ST. MARY IMMACULATE, THE 116TH PARISH IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI.
St. Mary Immaculate Parish, located in Kumura and part of Ruiru Deanery, has been inaugurated as a new parish by Archbishop Philip Anyolo. This parish, carved out from St. Christopher Parish, Kembo, marks a significant addition to the Archdiocese of Nairobi. The inaugural Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Anyolo, who was assisted by numerous priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Anyolo emphasized the crucial role of the Christian community in nurturing their Church and supporting their spiritual leaders. He highlighted that this responsibility is pivotal for the perpetuation of God’s work. The establishment of the parish coincides with the Advent season, a time of preparation for the birth of Christ and reflection on the broader Christian family.
Archbishop Anyolo urged the congregation to remain vigilant in safeguarding their families and upholding the sanctity of family life. He stressed the importance of discernment in shaping the life of their families and the Church, seeing it as the home of Christ. “To build a Church is to be fully present and to allow Christ’s presence to flourish. This is achieved through discerning the path for our families and the Church, creating a nurturing space for Him,” he said.
The journey of St. Mary Immaculate parish, Kumura began in 1979 as an outstation of St. Francis of Assisi. Following an official decree by Archbishop Philip Anyolo on 14th February 2023, it was declared a parish. Rev. Fr. Josephat Wanyoike has been appointed as its first parish priest, indicating a new chapter in the life of this vibrant Christian community.