Intercultural Exchange

Fr. Jose Martinez, a priest currently serving the deaf community in Mexico, is returning to Kenya for the Kenya-Mexico Deaf Intercultural Exchange scheduled for October 4–18, 2026. The priest, who previously served as chaplain to the deaf community in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, is traveling with two Mexican sign language experts to help improve the inclusion of deaf people within the Catholic Church.

The two-week program is promoted by the Guadalupe Missionaries through the Intercontinental Missionary Linkage Center of the Missionaries of Guadalupe. During an interview on Radio Maria Kenya-Nairobi on October 8, Fr. Martinez stated that using sign language is essential for making the Gospel accessible and for effective pastoral ministry among deaf people.

Aldo, a Mexican deaf Catholic leader accompanying Fr. Martinez, noted that the event follows a previous exchange held in Mexico in 2024. The program allows participants to share their cultures and pastoral experiences regarding ministry to the deaf.