BISHOP KAMAU CALLS ON RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS TO SAFEGUARD MEMBERS’ RIGHTS
More than 173 local superiors of religious institutes in the Archdiocese of Nairobi have been urged to strengthen servant leadership and safeguard the rights, dignity and obligations of religious men and women under their care.
Addressing the leaders presents during the annual meeting of local superiors held at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi, Rt. Rev. David Kamau, called on religious leaders to build communities founded on trust, respectful communication, reconciliation and mutual responsibility
The meeting, held under the theme, “The Role of Guardianship in Safeguarding the Rights and Obligations of Members in the Spirit of St. Francis,” brought together superiors from religious institutes serving within the Archdiocese
“As local superiors, you are called to be servant leaders and guardians of communion,” Bishop Kamau said, urging them to ensure that their communities become places where members can grow in their vocation and faithfully live out the charism of their respective institutes.
He particularly challenged the superiors to pay greater attention to the rights and obligations of members, noting that the Church recognizes the legitimate autonomy of Institutes of Consecrated Life while requiring governance to be exercised in accordance with universal and proper law.
“This calls us to reflect together on how we can strengthen our communities so that concerns are heard in good time, conflicts are addressed responsibly, and both superiors and members fulfil their respective responsibilities with charity, justice and prudence,” he said.
The meeting also sought to strengthen collaboration between the Archdiocese and religious institutes under the Office for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICL/SAL), particularly in advancing the mission of the Church.
The day begun with superiors participating in a seminar on the life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi conducted by Fr. Richard Wanyeki Ofm, where they were encouraged to embrace his simplicity and perseverance in responding to Christ’s call.
The Office for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life serves men and women belonging to various forms of consecrated life residing within the Archdiocese. These include Religious Institutes, Secular Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life, Public Associations, and Consecrated Virgins and Widows.
The office was formally established on 16 January 2023 by Archbishop Philip Anyolo and operates in accordance with Canon Law and diocesan norms. It represents the Local Ordinary in matters concerning the pastoral needs of consecrated men and women while collaborating with religious institutes to advance the mission of the Archdiocese.
The office also works with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Commission for Institutes of Consecrated Life, the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and Religious Superiors’ Conferences.
