February 18, 2011
The Church in Kenya

At the end of the first full week in Kenya, our mission family from the United States learned more specifics about the local church they were visiting. The oldest dioceses of the 19 in Kenya are just under 60 years old; the Archdioceses of Nairobi and Nyeri, as well as the Diocese of Meru were each founded in 1953. The most recent local church in Kenya - the Diocese of Malindi - was established just 11 years ago, in June of 2000.

In his remarks to the group, Cardinal John Njue, archbishop of Nairobi, spoke of the young church in Kenya. "We are coming from far, we are still far and are going far," he said. He recalled the great missionary history in his country, remarking on the centenary celebrations that have taken place since 1990 to mark the arrival of missionary groups in various places throughout Kenya. Those celebrations were marked by great enthusiasm, he explained, a "recognition of the wonderful sacrifices of our dear missionaries."

But the cardinal was clear that the Catholics of Kenya now have a responsibility for evangelization. "The seed has been planted, and we need to make sure it is watered to grow properly," he said. "We too must leave a meaningful heritage to future generations, and we understand the importance of the missionary vocation of all.

"We encourage our dear Christians to live up to what we have received because of our dear missionaries," Cardinal Njue said.

In reviewing the various works of the Catholic dioceses in Kenya, the priority of those missionary efforts became clear. A Commission for Missions, headed by Bishop Anthony Ireri Mukobo, has as its primary purpose, "To raise awareness among Christians of their moral obligation to support the Universal Solidarity Fund and missionary activities of the Church."

"Keep us in your prayers," Cardinal Njue concluded his remarks. "May the Lord bless you and the people and the Church in America."

Before Cardinal Njue spoke at that February 18 meeting, Monsignor John Kozar, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, offered thanks for the gracious welcome the mission family had received from the Church in Kenya. "We've been uplifted," he said. "We've found a people who are loving, warm and very, very alive in their faith." Monsignor Kozar spoke also about the missionary heritage of the Church in Kenya, specifically the witness and work of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. "We are blessed to be here to celebrate with Maryknoll a century of service to the Church," he said. "Maryknoll has a distinguished record in Kenya and East Africa, and in so many places. We're uplifted as well by the presence of Maryknoll Fathers, especially Father Bob Jalbert, our co-host on this journey."

Photograph: Nancy Wiechec / CNS