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Families in Kenya Urged not to Burden Children in Consecrated Life

Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma. Credit: Capuchin TV
Nicholas Waigwa

By Nicholas Waigwa

Bungoma, 04 December, 2025 / 3:53 pm (ACI Africa).

The Bishop of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Bungoma has called on families to allow their children who have embraced Consecrated life to serve God freely.

In his November 4 homily during Holy Mass for the Perpetual Profession and Jubilee Celebrations of members of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, Bishop Mark Kadima Wamukoya urged parents and relatives not to draw the Religious away from their primary commitment to the Lord.

“Allow these Religious to serve the Lord. You have handed them over. Leave them to their vocation. Let them live in peace,” Bishop Kadima said during the event that was held at the Christ the King Cathedral of his Episcopal See.

He added, “Nephews and nieces, leave them alone as well. They have no money for school fees. Let them be faithful to the Lord. Do not demand their faithfulness at the expense of their vocation.”

He noted that some families place burdens, such as financial expectations, that interfere with the vocations of their sons and daughters in Consecrated life.

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In the November 4 homily Bishop who began his Episcopal Ministry in February 2022, also reflected on what he outlined as the four key principles that characterize the religious life, including recognizing God’s love, cultivating gratitude, embracing obedient service, and remaining centered on Christ.

“God already loves you, and He is the one who put this vocation in you,” he said, urging those in Consecrated life to remain confident in God’s love even when human affirmation is lacking.

He said, “My dear sisters and my dear brothers and anyone, including myself, let us not worry so much, complaining all the time. God loves you.”

Bishop Kadima urged the four Sisters who were making their perpetual profession and the seven who marked the silver jubilees to always embrace the spirit of gratitude, noting that it is by being grateful that one gets to “see the mercy of God.”

“Be thankful for everything, even suffering. Thank the Lord that he has given you a chance to imitate His Son on the Cross,” the Kenyan Catholic Church leader said.

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He added, “In suffering, Jesus Christ has taught us that there is nothing impossible with God. That is the hallmark of our being.”

Highlighting the Christ-centered nature of Religious vocation, Bishop Kadima encouraged Sisters and Priests to remain faithful to their promises and steadfast in their journey, even when challenges arise.

“To be centered in Jesus Christ means you are faithful,” the Bishop explained and added, “Be faithful to that calling. Be faithful to the promise you make. Be faithful to the move you have made.”

He further urged the Sisters to always be ready to obey their superiors and embrace community life.

“Don't create your own communities. You want to live alone. What's wrong with you? Where the Superiors sent you, stay there,” the Bishop said.

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He added, “We must be ready to go where we are sent, to do the work assigned, to accept any apostolate. Don't be choosy, and do not fear. God is leading; you are not alone.” 

Nicholas Waigwa

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.