KENYA: Utilize the Year of Mercy to heal the nation, urges bishop
Left is Rt. Rev Dominic Kimengich and on the right is Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina of Muranga Diocese
The Catholic faithful and Kenyans at large have been encouraged to utilize this Year of Mercy to reconcile and heal the wounds that the nation has suffered.
Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina of Muranga Diocese
Speaking during the National Liturgy convention at Little Daughters of St. Joseph in Nairobi, The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Liturgy and the Bishop of Lodwar Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich said that Pope Francis has provided a good opportunity for people to forgive one another. “The Year of Mercy is relevant in our country today. There are many challenges and wounds to heal. It is time to integrate the people and live together.” he said.
Bishop Kimengich urged the religious and the clergy to extend God’s compassion through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy such as feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, burying the dead, giving alms to the poor, instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.
He also challenged individuals to seek indulgence by confessing their sins and go through the doors of mercy which have been opened in different dioceses and parishes across the country “Tap into graces and blessings and ensure you are prepared spiritually to receive God’s forgiveness.” He advised.
The Year of Mercy was announced by the Holy Father Pope Francis late last year. It is an extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is a Roman Catholic period of prayer held from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), 2015, to the Feast of Christ the King (November 20), 2016. Like previous jubilees, it is seen by the Church as a period for remission of sins and universal pardon focusing particularly on God’s forgiveness and mercy.
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB
