PRAYER AND FASTING OVERCOME GLUTTONY AND HELP DISCOVER GOD’S CHARITY. CHRISTIANS ACROSS THE WORLD BEGIN LENTEN SEASON

“Prayer and fasting help us overcome gluttony and to discover the charity of God in our existence. By giving we receive. In forgiving we are forgiven. We become mindful of others.” Archbishop Philip Anyolo told Christians during the celebration of Ash Wednesday at the Holy Family Minor Basilica.

Speaking during the Mass celebration, His Grace also reminded Christians of the importance to rediscover their intimate relationship with God during the Lent season stating that peace can only be retained in society by forgoing evil and revenge from the past so as to live with one another in harmony in the present.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 2023 calendar year of the Lenten season under the theme; ‘Reconciliation for an inclusive nation’. This theme serves as a wake-up call for all to examine their conscience and reflect on how to improve their relationship as Christians and as a nation.

In this 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving, Christians are reminded of Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness. In His vulnerable state, he emerged a victor in good over evil. Lent calls on believers to set aside time to be intentional and focus on the life of Christ as well as emulate Him in His ministry and His sacrifices in their day-to-day life.

FIVE PRIESTS AND THREE DEACONS ORDAINED AT THE HOLY FAMILY MINOR BASILICA

Eight candidates have been ordained at the Holy Family Minor Basilica. Five deacons have been ordained to the priesthood and three seminarians to the order of diaconate. The Eucharistic celebration was led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, assisted by Bishop David Kamau and numerous priests.

The ordination ceremony, attended by a congregation of over 3,000 Christians from across the Archdiocese, was a testament to the faith and dedication of these individuals and the community that supports them.

In his homily, Bishop David Kamau emphasized that a priest is a teacher, pastor, leader, and a reconciler. He highlighted the indispensable need for priests in the Christian community, stating, “Our souls cannot rest without God.” He urged the congregation to pray for the priests as they pray for them.

Bishop Kamau also reminded the priests elect and deacons elect of the sacrifices inherent in their vocation. “The life of a priest is a life of giving oneself because without sacrifice, there is no life,” he said. He stressed the importance of prayer and living according to the word of God, acknowledging the challenges that come with such a devout path.

The newly ordained priests are Fr. Silas Ngaruiya Kanyara from Holy Family Parish Githunguri, Fr. Robert Chris Ndungu from St. Patrick’s Parish Thika, Fr. James Muniu Mwaura from St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish Ngenya, Fr. Joseph Njoroge Njuguna from Ss. Peter and Paul Parish Kiambu, and Fr. James Ngigi Mwaura, also from St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Ngenya.

The newly ordained deacons are Deacon Wilson Kamau Maina from Our Lady of the Assumption Kambaa, Deacon Anthony Makau Mbithi from Blessed Sacrament Parish Buruburu, and Deacon Gabriel Gathungu Mugo from Martyrs of Uganda Parish Gatundu.

POPE FRANCIS APPOINTS REV.DR. SIMON PETER KAMOMOE AUXILIARY BISHOP OF ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI

Father Peter Kamau Kamomoe was born on May 4, 1962. He is the son of the late Mr. Michael Kamomoe and Scholastica Gathoni. He is the fifth born in a family of 11.

He attended Muthiga Primary School, followed by his secondary education at Ituru High School for his O levels. His pursuit of higher education led him to Queen of Apostles Junior Seminary in 1984 for his A levels, marking the beginning of his Spiritual journey.

In 1986, Fr. Kamomoe joined St. Mary’s Seminary in Molo for Spiritual year. This was followed by philosophical studies at St. Augustine Seminary Mabanga from 1987 to 1988, and theological studies at Mathias Mulumba Tindinyo from 1989 to 1992.

He was ordained a deacon in 1992 at St. Mattia Mulumba Tindinyo, culminating in his ordination as a priest by the Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga on 18th June 1994.

Fr. Kamomoe has served in various parishes in various capacities, beginning with his appointment as the assistant Father in charge of Queen of Apostles Seminary and Parish on June 18, 1994. His path led him through several parishes, including Thigio, Mangu, Ndundu, and St. Matthias Mulumba Parish Thika.

He was appointed the Fr. In charge Our Lady of Fatma Kiriko Parish from 1998 to 1999, and later, in 1999 appointed the Fr. In charge Kiambu Parish.

In 2008, Fr. Kamomoe took on the role of Administrator at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, a position he holds to date.

His commitment to education and personal growth did not wane during his pastoral duties. Fr. Kamomoe pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Counselling Psychology from the University of Nairobi (2005-2008), a master’s in psychology from Tangaza University College (2013-2015), and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa from 2016-2021.

His passion for the family institution and as the Chaplain in the Family Life department has seen him author various books with an intent on family values namely. Marriage through a Priestly Eye, Mothers-in-law and Daughters-in-law and Root causes and solutions to the conflict.