KENYA: Archbishop elect Anthony Muheria accepts his appointment with gratitude
The newly appointed Archbishop of Nyeri Most Rev. Anthony Muheria.
Archbishop elect of Nyeri Most Rev. Anthony Muheria has expressed gratitude to Pope Francis and the people involved in his appointment process for considering him worthy to lead the flock in the Archdiocese of Nyeri.
Most Rev. Anthony Muheria.
In an interview with Waumini Communications, Archbishop elect Anthony Muheria said, “it is a great sign of trust that the Lord has shown through The Holy Father, the Nuncio and all those who considered it worthy that I serve in Nyeri Archdiocese.”
Bishop Muheria who received the news of his appointment with shock and surprise said, his expectation was that, Pope Francis would appoint a Bishop for Machakos Diocese where he has been serving as an Apostolic Administrator.
“I have been praying and hoping that the Holy Father will appoint a Bishop for Machakos Diocese” He said
Though heartbroken to leave the people of Kitui, Bishop Muheria expressed his love for the Archdiocese of Nyeri adding that he is looking forward to learn and work together with the Priests and the people of Nyeri in continuing the work of the current Archbishop.
“Nyeri is a diocese that I have a great love for, I am in touch with Archbishop Peter Kairo who nurtured me as a young priest. I am glad that the Lord has sent me there and I am looking forward to work together with the people there.” He said.
Bishop Muheria together with the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan Charles D. Balvo and Nyeri Archbishop Peter Kairo are now planning for an official visit to meet the priests and the faithful of Nyeri ahead of his installation which will be communicated at a later date.
In a confidential letter dated 21st April, 2017 and sent to Kenyan Bishops by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan His Excellency Charles D. Balvo, the news of the appointment was officially made in Rome on Sunday, 23rd, April, 2017 at noon (1.00 p.m. Kenyan time)
The letter read in part “I have the honour and pleasure to inform you that Pope Francis has appointed the Right Reverend Anthony Muheria presently Bishop of Kitui as Archbishop of Nyeri.”
Archbishop Muheria’s appointment follows the retirement of Most Rev. Peter Kairo after attaining the retirement age of 75 years in September last year.
Until his appointment Archbishop Muheria was the Bishop of Kitui and the Apostolic Administrator of Machakos following the appointment of Most Reverend Martin Kivuva to the Archdiocese of Mombasa.
He was born on 27th, May, 1963 in Murang’a Diocese, ordained Priest of Opus Dei 13th, June, 1993, he was appointed the Bishop of Embu on 30th, October, 2003 and ordained Bishop of Embu on 10th, June, 2004. On 28th, June 2008 he was appointed the Bishop of Kitui Diocese.
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By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications KCCB
