NAKURU OCTOBER 2, 2015 (CISA) – The National Eucharistic Congress, organized by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops begun today at the Village of Mary National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru.
According to Rev. Fr Charles Odira (Dr) the conference’s National Executive Secretary, Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate, over 20,000 participants from all the Catholic dioceses in Kenya are expected to attend the event.
Fr Odira noted that the national prayer day is also a preparatory event that will see the church in Kenya set ground for the coming of Pope Francis in November 25-27.
“We had not foreseen the Pope’s coming by the time we were planning for this event but, we have made it a preparatory event for the Holy Father’s apostolic visit where the Church in Kenya will come together to pray with him,” said Fr Odira.
“This year it was essential that we involve the bishops, Christians, religious and clergy to come and pray here for the Eucharist which is the centre of Christian life,” he told CISA.
Today’s event began with Holy Mass, praying the Rosary, participation in the Way of the Cross, Eucharistic adoration and vigil by the religious and the consecrated people as part of the celebration of the year of consecrated life.
Fr Odira added that national prayer meeting was a preparation for the forthcoming 51st International Eucharistic Congress that will be held in Cebu, Philippines, January 24 to 31, 2016, on the theme “Christ in you, our hope of glory.”
On Saturday October 3, there will be a procession and Holy Mass at 10.00am followed by speeches from the bishops.
