KENYA: I have come with all humility to be among you, to learn and work to save the lives of the people of God, says Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua
Bishop King'oo addressing the clergy, religious and lay representatives from Machakos Diocese
On 9th July will remain historical in the Catholic Diocese of Machakos since it is the date the newly appointed Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua met the priests, religious men and women, and the lay representatives from the Diocese at St. Joseph pastoral center – Machakos.
In his speech, Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua said that he accepted the new appointment and that was the reason why he presented himself in person to the people of Machakos Diocese to assure them that he accepted the appointment and was ready to work with the Christians of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
“I have accepted the Pope’s appointment and I have come in person to assure you of my acceptance and with all humility to be among you and promise you that I am ready and willing to work with you in this great Diocese of Machakos,” Bishop King’oo said.
He urged Christians to put the many talents they have to use in order to help the diocese grow and develop.
presented himself to Christians in Machakos
Talking about his pastoral experience in the Catholic Diocese of Bugoma where he has served as a Bishop for 20 years, Bishop King’oo said that there were some challenges but he has seen the church grow. Having been out of Machakos for 49 years, he said that coming to back is a new experience and therefore he is ready to learn and walk with the people of Machakos in order to fulfill Jesus command that “Go out to the whole world and make all the people my disciples…”.
To the priests, religious men and women working in the diocese, their new shepherd, Bishop King’oo urged them to guide people with love and bring them to the truth. He asked them to love and treat the Christians well.
“Wherever you are, do all you can to love, help, and save the people of God. Assist them in all ways to go to heaven, otherwise at the end of the day we shall be accountable for our mission,” he said.
In his speech during the same occasion, the outgoing apostolic administrator Most Rev. Anthony Muheria congratulated Bishop King’oo on his new appointment and welcomed him in the Diocese. He thanked Pope Francis for giving the Diocese of Machakos a very special gift of a strong, experienced and hardworking servant.
Archbishop Muheria said that 0n 23rd June when the appointment of Bishop King’oo was made, his heart overflowed with Joy.
“My heart overflowed with joy upon hearing the news of the appointment of Bishop Norman King’oo wambua as the new Bishop of Machakos since God had answered the prayers of the people of Machakos,” Archbishop Muheria said.
He praised the priests, religious men and women, and the laity for their support, cooperation and good work in the Diocese. He said that in the last three years since the time he was appointed the Apostolic Administrator, he has worked harmoniously with all the groups in the Diocese. He in a very special way praised the priests for their obedience, cooperation, support and dedication in the pastoral field. He assured the new Bishop that the Christians of Machakos are ready to work with him.
On behalf of the Clergy, religious men and women and the lay faithful of Machakos Diocese, Monsignor Alfons mondiu thanked the Pope for giving the Diocese such a great gift of a shepherd. He congratulated Archbishop Muheria for his good work of leading the Diocese for three years.
Bishop Norman King’oo urged all the Christians to pray for him that he may be wise and do well for the years he will be in the diocese of Machakos.
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By Fr. Alphonse Mwema, Communications Coordinator, Machakos Diocese
