KENYA: Catholic Bishops head to Rome for Ad Limina Apostolorum
Catholic
Bishops in Kenya head to Rome for an Ad
Limina visit which is expected to take place from 13th to 17th April, 2015.
Bishops in Kenya head to Rome for an Ad
Limina visit which is expected to take place from 13th to 17th April, 2015.
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| Kenyan Bishops in group photo with Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Most Rev Charles Daniel Balvo |
Ad limina Apostolorum (Latin, meaning “to the
threshold of the Apostles”) was originally, in the Middle Ages, a
reference to a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome.
In modern times, it usually refers to the visits to Rome (to the tombs of the
Apostles, and to the Pope) that all Catholic bishops are required to make at
least every five years.
threshold of the Apostles”) was originally, in the Middle Ages, a
reference to a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome.
In modern times, it usually refers to the visits to Rome (to the tombs of the
Apostles, and to the Pope) that all Catholic bishops are required to make at
least every five years.
The last
time Kenyan Bishops went for their visit was eight years ago.
time Kenyan Bishops went for their visit was eight years ago.
According to
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Acting General Secretary, Very Rev.
Fr. Daniel Rono, the Bishops will have the opportunity to meet with the Pope,
visit the tomb of St. Peter to show unity with the pope, celebrate mass at St.
Peter Basilica to show oneness with the Bishop of Rome and solidarity with the
universal Church as well as meet different congregations namely: the
Congregation for the Propagation of Faith, Congregation for the Doctrine of
Faith, Congregation for Catholic Education and many other offices where they
will also present their concerns of the
happenings in Kenya and seek closer collaboration.
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Acting General Secretary, Very Rev.
Fr. Daniel Rono, the Bishops will have the opportunity to meet with the Pope,
visit the tomb of St. Peter to show unity with the pope, celebrate mass at St.
Peter Basilica to show oneness with the Bishop of Rome and solidarity with the
universal Church as well as meet different congregations namely: the
Congregation for the Propagation of Faith, Congregation for the Doctrine of
Faith, Congregation for Catholic Education and many other offices where they
will also present their concerns of the
happenings in Kenya and seek closer collaboration.
Fr. Rono
said some of the challenges that will be addressed during the meeting with the
Pope include
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| Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Rono |
the financial challenges facing the Church in Kenya, adding that
the Church has grown enormously in the past few years but the infrastructure of
parishes has not improved hence the need to put up more buildings and
churches.
He also
cited the need for good formation and sustainability of future priests and
religious men and women having seen growth in vocations in the last few years.
“Secular media condones evil by demeaning the voice of reason and the voice of
faith and as a Church in Kenya, we are facing a challenge on how to establish
and strengthen Catholic Media in the country to make the voice of the Church
reach as many people as possible” said Fr. Rono
cited the need for good formation and sustainability of future priests and
religious men and women having seen growth in vocations in the last few years.
“Secular media condones evil by demeaning the voice of reason and the voice of
faith and as a Church in Kenya, we are facing a challenge on how to establish
and strengthen Catholic Media in the country to make the voice of the Church
reach as many people as possible” said Fr. Rono
Fr. Rono
also noted that corruption and bad politics which divide the country along
tribal, political, economic and regional lines are also posing a challenge
despite the Church’s persistent endeavours to advocate for dialogue and
equitable distribution of resources.
also noted that corruption and bad politics which divide the country along
tribal, political, economic and regional lines are also posing a challenge
despite the Church’s persistent endeavours to advocate for dialogue and
equitable distribution of resources.
He confirmed
that the Kenyan Bishops will also have the privilege to visit different
Basilicas like St. John Lateran, St. Paul’s outside the wall and St. Mary’s
Major Basilica and eventually meet some of the partners who have always worked
with the Kenyan Church. He said it will also be an opportunity to meet the
Kenyan team studying in Rome, celebrate mass with them and also share a meal
with other Kenyans in Rome.
that the Kenyan Bishops will also have the privilege to visit different
Basilicas like St. John Lateran, St. Paul’s outside the wall and St. Mary’s
Major Basilica and eventually meet some of the partners who have always worked
with the Kenyan Church. He said it will also be an opportunity to meet the
Kenyan team studying in Rome, celebrate mass with them and also share a meal
with other Kenyans in Rome.
While
expressing hope for a fruitful moment, Fr. Rono appealed to all the Christians
and people of good will to pray for the Bishops during their trip to the Holy
See so that they may have a safe journey and a fruitful visit and that they may
be strengthened and energized to continue shepherding the faithful in Kenya.
expressing hope for a fruitful moment, Fr. Rono appealed to all the Christians
and people of good will to pray for the Bishops during their trip to the Holy
See so that they may have a safe journey and a fruitful visit and that they may
be strengthened and energized to continue shepherding the faithful in Kenya.
By Rose Achiego; Waumini
Communications, KCCB
Communications, KCCB
