ARCHBISHOP ANYOLO URGES MEN AND WOMEN RELIGIOUS TO PRESENT THEIR LIVES AGAIN TO CHRIST
The Mass to celebrate Feast of the Presentation of the Lord held at the Holy Family Minor Basilica (World Day for Consecrated Life) was held at the Holy Family Minor Basilica. More than 4,000 Men and Women religious (Priests, Brothers & Sisters) were present with Holy Mass presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Auxiliary bishop, His Lordship, David Kamau and Archbishop Emeritus, John Cardinal Njue
This annual celebration brings together persons in Consecrated Life to appreciate their sacrifices in the mission of Christ as His messengers in announcing His presence and in preparing the way for Him.
His Grace, lauded them for their service to humanity not just within the Archdiocese but beyond.
“Today, the Church pauses to look at you, the consecrated men and women of our Archdiocese. She does not look at you to admire perfection, but to thank God for a gift—one that is fragile, prophetic, and deeply necessary for our wounded world. Today we celebrate not first what you do, but who you are: men and women consecrated for peace, compassion, and mission,” he remarked.
This day which falls within this year’s proclamation by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV as the Special Year of St. Francis of Assisi, His Grace, reflected on the fragility of the human life in the current times where the world is in deep need of peace, yearning for compassion, and searching for meaningful mission. He reminded them of their true calling.
“Consecration is not an escape from fire; it is an entrance into it. God does not consecrate us to keep us comfortable. He consecrates us to refine us, to strip us of what is false, heavy, and self-serving, so that our lives may become a pleasing offering. Saint Francis understood this well. He allowed God to purify him through poverty, obedience, and humility.”
He further cautioned them that, “In a world that often seeks power, recognition, and control, consecrated life stands quietly but firmly as a sign that God alone is enough. Your vows are not negations; they are proclamations. They proclaim that peace is possible when we surrender. That compassion flows when we are purified of self. That mission becomes fruitful when God, not ego, is at the center.”
He encouraged them to be renewed with the spirit of compassion, and courage in mission just as St. Francis of Assisi was noting, Patience and perseverance as that of Simeon and Anna at the Temple is what brings the mission alive.
The ADN Institute for Consecrated headed by Rev. Fr. Martin Owor launched the 2026 edition newsletter for the Religious Men and Women. During the celebration 65 jubilarians celebrated their anniversaries in ministry. Six with Golden jubilees and 59 with Silver Jubilees.
