By Arnold Neliba
NAIROBI, JUNE 25, 2021 (CISA)-The Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen while leading the Consolata Missionaries in marking the Golden Jubilee of the Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, challenged faithful to lead the Country in spiritual revival against injustice.
In his homily delivered June 20, Archbishop van Megen while reflecting on the biblical relevance of jubilee year, invited the faithful to
look at the dark sides, things that went wrong, sins, secrets and scandals and how we can overcome and do it better in the next fifty years.
“Kenya is in need of a spiritual revival, of people who speak out against corruption, immoral behavior, who stand up for the oppressed as Mary herself did… Our faith is not something only for our private home; it is not something about praying the rosary every day and then it is done. Our faith needs to have consequences in our daily lives, in our families but also in schools or at work and political life, and the courts, the police, streets.”
“May our Mother Consolata intercede for us not only in this parish but the society in Nairobi and Kenya that we will be examples of truthful Christians. That we will contribute to the further development of society. That we will speak out against injustice, lies and immoral behavior. That we don’t lean back to confront evil in our societies, or in our families,” he said.
The archbishop noted that marking a golden jubilee is a time to appreciate those who have worked in the parish.
“50 years is a long time, many priests, missionaries, parishioners have come and gone. You can make a whole list of many people who have come and gone and had put their shoulder in the construction of this parish and today would be a day to be grateful for all these people,” the nuncio noted.
“On the behalf of Consolata Missionaries we want to thank the Lord for this gift that he has given to us as a gift of fifty years of evangelization and presence in this community of the Consolata Shrine. We thank all those who began this wonderful work; some of them still around while many of them have died,” Fr Zachary Kariuki the Vice-regional superior of Consolata Missionaries Kenya/Uganda region said.
According to Fr Kariuki, the development witnessed in the parish over years is immense.
“As Consolata Missionaries we congratulate you for the milestones and appreciate you for the many great things you do to us. You have become part of the family.”
To mark the day, the Apostolic Nuncio unveiled a statue of Blessed Joseph Allamano erected at the entrance of the Allamano Center.
The Consolata Shrine became a parish on April 3, 1971.
