RESILIENCE AMIDST ADVERSITY: HOW KENYA’S YOUTH EMBRACE FAITH IN A CHANGING WORLD
The Young Catholic Adults (YCA) Annual Mass of 2023 held at St. Peter and Paul Parish in Kiambu brought together hundreds of passionate young Catholics. Under the resounding message of “Stand out and dedicate your lives and all your endeavors to Christ, acknowledging Him as your founder,” the event served as a spiritual anchor for these youths.
Fr. Anthony Wakanyi, giving his homily to the over 1,500 youths, delivered an inspiring message urging them to become steadfast witnesses of Christ. He emphasized the significance of surrendering their lives and every aspect of their pursuits to Christ.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo, who was the main celebrant, encouraged the youth to channel their energy toward building the kingdom of God, emphasizing that by doing so, everything else in life would fall into place.
The theme of the gathering, ‘Eternal foundations: Making Christ the foundation of all that we do,’ resonated deeply with the participants. The Archdiocesan youth chaplain, Fr. Victor Mbuthia leading the discussions, challenged the young adults to approach life with rationality, consistency, and a focus on making continuous progress in all their endeavors.
Amidst the spiritual dedication of the event, young people face significant challenges. Among them, unemployment, and the pressures of modern life, from academic demands to social influences, can make it challenging for young people to stay true to their faith and values. Substance abuse and mental health issues are also on the rise among the youth, highlighting the need for support and guidance.
Despite these challenges, events like the YCA Annual Mass offer a source of hope and inspiration. They provide a platform for young Catholics to come together, strengthen their faith, and find encouragement in the shared pursuit of a Christ-centered life. Through spiritual guidance, mentorship, and community support through our chaplains, the youth can better navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining rooted in their faith.
