Youth converge in Nairobi to celebrate national mass
It was pomp and colour as hundreds of Catholic youth from across the dioceses in Kenya converged at the National Youth Centre for the National Youth Mass, under the theme, Rejoice in the Lord.
The annual celebration was marked with a procession led by youth from the Diocese of Nakuru followed by the mass servers, the priests and finally the bishops. Bishop Maurice Muhatia of Nakuru was the main celebrant.
In his homily, Bishop Muhatia told the youth that it was a day to reflect on the 10 commandments, to keep and be faithful to them.
He encouraged the youth to imitate Christ Jesus Christ is saying: I am the new temple and no matter how much you try to destroy it, I will rebuild it because the temple is eternal. He reminded the youth that they are the members of the new temple.
Bishop Muhatia cautioned the youth not to go against the will of God. Today there are many voices asking the youth to lower their ethical and religious standards, said Bishop Muhatia urging the young people to be firm in their faith in Christ. He reminded them that they are the hope, present and future of the Church. You have a lot of energy which can be channeled through self destruction or building yourselves. The answers to all our anxiety can only be found in Christ. The only true wisdom can be found in Christ.
The bishop further urged the youth to be generous to one another. He informed them that the whole Church was represented at the function through all the vocations; marriage life, religious life and priesthood. He called on the youth to be committed so they can live either of the vocation of the church through God’s guidance. He further stressed that all the vocations are important in the Church and none was superior to the other.
Present at the function was Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, the Bishop of Homa Bay and Chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference Commission for Pastoral, Lay Apostolate & Family Life, KEC Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Vincent Wambugu, National Executive Secretary Commission for Pastoral, Lay Apostolate & Family Life Rev. Fr. Charles Odira, the National Youth Chaplain Rev. Fr. Adrian Ireri, PMS National Director Rev. Fr. Celestino Bundi, Diocesan Youth Chaplains, other members of the clergy, religious and youth representatives from the Dioceses.