‘BUILD COMMUNION, NOT COMPETITION,’ BISHOP DAVID KAMAU CHALLENGES CHRISTIANS AT THE 17TH ARCHDIOCESAN FAMILY DAY
The Archdiocese of Nairobi marked its 17th Family Day with a renewed call to Christians to strengthen unity, deepen their faith and build communities rooted in peace, servant leadership and responsible stewardship as the local Church continues to grow in its mission of evangelization.
The call was made by Rt. Rev. David Kamau, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, during the homily at the Eucharistic celebration held at St. Mary’s Msongari grounds, which was attended by thousands of the faithful from the Archdiocese’s 127 parishes. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, and concelebrated by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop Emeritus of Nairobi; Rt. Rev. David Kamau and Rt. Rev. Obed Muriungi Karobia, Auxiliary Bishops of Nairobi; and Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso, Bishop of Nakuru Diocese, alongside scores of priests.
In his message delivered by Fr. Michael Ndichu, the Archdiocesan Secretary, His Grace, Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, urged Christians to safeguard the unity of the Archdiocese by remaining rooted in Christ, describing the Church of Nairobi as “one family of God” journeying together in faith, communion and mission.
In the same message, Archbishop Anyolo called on the Archdiocese to continue growing as a synodal Church marked by communion, participation and mission, guided by the wisdom of God and the pastoral theme, “Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace: Guided by Christ to Build Peaceful and Faithful Leadership.”
In the same spirit of safeguarding communion within the Church, Archbishop Anyolo cautioned Christians against being drawn into worship or activities that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church. He particularly reminded the faithful of his earlier pastoral guidance concerning the Society of St. Pius X and the celebrations associated with Holy Cross Church, urging Christians to remain united with the Roman Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him.
The Archbishop clarified that the concern was not about love for tradition or reverence in worship, but about remaining in full communion with the Catholic Church. He encouraged Christians who may have been attending such celebrations and now desire to return fully to the life of the Church to approach their parish priests for pastoral guidance and accompaniment.
Recalling Christ’s words to the disciples during the storm, “Take courage; it is I. Do not be afraid,” Archbishop Anyolo encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in hope as the Archdiocese continues its mission of evangelization. He further urged families to deepen their prayer through the Rosary while praying for young people, peace in the nation and leaders of integrity.
That vision was echoed and deepened in the homily by Bishop Kamau, who challenged Christians to ensure that the unity celebrated on Family Day becomes a daily reality in homes, parishes and Small Christian Communities.
“We are one in Christ, despite our differences,” he said, reminding the faithful that the annual gathering proclaims the unity of the Church in the midst of diversity.
Reflecting on the Archdiocese’s pastoral theme, Bishop Kamau said every baptized Christian is called to become an instrument of peace, a faithful disciple and a servant leader after the example of Christ.
He further challenged Christians to examine whether their parishes and Small Christian Communities truly nurture Christian identity and discipleship by asking, “What kind of Church are we becoming? Are our parishes homes of peace? Are our Small Christian Communities places where people encounter Christ and grow as true disciples?”
Drawing from the Book of Sirach and the Letter of St. James, the Auxiliary Bishop reminded the faithful that true wisdom cannot be acquired quickly, but is sought through patience, perseverance and openness to God.
The day’s celebration also highlighted the Archdiocese’s pastoral journey over the past year. Archdiocesan Pastoral Coordinator Fr. Bernard Ndichu said Family Day was not only a celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on the fruits of evangelization and the continued growth of the local Church.
He pointed to the strengthening of parish and Small Christian Community leadership through elections and formation programmes centred on developing faithful, available and teachable leaders. He also linked the Archdiocese’s pastoral direction with the recently concluded AMECEA Plenary Assembly, saying the call to accompany young people with wisdom continues to shape pastoral ministry.
Beyond spiritual growth, Fr. Ndichu noted that the Archdiocese has continued its tradition of charity through support for Kwetu Home of Peace while honouring the legacy of the Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga, whose witness continues to inspire the local Church.
Echoing the day’s emphasis on shared responsibility, Archdiocesan Finance Administrator and Procurator, Fr. Simon Ng’ang’a, underscored the importance of sustainable stewardship in supporting the Church’s mission. He said Family Day contributions and other diocesan resources continue to strengthen evangelization, pastoral programmes, seminarian formation, care for retired and sick priests, property development and the expansion of the Church’s mission across the Archdiocese.
Encouraging the faithful to practise generosity beyond financial giving, he reminded them that offering one’s time, talents and care is equally essential in building a vibrant Church.
