KENYA: Cardinal Njue Radiates Peace and Unity as Azimio Brigade Resumes Nationwide Anti-government Protests
His Eminence John Cardinal Njue Anoints One of the 90 Confirmands of the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Family Day Celebrations, Sunday July 2, 2023
Elizabeth Asasha
“Let us pray for our leaders that as they have been elected they may be instruments of unity and avoid all confrontations that will never bring peace but more divisions and diversion,” His Eminence John Cardinal Njue appeals.
The Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi Archdiocese His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, has appealed for peace and political tolerance among Kenya’s political elite in the wake of the new administration’s strict economic policies, which have prompted the opposition brigade to retake to the streets for the nationwide anti-government protests.
Cardinal Njue has appealed for prayers for unity among individuals, families, and the entire nation while highlighting the ongoing political standoff in Kenya in his opening remarks at the St. Paul Catholic University Chapel and Parish on Sunday, July 2, during the 54th family day celebrations.
“In an occasion like this, praying together as a family, let us also pray for unity in our country; Mwenye masikia anasikia na mwenye macho anaona (‘He who has ears hears and He who has eyes sees’),” said the prelate as he urged the country’s political leaders to resolve their disagreements amicably in order to foil perilous polarization and ensuing bloodshed.
“There is a lot of vuta nikuvute (push and pull) going on in our country but is it beneficial to the governed when we have this kind of tottering in leadership?” wondered Njue and added, “Absolutely not!”
He entreated those present at the annual Family Day Celebration held at the University of Nairobi’s Chancellors Court (Graduation Square), to pray for cognitive sobriety and unity among the warring political pacts.
“Let us pray for our leaders that as they have been elected, they may be instruments of unity and avoid all confrontations that will never bring peace but more divisions and diversion,” appealed His Eminence Njue who continued, “We confidently pray and hope that the Lord will change the hearts and minds of all the elected officials to prioritize the interests of the electorate and resolve the existing issues in a positive way rather than in a confrontational way.”
He further urged those at the helm of authority to set a good example for other societal groups urging them to beam out peace in their deeds, “So that that unity with those who are in the frontline may remain ingrained in their sons and daughters to grow up with the same spirit of unity.”
He continued to justify the need for prayers of peace and unity in families, “And not only that but also let us pray for the direly needed unity in our families.”
Inviting the congregants to recite the Lord’s Prayer, the 79-year-old prelate who hails from Kiriari, Embu County, Kenya said, “We have to pray together that prayer that the Lord taught us and it is indeed a prayer of Unity and as we pray, let us beseech for unity within ourselves, in our families, communities, Church and in a very special way pray for unity in our country.”
The Cardinal advised men to utilize their role as family heads to strengthen marital ties and maintain peace and unity in their respective families, “Baba kumbuka wewe ndiyo kiongozi katika hiyo familia na wewe ndiyo unaweza kuleta huo umoja zaidi kwa hivyo nakuomba musameheane na ule umoja mlipatiwa siku ya ndoa na ndoa yenu iendelee kudumu ”(read ‘To fathers, remember that you are the leader in that family and you are the one who can bring more unity, so if you are having any wrangles, I ask you to reconcile and let the unity you were granted when you received the Sacrament Holy Matrimony so that your marriage may last.’)
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor (VC) of Strathmore University, who lauded the spirit of unity in families while emphasizing the day’s theme, “A family of God walking together United in Faith, Hope, and Thanksgiving.”
“Today’s theme is centered on family, that we are united in faith as a family and this is one thing all of us should treasure; the one thing that will keep you growing in this world.” Said Dr. Ogutu who took over the VC office from Prof. John Odhiambo who had served for 15 years.
Dr. Ogutu encouraged the different age groups in a family to be understanding when while walking together as a chosen family of God, saying, “You need to walk with everyone at the pace at which they can move; those who walk slowly try to keep up with the older group, but the bigger ones should equally be patient with the younger ones, bound by love, which is the third aspect in our Family Day’s theme this year.”
“When everything is collapsing around you, if you defend your faith, if you go deeper in your faith that will be your life anchor; that is what will be your shield and defender so feed your faith and keep it alive.” Gospelized the Doctor of Philosophy holder.
During the during the Family Day ceremony, 90 confirmands, the majority of whom were children, received the Sacrament of Confirmation, through which a baptized Catholic is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
Cardinal Njue exhorted the community of believers to pray for the newly confirmed candidates to live existentially in their own identities and to become genuine witnesses of Christ wherever they go as they demonstrate the closeness of God to his people.
“Let us keep asking God to give us the grace and strength to live existentially, especially in our own identity as members of His own body.” Said Njue who was Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in the consistory of 24 November 2007, of the Title of Preziosissimo Sangue di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo (Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ).
The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition resumed nationwide anti-government remonstrations on, Friday, July 7 (Saba Saba Day), coined Saba-Saba on July 7, 1991, as a traditional protest date in commemoration of the protests held across Kenya, to demand the creation of a multi-party system and the expansion of democratic space.
The Family Day celebration was the first in three years for the Catholic community of St. Paul Catholic University Chapel and Parish as they had never gathered in thanksgiving as a family since the Covid-19 pandemic plagued the country on March 13, 2023.
Family Day, a customary solemnity in the Catholic Church brings together parishioners on the Feast day of their patron saint. The faithful from all outlying churches that constitute a parish gather as one family to break bread together and mark the day with a line-up of activities including the conferral of Catholic sacraments and blessing of families as they emulate the Holy Family of Jesus, His Blessed Mother, Mary and St. Joseph who are a model for all Christian families.
