“We must be role models”: Catholic Bishop in Kenya to Catechists, Emphasizes Vocation

“If we are teaching people about the Sacrament of Matrimony, then we ourselves must solemnize our marriages. Because without the Sacrament of Matrimony, you cannot receive the Holy Eucharist. Without it, you cannot even receive the Sacrament of Confession. You are missing a lot,” he said, and added, “We must begin with ourselves and teach the things we believe.”

He continued, “If we are not properly married, then those we teach will simply follow the same path. Because, you know, we tell them to marry properly while we ourselves are not married. Why do you see their need but fail to see your own?”

“This work that Almighty God has given us is very important,” Bishop Kamomoe reminded the Catechists from the ADN and its Suffragan Dioceses of Kericho, Kitui, Machakos, Wote, Ngong and Nakuru.

He urged them to avoid carrying out their mission superficially, stressing the need to ensure that their work makes a real impact. “But it is also necessary that we begin teaching with our own lives. You cannot convince others unless they see you leading by example.”

The 62-year-old Catholic Church leader urged them to lay emphasis on the importance of the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Confession.

More in Africa

Missionary Congregation Joins Call for Prayers for 265 Children still Held after Nigerian School Abductions

Read the article

“I see some catechists going to Mass every day. That is very important, because the Eucharist and Confession are the two most powerful sacraments. That should be our emphasis, to ourselves and to our people,” he said. 

He added, “I do not know if you really know the importance of the Mass. It is so powerful. It brings great transformation. Do you know the power of the Eucharist? Do you know the power of the Holy Mass? That is what you should inspire, the power of the Eucharist.”

Bishop Kamomoe to ensure that the people of God they serve understand the importance of attending Mass noting that “sometimes even on Sundays some people are on and off. Those are the Christians we call ‘fair-weather Christians’.”

He said, “These are the things we are supposed to instill in everyone, children and all people learning the faith. Let us emphasize very much the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession. Because in the Eucharist and in Confession lies so much power.”

“So let us pray earnestly. Let us pray hard. It is not an easy task. But by the grace of God, we can do everything. With the grace of God, you will be able to do all these things,” said Bishop Kamomoe in his September 12 homily.