Nairobi, 17 January, 2026 / 3:00 PM
The leadership of the Commission for Liturgy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN) has issued pastoral and liturgical guidelines to help the people of God in the Kenyan Metropolitan See meaningfully celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God 2026, the annual event marked on the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, on January 25 this year.
In a circular dated Friday, January 16, and addressed to “all Priests working in the Archdiocese,” the ADN Liturgy Coordinator notes that the annual celebration “offers an excellent opportunity to deepen the Clergy’s and the faithful’s reverence for Scripture.”
Referring to the September 2019 Apostolic Letter of the late Pope Francis, Aperuit Illis, Fr. Bernard Kabiu notes that this year’s observance also marks the sixth Anniversary of the establishment of Sunday of the Word of God.
To highlight the central place of Scripture in the liturgy and in Christian life, Fr. Kabiu outlines several actions and practical suggestions for celebrations in Catholic Parishes.
Parishes are encouraged to organize a “Solemn Procession of the Word” after the Collect, involving parishioners carrying the Bible, accompanied by two candles and incense placed in a traditional African pot, he says.
According to the guidelines, “the procession should be accompanied by a sung hymn or chant focusing on the celebration of the Word.”
This is to be followed by the Enthronement of the Word, with a special elevated stand prepared near the Ambo or another suitable place in the sanctuary.
The Archdiocesan Commission for Liturgy instructs that the Bible remains enthroned from the Sunday of the Word of God until Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time, as a visible sign of its sacredness.
A traditional African pot with burning incense is also to be placed nearby, serving as “a visible and fragrant reminder of reverence for the Word,” while observing safety precautions.
Blessing of Bibles and adornment of the Ambo
The Commission has asked Priests to invite the faithful to bring their personal, family and Jumuiya (Small Christian Community) Bibles to Holy Mass on that Sunday. After the post-communion prayer, the Bibles are to be blessed using a prayer provided by the Commission.
Parishes are also encouraged to decorate the Ambo with flowers, appropriate liturgical colours, or banners that emphasize the centrality of the Word of God, using symbols such as an open Bible or a lamp to underscore the place of Scripture in the liturgy.
Proclaimers and Bible study
Another key focus is ministers of the Word. The January 16 circular calls for the commissioning of newly trained proclaimers who have completed liturgical formation, while already commissioned proclaimers are to be invited to renew their commitment.
Parishes are further encouraged to give proclaimers a special role in animating the Eucharistic celebration on that day.
Beyond the liturgy, Priests are asked to announce the launch or strengthening of parish Bible study programmes, responding to “the Pope’s call to grow in knowledge of Scripture,” and to offer resources and introductory sessions on biblical themes or reflections on the Gospel.
Guidance for the homily and bookmarks
The Commission for Liturgy of ADN has also emphasized preaching. In his two-page circular, Fr. Kabiu directs that “the homily on the Sunday of the Word of Cod focus on Scripture as the living Word of God.”
The member of Clergy of ADN adds that on this day, “the homily should draw deeply from the sacred readings, helping the faithful to understand the Scriptures and to relate them meaningfully to daily life (Aperuit Illis, 5).”
To encourage personal engagement with the Bible beyond Sunday Mass, Priests are advised that “you may distribute bookmarks or handouts with key Scripture passages to encourage personal reading of the Bible.”
The leadership of the Archdiocesan Commission for Liturgy also suggests Bible trivia activities, especially for children and youth, as a way of nurturing interest in God’s Word.
Importance of the celebration
Summing up the significance of the annual observance, the ADN Commission for Liturgy notes that “this celebration deepens our love for Scripture by inviting us to reflect on, study, and share God’s Word, so that it may shape our faith and daily lives as a parish community.”
The circular, which Fr. Kabiu signed and copied to the Pastoral Coordinator and all Deans concludes with the prayerful wish: “May God bless you all as we rejoice in the gift of His Word.”
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Sunday of the Word of God aims to strengthen Catholics’ connection with sacred Scripture and emphasise the living nature of God’s word in the Church’s life.
This year, the annual event is to be marked under the theme: “The word of Christ dwells among you”, drawn from St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
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