Kenyan Chaplain Urges Inclusivity to Accommodate Youths Perceiving Liturgical Celebrations “as rigid”

Mombasa, 07 August, 2025 / 11:45 PM

The Chaplain of youths in Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa has emphasized the need to involve the young people in the planning of Church activities to address the perception some of them have that liturgy is “rigid and unwelcoming”.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the August 4-7 Annual Liturgy Convention held at Our Lady Mother of Africa Pastoral Centre in Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, Fr. Gregory Wachenje Mwakio said that youths are creative and the church should find a way to accommodate them.

“The Church needs to plan intentionally. Many youths feel left out or misunderstood, especially when they perceive the liturgy as rigid or unwelcoming. By planning with them in mind, we can help them feel seen and included,” Fr. Mwakio said during the Tuesday, August 5 interview.

Credit: Sr. Olga Massango

The Kenyan Priest reflected on his experience with young people as a chaplain and said that their creativity especially when it comes to Church activities should be embraced but at the same time checked.

“Young people, especially those I work with, tend to be creative,” he said and explained, “They like crowds and symbolism. I remember some creating mock ships to reflect how missionaries arrived by sea carrying Bibles.”

Even though creative and imaginative to such levels, Fr. Mwakio told ACI Africa that “such expressions sometimes need to be redirected.”

He said that young people find it difficult to understand the spiritual meaning attached to some of the Church’s activities including pilgrimages, which he said they see as just “mere trips or tours.”

Fr. Mwakio also highlighted youths’ lifestyle, including the dress code which he said is also part of the areas the Church needs to continue providing guidance, especially when it comes to the liturgy.

“Issues like dress code and drug use do come up, but the youth are aware,” he said and added, “they often make jokes, like asking me to ‘cast out’ certain behaviors.”

He explained “But as Pope Francis said, we need saints in jeans, sneakers, even caps. It’s not about the clothes. For unity and clarity, we do guide them. Working with youths requires wisdom and humility.”

“You walk with them; you dance with them—but you also show them the right path when the time comes,” the youth chaplain of Kenya’s Mombasa Archdiocese said on the sidelines of the convention held under the theme, “Journey of Grace: Liturgy as the Pathway of the Pilgrimage.”

Credit:Sr. Olga Massango

Asked what motivated him to attend the convention, Fr. Mwakio disclosed to ACI Africa his deep interest in the liturgy.

“I’ve served in several major events, including national launches, in the capacity of a liturgist,” the member of the Clergy of Kenya’s Mombasa Archdiocese said, and added, “That’s why I’m attending this convention. To participate and learn more.”

The Kenyan Priest who also attended last year’s convention that was held in the same Metropolitan See compared the two conventions.

“The architecture of the church this time is particularly striking—it’s shaped like a cross, and when you look up, it naturally lifts your gaze and spirit. It reminds me of the divine presence and the power of sacred space,” he said.

Credit:Sr. Olga Massango

He said the fact that this year’s convention comes at the time the church is celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year is quite unique.

“Christ himself brings us together and calls us to communion. This Jubilee Year reminds us that we are a pilgrim Church—moving in the same direction,” Fr. Mwakio said.

He explained further, “The Year of Hope has a powerful logo: it shows waves, a cross, and four people holding each other, anchored together in the storm. That’s how we should be—as pilgrims of hope, walking together, supporting each other in faith.”