MARSABIT, NOVEMBER 25, 2014(CISA) – Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Archbishop Charles Balvo has called on the faithful to unite and accept one another since in the Church there are no strangers.
Speaking during the celebration to mark the closing of the Golden Jubilee year of the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit on Sunday, November 23, Archbishop Balvo asked various communities in Marsabit to live in harmony despite their differences.
“If you read the history here, there are different people; Samburu, Borana, Gabra, Rendile, Turkana, Burji, Konso, El Molo, Daasanach and others,” he said, adding. “We are all one as members of the Church.”
“There are people here from all over the world and we are all one in Christ, we are one tribe and that tribe is Christian, the follower of Jesus Christ,” he stated.
Archbishop Balvo while presiding over the Eucharistic Celebration that took place at Our Lady Consolata Cathedral, Marsabit conveyed Pope Francis’ “prayerful greetings” to the priests, men and women religious and to all the lay faithful.
“His holiness prays that these celebrations will be for each member of the diocesan family, an occasion for a renewed pastoral encounter with Jesus Christ,” said Archbishop Balvo.
“He encourages all from the least to the greatest to acknowledge the dignity and mission arising from their baptism, to strive to put the name of Jesus everywhere known and loved, and to put the gifts given by the Lord at the service of harmony communion and peace in the church and throughout society.”
In his opening remarks, Bishop Peter Kihara of the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit thanked the local pastoralists for welcoming the first priests and missionaries who arrived in Marsabit.
“Step by step by the grace and the blessings of God, the Catholic faith like a small seed started germinating and it grew and now we are here to witness and enjoy its fruits,” he said.
“We pray to God to bless us all and bless the good seed that has grown to continue bearing fruits for his praise and bringing his people together,” said Bishop Kihara.
Several religious leaders, missionary representatives, and county government officials attended the ceremony.
The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit was formed in November 1964 under Bishop Charles Cavellera who was later succeeded by Bishop Ambrose Ravasi in 1981.
In January 2007, Bishop Peter Kihara was installed the third bishop of Marsabit Diocese which has 12 parishes and about 100 outstations.
