KENYA: Muslim Cleric Joins the Catholics to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation
A Muslim cleric Sheikh Jamaldin Yahya from Kibra Muslim
Community joined the Catholic Community of Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, Kenya in
the Eucharistic celebration to mark the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation on
23rd June 2013.
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| Fr. Daniel (Left , holding a black folder) Parish Priest at Consolata Shrine |
The presence of Sheikh Jamaldin Yahya from Kibra Muslim
Community was very unique and added pomps of the celebration and expression of
how different Faith can accept each other and come together. Other invitees at
the celebration were Pastor Anthony Omolo from United Brothers in Christ Church
in Kibra, Pastor Elisha Omenda from Anglican Church of Kenya in Kibra, Pastor
Enos Omodhi from Uhuru Highway Lutheran Church and a representative from Hara
Krishna Temple in Parklands Nairobi.
According to Consolata
Shrine Parish Priest Fr. Daniel Bertea, the idea of inviting the Muslim cleric
and Protestant Pastors to the celebration was driven by the need to strengthen
friendship with other Christians Churches and believers from other religions
who are living within the neighbourhood. Fr. Daniel said, “It is a tradition in
this parish to hold a communal week of prayer for Christian Unity between 18th
and 25th January every year. We culminate the occasion by invited a
member of other churches to participate. For instance, last year we invited a
Cannon from St. Mark Anglican Church in Westland. This is an occasion for us to
create relationships,”
Shrine Parish Priest Fr. Daniel Bertea, the idea of inviting the Muslim cleric
and Protestant Pastors to the celebration was driven by the need to strengthen
friendship with other Christians Churches and believers from other religions
who are living within the neighbourhood. Fr. Daniel said, “It is a tradition in
this parish to hold a communal week of prayer for Christian Unity between 18th
and 25th January every year. We culminate the occasion by invited a
member of other churches to participate. For instance, last year we invited a
Cannon from St. Mark Anglican Church in Westland. This is an occasion for us to
create relationships,”
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| Parishioners Carrying the Statue of Our Lady during the Procession |
On the occasion marking the
Parish celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation, it was seen as
an opportunity to carry one with the relationship with people living in the
same community, but sharing a different faith affiliation or religion. Fr.
Daniel went to say, “As we live in the same community where we share the same
social concerns it is important to find occasions to create relationships; the
Solemnity of Our Lady Consolation is a family day for parishioners of Consolata
Shrine and therefore the idea came from members of the Parish Council that we
invite these people to celebrate with us as a family just like when you have a
family occasion such as wedding or anniversary; you invite all regardless of
religion.”
Parish celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Consolation, it was seen as
an opportunity to carry one with the relationship with people living in the
same community, but sharing a different faith affiliation or religion. Fr.
Daniel went to say, “As we live in the same community where we share the same
social concerns it is important to find occasions to create relationships; the
Solemnity of Our Lady Consolation is a family day for parishioners of Consolata
Shrine and therefore the idea came from members of the Parish Council that we
invite these people to celebrate with us as a family just like when you have a
family occasion such as wedding or anniversary; you invite all regardless of
religion.”
Fr. Daniel also explained
that even as they involve these non-Catholics in the celebrations; caution was
taken not to undermine their religions and beliefs. “We uphold full respect to
the Sheikh and the Pastors in regard to their faith and beliefs. Under no
circumstance did we try to undermine or influence them in any way. Our coming
together was for a common purpose that we all believe in one Supreme God and
one humanity.”
that even as they involve these non-Catholics in the celebrations; caution was
taken not to undermine their religions and beliefs. “We uphold full respect to
the Sheikh and the Pastors in regard to their faith and beliefs. Under no
circumstance did we try to undermine or influence them in any way. Our coming
together was for a common purpose that we all believe in one Supreme God and
one humanity.”
Pastor Enos Omodhi of Uhuru
Highway Lutheran Church when interviewed by AMECEA Online News said that when
he received the invitation, he thought about it and realized that it was wise
as Christians to be together in fellowship. “It is good to maintain Christian
unity as we are all united in the Body of Christ,” he said. In order to emphasize the unity that we share in Christ through baptism, Pastor Omodhi said,
“We are baptized in Christ and we profess one faith in the Apostolic Creed.” He
went on explain that we are all children of the Father and Creator, therefore,
the need for an occasion of worship to bring people together beyond the
boundaries that hold us apart. Pastor Omodhi said that he was happy and at
home with the procedure of the Catholic Mass and respectfully recognized that
it was a different way of worship.
Highway Lutheran Church when interviewed by AMECEA Online News said that when
he received the invitation, he thought about it and realized that it was wise
as Christians to be together in fellowship. “It is good to maintain Christian
unity as we are all united in the Body of Christ,” he said. In order to emphasize the unity that we share in Christ through baptism, Pastor Omodhi said,
“We are baptized in Christ and we profess one faith in the Apostolic Creed.” He
went on explain that we are all children of the Father and Creator, therefore,
the need for an occasion of worship to bring people together beyond the
boundaries that hold us apart. Pastor Omodhi said that he was happy and at
home with the procedure of the Catholic Mass and respectfully recognized that
it was a different way of worship.
SOURCE: AMECEA Communication Office
