KENYA: Apostolic Nuncio Reminds Christians to be Mindful of Persons Experiencing Drought in Kenya
Archbishop Kikuva and New Bishop of Mararal diocese Bishop Joya
Sr. Anne Henriette Owino
The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan Archbishop Hubertus van Megen has, during the Episcopal Ordination of the bishop elect of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal appealed that despite the joyful and glorious mood of the celebration in Maralal, “There is need to be mindful of persons who have lost their livelihood” due to lack of food and water.
“Take into account as many people that struggle outside there; that strugg
le in the bush and have sleepless nights on how to feed their children and themselves; people who are thirsty, sick and hungry, who are desperately looking for a way out,” Apostolic Nuncio said.
Archbishop van Megen added that “We want to include all those peoples in our prayers today who have lost their livelihood who are on the move looking for greener pastures, it should be our desire and prayer that the good Lord will finally make it rain over those desert places,” he continued during the 22nd October ordination.
He further expressed concern about the banditry, cattle rustling and murders in the territory of the Diocese of Maralal: “We pray that the attacks, stealing and murdering will come to an end so that we may live securely and safely in this country.”
He then encouraged the new Bishop to have courage as he begins his Episcopal Ministry in Maralal: “Dear Fr. Joya, do not be afraid to take this great task upon you because you will not carry the cross alone. Christ is carrying it with you; do not be afraid.” He continued “You are called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you would follow in his footsteps,” Archbishop Megen told the new Bishop.
Reflecting on the letter of St. Paul to Titus, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya told the new Bishop to emulate Christ in his leadership and embrace the virtues of a good leader.
You should be “blameless, not arrogant, not quick tempered, not violent, not addicted to alcohol, and not greedy for money,” Archbishop van Megen told Mons. Joya adding, “Be rooted in the word; be rooted in Christ; be that blameless Bishop that Paul speaks of.”
Bishop Hieronymus Joya IMC, aged 57, has succeeded Bishop Virgilio Pante IMC who served as Bishop of Maralal since October 6, 2001.
