ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI LAUNCHES LENTEN CAMPAIGN 2025
The Archdiocese of Nairobi has officially launched its Lenten Campaign, led by Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, the Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi and Chair of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Catholic Justice and Peace Department. The launch which took place at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Buruburu, was attended by over two thousand Christians, CJPD members and their priest chaplains.
The event commenced with a symbolic walk, flagged off by Bishop Kamomoe, as hundreds of Christians joined him in a procession from Njiriri Marketi n Buruburu, chanting Lenten hymns. This year’s campaign theme, “The Kenya We Desire,” calls for a renewed focus on moral integrity, justice, and peace in society.
During the homily, Bishop Kamomoe who is also in charge of the Family Life Department in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, reflected on the state of the nation, urging Christians to critically examine their roles in shaping Kenya’s future. He emphasized that, national transformation should begin at the grassroots level, and more importantly within the family unit, which serves as the basic foundation of society.
“The call to have the country we all desire comes from a true critique of our homes in the family setup, as it is the basic foundation of society. When the family is raised with strong Christian values, we should not have issues of corruption, lack of accountability, or moral decay in society,” he stated.
He further encouraged the faithful to align their desires for the nation with the values of God’s kingdom, noting that true change, starts within individuals before it can manifest in the society.
“During this Lenten season, we are called to reflect deeply on our desires for our country and ask ourselves if they align with the values of the kingdom of God. The desire for change is not just about transformation- it should begin in our hearts and, in return, radiate into the very fabric of our society,” he said.
His Lordship also urged Kenyans to pray for the nation amid the ongoing social injustices, economic hardships, and political instability, emphasizing that prayer must be accompanied by tangible action.
“A Christian’s call is not just to pray for Kenya but to actively seek the welfare of our nation in every sphere of life,” he advised.
The Lenten Campaign, spearheaded by Kenya’s Catholic bishops, will guide the faithful through five weeks of reflection and action, each centered on a key thematic area:
1. Week One: The Family – Foundation of Our Church and Society
2. Week Two: Corruption
3. Week Three: Youth – The Untapped Resource
4. Week Four: The Role of Holistic Education
5. Week Five: Care for Our Common Home
Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begiins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at on Holy Thursday evening. During this season, Christians reflect on Christ’s sacrifices and suffering leading to His crucifixion and resurrection at Easter.
