By Wairimu Ruth
NAIROBI, MARCH 16, 2021 (CISA) –His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has promised to remain active in the archdiocese despite his retirement.
“According to the canon law there comes a time when as a bishop you have to step aside… But even if I will be in Nairobi or not, I am still around for pastoral things and spiritual work,” said Cardinal Njue as he led a thanksgiving Mass organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi which he served for 13 years until his retirement.
The service was held at St Mary’s Msongari Sports Grounds on March 13, concelebrated by Bishop David Kamau now the Apostolic Administrator Nairobi archdiocese and Bishop Paul Kariuki of Embu diocese.
“There is time to come and there is time to go. I thank God for the time that we have been able to be together in this archdiocese. It was not the easiest thing for me in the beginning but then I said never say die, forward ever backward never,” Cardinal Njue said while thanking the leaders in the archdiocese and the faithful at large for their support.
“We thank God for you your Eminence, since you have been our dedicated shepherd. All this years you were a father to us all and your legacy will forever remain since you are very instrumental in the spiritual growth of all people in the archdiocese of Nairobi,” Bishop David Kamau said in his homily describing his predecessor as a dedicated shepherd.
During his apostolic service Cardinal Njue foresaw several physical developments in the archdiocese and led in uniting the archdiocese. He introduced the Pontifical Movement for Children (PMC) which has been uniting children from the various parishes. Through his inspiration the Catholic Women Association (CWA) and Catholic Men Association (CMA) memberships have increased. He has also created 15 parishes and 2 deaneries among other achievements.
Cardinal Njue was born in 1944 and took over Nairobi diocese in 2007 following the retirement of the late Archbishop Ndingi Mwana Nzeki. He retired as the fourth archbishop of Nairobi after attaining the age of 75. He previously served as Coadjutor archbishop of Nyeri from 2002 to 2007 and Bishop of Embu from 1986 to 2002. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2007.
