JOY AND JUBILATION AS THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI CELEBRATES ITS FAMILY DAY 2023
The Archdiocese of Nairobi marked its 14th Family Day, a gathering that brought a multitude of faithful from the 119 parishes at the St. Mary’s Msongari Grounds. With the theme, “A united family, strong in faith journeying together in spirit and truth,” this holistic celebration witnessed a strong show of unity and devotion among the participants.
The main celebrant was Archbishop Philip Anyolo and concelebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau, Emeritus Archbishop John Cardinal Njue, Bishop of Ngong Diocese John Oballa Owaa, Hassa Florent Kone, Bishop of San Diocese in Mali, and approximately 170 Priests. The vibrant Immaculate Heart of Mary Deanery, Mang’u, played an instrumental role in animating the Holy Mass; their choir led in the songs melodiously while the Youth and the PMC danced liturgically making the celebration one of its kind.
The Archbishop’s homily resonated deeply, urging the Christians to embrace unity and love within the broader context of Jesus’ family. Addressing the congregation of approximately 20,000, he emphasized the significant role of the sacraments in drawing us closer to God, “As baptism calls us to a sin-free life, the Holy Eucharist demands love for one another” he stated.
A significant moment during the event was the launching of the Archdiocese of Nairobi Strategic Plan 2023-2027 by the Archbishop. This strategic plan will create a roadmap on how the archdiocese will achieve its mission holistically empowering all people through evangelization and sustainable human development.
The Archbishop also announced the creation of a new deanery, Kabete Deanery, which has been carved out from the Central Deanery. The Parishes under the new deanery include Holy Trinity Parish Kileleshwa, St. Catherine of Siena Parish Kitusuru, Consolata Shrine Westlands, St. Austin Parish Msongari, St. Joseph Parish Kangemi, St. Raphael Parish Kabete, and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish Ridgeways.
This brings the number of deaneries in the Archdiocese of Nairobi to 15. The Archdiocese currently has 119 parishes following the recent creation of these parishes; Mary Immaculate Parish Kumura, St. Raphael Parish Kabete, Divine Mercy Parish Kenyatta Road and St. Francis of Assisi Parish Mwihoko.
The Archbishop announced that the next family day will be held on 10th August 2024.
