KENYA: “The Kenya We Desire Begins with Us,” says Bishop Odonya at the Launch of Lenten Campaign 2025 by KCCB
Sr. Henriette Anne, FSSA
At the launching of Lenten Campaign 2025 by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in Mombasa at Mama Ngina Waterfront on 28th February 2025, Bishop Henry Juma Odonya of Kitale Diocese has called upon the faithful to embark on a journey of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and shaping the “Kenya We Desire”.
“As we begin Lent, it is a time for reconciliation, acknowledging our weaknesses, and recognizing God’s power in our history as human beings. We should align ourselves with this divine power and allow God to rule over us and guide us, so that our nation may flourish in righteousness, in the knowledge of God, and in service to Him, leading to development for all”.
Bishop Odonya posed a crucial question to the congregation: What kind of Kenya do we desire? What do we wish to pray for in our country? What do we want to fast for? And are we ready to help our neighbors?
In his homily, Bishop Odonya reminded the congregation that the word of God is a source of light, guidance and consolation, and that as human being we need the word of God to live in harmony and peace.
“The Word of God is light; the Word of God is our consolation in life. As human beings, we need Almighty God to guide us, to grant us wisdom so that we may live as human beings in harmony and unity for peace and development. The Word of God builds us, blesses us, warns us, and constantly directs us”, he narrated.
He continued “Today, we also officially launch the Lenten campaign, a 40-day period dedicated to deep reflection on the Word of God. This period helps us be guided, blessed, and directed by God’s Word on our journey as human beings, so that we may continue fostering unity and reconciliation among ourselves”
Reflecting on the book of prophet Joel, the prelate emphasized that “God wants us to rend our hearts, not our garments, that each one of us should look within and recognize our weaknesses”.
He urged all Kenyans to acknowledge their shortcomings, repent genuinely, and cry out for God’s mercy.
“As a nation, each one of us must examine their conscience, recognize their weaknesses, and repent. We should cry out and mourn over our sins, for we have wronged God. When we look at our families and workplaces, we see many weaknesses. We need to return to our God, to rend our hearts, and to plead for His mercy”.
The Local Ordinary of Kitale Diocese also encouraged the faithful to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God through sincere prayers, to give without recognition, and fast with sincerity and not as a public show of piety.
“When we pray, let us go into our inner rooms and speak to God in humility. True prayers are not about public recognition but about communion with creator, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, when you fast, anoint your head with oil, and wash your face so that only your father who sees in secret will know”.
