“What they have is theirs”: Catholic Bishop in Kenya Cautions Youths against Reliance on Parental Possessions

“Experience and utilize that opportunity they have given you by taking you to school. Do your best and aim for excellence,” said the Kenyan-born Catholic Bishop, who was appointed alongside Bishop  Simon Peter Kamomoe on February 13 to join Bishop David Kamau Ng’ang’a in assisting Archbishop Philip Subira Anyolo in the pastoral care of the people of God in ADN.

In his April 20 homily, Bishop Wallace also urged MYM members to consider themselves as a special group “chosen and set apart” by God Himself.

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN)

“We are called also to note that we are chosen and set apart like the apostles,” he said, and added, “The way they were set apart, they were with Jesus, they were journeying with him, then you have been set apart.”

He further said, “Many other young people are at home; they come to the Catholic Church, but today, you have been set apart to come here and to experience God’s glory and love today; so you are chosen.”

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Bishop Wallace also cautioned the group whose members are aged between 13 to 17 against worldly inclinations characterized with “a lot of dirt” (wrongdoing) and underlined the need for constant cleansing.

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN)

“We are called to live and walk in a world where there is a lot of dirt,” he said, and drawing inspiration from the biblical incidence of Jesus Washing the feet of His disciples, added, “He washed their feet because he knew they were passing in a world that has a lot of dirt. We need each day to know that our feet will get dirty, and they need to be washed by God.”

Bishop Wallace acknowledged with appreciation the participation of the MYM members drawn from the 120 Catholic Parishes of ADN, altogether 18,000, according to ADN Youth Chaplain, Fr. Victor Mbuthia.

ADN Youths Chaplain, Fr. Victor Mbuthia. Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN)

“There are many things we might have done which are not good,” he said, thanking MYM members, who participated in the April 20 Eucharistic celebration. 

The Catholic Bishop underscored the virtue listening among youths, saying, “We need to listen to his word; we need to listen to the guidance of our animators; we need to listen to the guidance of the Religious men and women; we need to go for Confession; we need to experience the love and that cleansing from the sacrament that we are partaking in.”

“May we every day be ready to be washed. Let’s also accept when we have gone astray that we allow ourselves to be washed, for many times, we do also mess,” he said.

Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN)

Bishop Wallace continued, “By washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus also gives us an example of how we should serve others. At your age, there are many things you can do for others; don’t say that I have nothing to do.”

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“When we pray while serving God, let us also be humble,” he implored, and explained, “Humility helps us to allow God to form us in His wish. Allow the spirit of God guided by our formators, teachers, and parents to change our lives.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.