KENYA: “I Come with a Message of Hope, Pray for Me,” Newly Ordained Auxiliary Bishop in Maiden Speech
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Shortly after receiving the Episcopal ordination at Tumsifu Centre in Kenya’s Kisumu Archdiocese on Friday, February 27, Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Ouma Odundo asked the people of God for prayers and assured the congregation that he is ready to begin his ministry with a lot of hope.
In his maiden address, echoing the words from the Apostolic Nuncio’s homily, which he expressed, moved him deeply and were quite inspirational, Bishop Odundo said, “I am coming with the message of hope,” and also guaranteed the people of God his presence.
He reflected on the Nuncio’s words: Semper vobiscum sum, meaning “I am always with you,” and assured Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the Local Ordinary of Kisumu, of his service to the people.
Making his own personal pledge to the Metropolitan Archbishop, the Auxiliary Bishop said, “Your Grace, Sono sempre con te, I will always be with you.”
Bishop Odundo was equally clear about his role and said while addressing Archbishop Muhatia, “My main role is to assist the Archbishop. I promise you my support, and I will do my best to also implement your mission and vision of the Archdiocese.”
He reminded the faithful of the Archbishop’s guiding motto: Duc in Altum, Latin for “Into the Deep.” He noted that this vision calls the Church to move beyond the shallows of comfortable faith into deeper commitment and action.
Your Grace, he said, “together with you, we will get to the depths of our faith and of what we do for the Archdiocese.”
The newly ordained Bishop also used his maiden speech to thank all those who have supported him in various ways and attended the ordination event: Family members, Religious, clergy, the laity, politicians, especially his fellow priests, with whom they have journeyed together, and asked all to keep walking with him and praying for him.
