KENYA: Thousands attend Papal Mass in Nairobi despite the heavy rain
Ten thousands of people from Kenya and beyond
braced the heavy rains of Thursday morning to attend Pope Francis’ first
open-air Mass on the continent of Africa at the Nairobi University Grounds.
braced the heavy rains of Thursday morning to attend Pope Francis’ first
open-air Mass on the continent of Africa at the Nairobi University Grounds.
Heavy rains started showering on Wednesday
evening in the City of Nairobi after the arrival of the Holy Father on which
people hailed it as “God’s blessing.”
evening in the City of Nairobi after the arrival of the Holy Father on which
people hailed it as “God’s blessing.”
Many of the worshipers, who arrived from
outside of the City of Nairobi, spent the night outside in torrential down pour
in order to take part in the Mass this morning. People started arriving
at the venue of the Papal Mass as early as 3.00 AM despite of the heavy rains
which were showering until morning.
outside of the City of Nairobi, spent the night outside in torrential down pour
in order to take part in the Mass this morning. People started arriving
at the venue of the Papal Mass as early as 3.00 AM despite of the heavy rains
which were showering until morning.
The Holy Mass at the University of Nairobi
grounds, which was televised by many local and international channels, and
shown live on giant television screens in neighboring Uhuru Park grounds, near
the University of Nairobi grounds, help an many as an estimated one million
people to attend this event.
grounds, which was televised by many local and international channels, and
shown live on giant television screens in neighboring Uhuru Park grounds, near
the University of Nairobi grounds, help an many as an estimated one million
people to attend this event.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy, Mr.
William Ruto, were among the top leaders who
William Ruto, were among the top leaders who
attended the ceremony. Leaders
present looked to be very keen following Pope’s homily which was given in
Italian language and translated in English.
Pope Francis stressed on the importance of
working together to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of
human dignity; promoting family values and human dignity. “May you always be concerned for the needs of the poor,
and reject everything that leads to prejudice and discrimination, for these
things, we know, are not of God,” he said.
working together to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of
human dignity; promoting family values and human dignity. “May you always be concerned for the needs of the poor,
and reject everything that leads to prejudice and discrimination, for these
things, we know, are not of God,” he said.
Concluding his homily, the Holy Father
quoted the KCCB theme of his visit by urging Kenyans: “Stand strong in Faith!
Do not be afraid!” For you belong to the Lord.
quoted the KCCB theme of his visit by urging Kenyans: “Stand strong in Faith!
Do not be afraid!” For you belong to the Lord.
The Roman Pontiff finished his Homily in Swahili words: Mungu
awabariki! God bless you!); Mungu abariki Kenya! (God bless Kenya!).
awabariki! God bless you!); Mungu abariki Kenya! (God bless Kenya!).
By AMECEA Online News Reporter
