The Northern Deanery has held its first-ever Family Day at Good Shepherd Parish in Kakuma Town, bringing together Catholic faithful from different parishes for a celebration centered on unity, peace and service.
The event brought together clergy and faithful from across the deanery for Holy Mass, fellowship and reflection on the importance of peaceful coexistence and service to others.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, Most. Rev. John Mbinda, who urged Christians to remain united despite their diverse backgrounds and nationalities.
Bishop Mbinda noted that Kakuma is home to people from more than 10 nationalities, making unity and peaceful coexistence particularly important in the community.
“In Kakuma, we have more than 10 nationalities, and therefore there is need to leave behind our differences and stand united as we are in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mbinda said.
Reject Division
Drawing from the readings for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Mbinda challenged Christians to reject negative values such as envy, greed, jealousy, tribalism, hatred and backbiting.
He said such behaviors can hinder Christians from living according to the values of the Kingdom of God and called on the faithful to instead embrace humility, compassion and selfless service.
The Bishop cited Mary’s visit to Elizabeth after learning that she was pregnant as an example of putting faith into action through service to others.
“Just as Mary visited Elizabeth and helped her after receiving the news that she was pregnant, our lives are a gift to us to serve others,” he said.
Bishop Mbinda further encouraged Christians to take the lead in spreading the Gospel through good deeds, acts of mercy, peace, forgiveness and compassion.
Clergy and Faithful Gather for Fellowship
North Deanery Dean Fr. Lawrence Wambua thanked faithful from the various parishes for turning up in large numbers to mark what he described as an important milestone for the deanery.
The Family Day provided an opportunity for Catholics from different communities and backgrounds to pray together, strengthen fellowship and reflect on their shared Christian values.
The event also highlighted the role of the Church in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in Kakuma, a diverse community hosting people from different nationalities.
Among the clergy who attended were Fr. Aloysius, Fr. Walter, Fr. Evans, Fr. Francis, Fr. John Nzau and Fr. Peter, alongside Deacon Mapesa, Religious Sisters, Brothers and Seminarians.
The inaugural Family Day marked a significant moment for the Northern Deanery as Catholic faithful came together to strengthen their bonds and renew their commitment to peace, unity and service.
