KISUMU, JANUARY 15, 2019 (CISA)-Bishop John Oballa Owaa of the Catholic Diocese of Ngong’ has called upon Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the new archbishop of Kisumu to always stand up and help in addressing socio-political and economic factors affecting the people in the region.
In his homily during archbishop Anyolo’s installation Mass at Uzima University College on January 12, Bishop Oballa noted that the people in the region have a strong sense of justice, and therefore will require guidance from their shepherd.
“The people of Kisumu are by the lakeside,” he said, further challenging him to “apply the wisdom, patience and the love to know which net to use for which fish.”
He added that the people in the region, “…will expect you as all people do as shepherds to address in their name concerns, and factors that may subject them to dehumanizing poverty.”
He championed for continuous collaboration between the new archbishop and the civil authority in advocacy for justice for the people.
“You are all aware of what the catholic church is capable of and has done in terms of development, in terms of contributing to democratic process and building matters of justice and peace, do support this new archbishop just as you supported the outgoing Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth,” he urged the government.
Bishop Oballa further urged the clergy and faithful to respect and obey Archbishop Anyolo and his office.
“One reason for the installation of an archbishop is to remind us that it is not merely a function, he is not merely an administrator keeper of only visible things. His office is exercised for a spiritual and pastoral purpose,”
“In your new archbishop you have a man of prayer, humility, dedication and patience and will do great things for you and with you and will inspire you to do great things in return,” he said.
