“It wasn’t easy”: Catholic Archbishop of Kisumu in Kenya on Rededication of Cathedral after Major Renovation

“The figures were scary at the beginning, but you did not hesitate for a moment to begin the work of God in the renovation of this Cathedral. St. Teresa’s Church, Kibuye, the Christian faithful, I pay a very special heartfelt congratulations to you,” he said.

Archbishop Muhatia further said, “Thank you for plunging into the deep end of the renovation of this Cathedral. It wasn't easy.”

Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu in Kenya. Credit: Radio Maria Kisumu

“I thank everybody who has contributed to the renovation of this church. The known and those who have chosen to remain unknown. May God continue to bless all of you of Kibuye because you are on the front line of the renovation of this Cathedral,” said the Local Ordinary of Kisumu Archdiocese, who doubles as the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).

He revealed that a total of US$2,970,000 was raised from supporting parishes, which he said demonstrates the unity of the wider Archdiocesan family.

While the Cathedral’s facelift was largely complete, he noted that further work on the roof would be needed, following recent heavy rains that exposed structural limitations.

Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu in Kenya. Credit: Radio Maria Kisumu

Referring to Haggai 1:3-11, where the prophet confronts the people for living in their comfortable, panelled houses while God’s Temple remains in ruins, Archbishop Muhatia challenged the people of God to always prioritize God’s house. 

He paraphrased Haggai 1:6, saying, “Because you have refused to dedicate yourself to the things of God, you have fallen for excuses. Because of this, you sow, you do not harvest; you eat, you don’t get satisfied. You drink, the wine is not even enough.”

The Local Ordinary of Kisumu Archdiocese, who started his Episcopal Ministry in February 2010 as Bishop of Kenya’s Nakuru Catholic Diocese contrasted the Israelites’ 18-year delay in rebuilding the Temple after exile with the Kibuye Cathedral’s nine-month accomplishment. He said, “But here we are, we are happy we didn’t take 18 years—we have taken 9 months.”

Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu in Kenya. Credit: Radio Maria Kisumu

He urged similar efforts in other historic churches across his Metropolitan See, including Nyabondo, Rangalla, Sega, Mbaga, and Gwak.

Credit: Radio Maria Kisumu

“The people of the Cathedral, you have opened the floodgates of good things to happen in the Diocese, and may God bless you abundantly because you have led from the front as the mother church,” Archbishop Muhatia said.

The Local Ordinary of Kisumu Archdiocese since his installation in March 2022 went on to recall Jesus Christ cleansing the Temple, warning Christians not to neglect their places of worship. 

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Credit: Radio Maria Kisumu

“Jesus Christ enters the temple and takes a whip. Houses of God are serious things. If Jesus came to this Cathedral today, He would be happy with the people of Kibuye and all those who have contributed to the renovation,” he said.

Archbishop Muhatia emphasized that the renovation was not only about physical beauty but also about spiritual renewal. 

Credit: Radio Maria Kisumu

 

“When we dedicate a church like this, we also dedicate ourselves. We rededicate ourselves to God and place ourselves at His feet, telling Him we will do as You command us to do. God bless you,” he said during the September 27 Eucharistic celebration.