Bishop of Marsabit Diocese calls for greater youth participation in the Catholic Church

By Silvio Nangori

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, on thursday presided over Holy Mass at St. George Parish in Laisamis Deanery, where he called for greater inclusion of young people in the life, leadership and decision-making processes of the Church.

The Mass brought together young people from across the Diocese of Marsabit who are attending a week-long workshop aimed at strengthening their faith and deepening their participation in the mission of the Church.

Several priests from different parishes concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration, including Fr. Ben Agunga of Don Bosco Parish, Korr; Fr. John Lekamaya of Kalacha Parish,the Parish Priest of Laisamis, Fr. Isaiah Ekalo,; Fr. Augustine Ledude, Fr. Daniel Ibalanga, Fr. Daniel Lelerai, Fr. Benjamin Lepati, Fr. Pista Christian,; Fr. Emmanuel Galgidhele the Diocesan youth chaplain, and Fr. Stephen Mutuku of Loglogo Parish.

In his homily, Bishop Kihara reflected on the call of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) to journey in faith with young people. He stressed that young people must be involved at every level of the Church’s life and should not be left behind in the Church’s synodal journey.

The Bishop said that the youth leaders who will be elected at the conclusion of the workshop will be invited to participate in the Diocese of Marsabit’s annual general meeting (AGM), where they will represent the voice of young people.

He further noted that the Diocese is nearing the completion of its five-year strategic plan and is preparing for the next planning period. Young people, he said, will be fully involved in this process by contributing their ideas, offering recommendations and highlighting the challenges they face.

Bishop Kihara expressed his personal commitment to ensuring that young people are included in the Diocese’s plans and programmes. He added that the Bishops of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) acknowledged that the absence of the young people from some of the church processes in the past had concerned them and called for a new approach in which the youth are active participants rather than passive recipients.

“I want to hear your vision, your recommendations and the new ideas you have for the growth and development of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Marsabit,” the Bishop told the young people.

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, Bishop Kihara urged the youth to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation. He referred to Christ’s teaching on forgiving and encouraged the young people to let go of past grievances while looking towards a better future.

He also reflected on the message of the Prophet Ezekiel concerning Israel’s broken covenant with God. Through the prophet, God called his people back to faithfulness, demonstrating his desire to restore his relationship with them.

The Bishop reminded the faithful that God is a merciful and patient God who forgives because his people are his children. He encouraged the young people to extend the same spirit of forgiveness to one another.

He urged them to forgive each other, build healthy relationships and cultivate unity, noting that strong and positive relationships are essential for their personal lives as well as for the growth and mission of the Church.

The celebration at St. George Parish, Laisamis Deanery therefore became not only an occasion for worship, but also a strong affirmation of the important place of young people in the present and future life of the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit.