Kenya: Bishops call for environmental conservation.

Rose Achiego Ande - Nairobi, Kenya.

The Bishops used the opportunity to also urge Kenyans to take care of the environment. “Conserve the environment, take care of trees and grow trees, do not cut them to burn charcoal,” the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu, Maurice Muhatia Makumba said in his homily.

Bishop Muhatia called on the pilgrims who thronged the Shrine to be responsible and pray for the conservation of the environment. “Through the intercession of Mary, we pray that we may conserve the environment,” he said.

Thanksgiving prayers for peace

Tens of thousands of the Christian faithful drawn from different dioceses congregated in Subukia to give thanks for peaceful general elections in Kenya. They also prayed for various national, family, and individual needs.

Speaking during the same function, the Bishop of Kitui Diocese who doubles as Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for the Pastoral and Lay Apostolate, Joseph Mwongela, thanked God for the prevailing peace while applauding Kenyans for maintaining peace before, during, and after the General Elections.

Pray and work for an end to corruption

Bishop Mwongela called on Christians to walk together in Christ and to continue the fight against corruption, reminding the congregation that the war on graft begins with one’s examination of conscience. “Pray that corruption may come to an end. Remember that the fight begins with you!” he said.

He, however, expressed happiness that this year’s National Prayer Day was well attended due to relaxed Government rules on Covid-19, unlike the past two years when attendance was restricted by law. The celebration was attended by more than 20 Bishops including the Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi, Cardinal John Njue.

The next national prayer day is slated for 7th October 2023 and will be animated by the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Nairobi.