KENYA: Theme for 2024 National Prayer Day in Kenya Urges Christians to Reflect on Moral Uprightness
KCCB’s Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate Rt. Rev. Joseph Maluki Mwongela
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
During this year’s National Prayer Day at the Marian Shrine in Subukia situated in Kenya’s Nakuru Diocese, Christians have been asked to reflect on the essence of living according to the clear set of moral values that prioritize honesty, integrity, and righteousness.
In a message expounding on the theme for the 2024 Prayer Day “Journeying together in integrity as a family of God through Small Christian Communities (SCCs),” the chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said that integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility that fosters strong character and promotes ethical behaviour in all aspects of life.
“The true test of integrity lies in consistently making virtuous choices and upholding principles regardless of external influences,” Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu Archdiocese said in his message addressed to all Christians in Kenya and across the Eastern African region stressing that in the contemporary society “Where personal gains often tempt people to compromise their values, the significance of unwavering integrity cannot be underestimated.”
Even though there is a concern that the Church has lost her integrity and cannot be trusted because it “has lost its original purpose that has led some people to leave the Church,” the Archbishop calls the people of God to pray for the restoration of trust through a life of integrity.
“Being Church which integrity is being the body of Christ in everyday practice. It requires continual reformation and transformation,” reads the Archbishop’s message in parts as it continues, “The Church needs to foster integrity if it wants to be a credible witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
He notes that the Bible emphasizes the significance of integrity which defines the essential nature of the Church.
Without integrity, Archbishop Muhatia said, “All the beautiful words the Church preaches proclaiming the Kingdom of God will keep falling on skeptical ears, yet integrity is a quality that God expects from all His followers.”
On his part, the Bishop Chairman for the KCCB’s Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate Rt. Rev. Joseph Maluki Mwongela echoed the same concern on moral uprightness and pointed out that integrity is the cornerstone of trust and credibility.
He underscored that when an individual demonstrates unwavering integrity, “Their actions speak louder than words and people begin to recognize and respect their commitment to doing the right thing.”
“Whether it is in personal relationships, professional settings, or societal interactions, the presence of integrity creates an environment of honesty, transparency, and reliability,” The Local Ordinary of Kitui Diocese narrated adding that people are drawn to those with integrity since they are accountable for their actions, words and decisions.
Developing integrity in oneself, Bishop Mwongela said, goes beyond personal growth and extends to inspiring others since acts of integrity, “serve as beacons of hope reminding others of the inherent goodness that exists in humanity.”
The 2024 annual prayer day that was celebrated on Saturday, October 5, also marked the Golden Jubilee of SCCs in the AMECEA region and brought together representatives from other AMECEA countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, Sudan/ South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
