BEACON BOYS URGED TO BUILD CHARACTER AND LIVE WITH PURPOSE
More than 4,000 Beacon Boys accompanied by their mentors gathered at St. Mary’s Msongari Grounds for the 2026 Beacon Boys Annual Mass, where the young boys were challenged to build strong character, take responsibility and live purposeful lives.
In the homily, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, Rt. Rev. David Kamau, reminded the boy child on the great responsibility entrusted in them of leading the next generation through service to others.
“To be a Beacon Boy is to be responsible. To be a human being is to be responsible,” he said, encouraging the boys to support one another, help their parents and remain committed to their studies.
He challenged them to consider how they could make a difference in the lives of other boys, reminding them that responsibility and service developed early can prepare them for future leadership in the Church and society.
Caritas Nairobi Director, Fr. Peter Kiarie, in his speech, acknowledged the importance of the programme in the church as it responds to challenges facing boys, including low self-esteem, drug abuse, lack of identity and lack of confidence, by providing consistent guidance, positive role models and safe spaces.
Under the 2026 theme, Building Character and Inspiring Excellence the programme focuses on spiritual and moral formation, character development, discipline, personal responsibility, academic excellence and life skills.
He further reminded the boys of the importance of safeguarding, urging them to speak up and protect themselves from verbal, emotional, physical and sexual abuse.
The Caritas Nairobi, Gender and Youth Coordinator, Maryanne Sambigi, handling this programme through the SDP- Catholic Men Association, said the programme has continued to record positive transformation among participants, including improved discipline and behavior.
The coordinator, attributed the programme’s growth to the commitment of Catholic Men Association (CMA) members, priests and mentors. She however appealed to the deaneries yet to embrace the programme to join and help support the young generation. The day culminated with sport activities in the afternoon that brought the boys together in shared unity and togetherness.
