KENYA: Catholic Bishops and Priests trained on dispensation of Sacrament of Penance
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications, KCCB
In a bid to mark this extraordinary year of mercy, the Catholic Dioceses of Kenya nad the Catholic University of Eastern Africa conducted a program to empower 11 Bishops and more than 70 Priests to be more pastoral in administering the sacrament of penance.
The empowerment programme took place during the Seminar on the works of the Apostolic Penitentiary (one of the Apostolic Tribunals whose competency is limited to the internal forum and granting of indulgences) held at Donum Dei spiritual Centre, Nairobi from 12th – 15th, September, 2016
The seminar was conducted by Regent of Apostolic Penitentiary H.E. Msgr. Krzysztof Nykiel and official of Apostolic Penitentiary Rev. Fr. Dr. Robert Lezohupski OFMConv from Vatican where Bishops and Priests were enlightened on how to be prepared to be effective witnesses and servants of Gods mercy in administering the sacrament of penance to God’s people so that each one in this year mercy may open up to be transformed, converted and come closer to Jesus and church so as to experience peace with God and with each other.
In an interview with Waumini News, the Vice Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Chairman of Canon Law National Office Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa, said it was very important for pastors to reflect on the apostolic penitentiary that grants dispensation and absolution of certain sins that are reserved, adding that, it was in line with the spirit of Amoris Laetitia (joy of love) on how pastors consciously and consistently give care to people of God.
“There are those who feel abandoned and neglected by the church on account of their state of life, those who are divorced, living in other unions, those who cannot receive Holy Communion for one reason or another, they should feel part and parcel of the family despite the challenges and spiritual difficulties that they face.” Bishop Oballa said.
Bishop Oballa added that, the more priests realize and contemplate on the ministry and mystery of Gods mercy, the more they will be available, attentive and welcoming to God’s people.
He expressed gratitude to the Vatican officials for conducting the seminar in Kenya, this being the first of its kind in Africa.
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