The office of the Auxiliary Bishop involves assisting the Diocesan Bishop (Local Ordinary) in the pastoral care and administration of a diocese. Auxiliary Bishops are appointed by the Holy See, especially when the diocese is large or has a dense population. They share in the fullness of the priesthood with the Archbishop but have limited governing authority, primarily supporting the Local Ordinary in various ecclesiastical functions such as Confirmations, Ordinations, and representing the bishop at different events.
Auxiliary Bishops may also be assigned specific roles, such as Vicar General or Episcopal Vicar for particular groups and are often responsible for regional governance or special ministries within the diocese. They must reside within the diocese and work closely with the Local Ordinary, acting in harmony for the good of the diocese.
Unlike a coadjutor bishop, an Auxiliary Bishop does not have the right of succession upon the resignation, transfer, or death of the Local Ordinary. If the diocesan seat becomes vacant, the Auxiliary Bishop retains his previous faculties but does not gain additional powers unless appointed as Diocesan Administrator.
Below is a biography of the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi:
Bishop David Kamau Ng’ang’a was born in Ikinu, Githunguri, Kiambu County, as the second born in a family of four boys. His journey into the priesthood began with his early education at Ikinu Primary School in Kiambu County, which he attended from 1964 to 1970. He then joined Queen of Apostles Seminary in 1971, where he completed his secondary education in 1974. Bishop Kamau pursued his philosophical studies at St. Augustine Seminary, Mabanga, starting in 1975, and later moved to St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary for his theological studies.
He was ordained a priest on 10th January 1982 and began his priestly ministry at Our Lady of Visitation Makadara Parish. Over the years, Bishop Kamau served in various parishes and institutions within the Archdiocese of Nairobi, gaining significant pastoral and administrative experience. He also served as the Rector of St. Augustine Senior Seminary, Mabanga, where he played a crucial role in the formation of future priests.
On 22nd December 1999, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. He was consecrated as a bishop on 18th March 2000. In addition to his role as an Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop Kamau has also served as the Apostolic Administrator of both the Archdiocese of Nairobi and the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, providing leadership during critical transitional periods.