The Catholic Church observes a 40-day spiritual season of Lent, during which it campaigns to address the country’s social issues.
This year’s theme is “The Kenya We Desire.” It calls on every Kenyan to always desire a peaceful, just, and united country. One of the topics of this year’s campaign is corruption.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) on February 28, led thousands of catholic faithfuls to launch the Lenten Campaign 2025 in Mombasa at Mama Ngina Waterfront.
The main celebrant was Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa.
He was assisted by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba (Kisumu), Archbishop Antony Muheria (Nyeri), Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe (Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi and Chair of the Catholic Justice and Peace Department), and Bishop John Oballa Owaa (Ngong).
In his homily, Bishop Henry Juma Odonya (Kitale) urged Christians to embrace prayer, repentance, and acts of charity during Lent.
“The Word of God is light; the Word of God is our consolation in life. As human beings, we need Almighty God to guide us, to grant us wisdom so that we may live as human beings in harmony and unity for peace and development. The Word of God builds us, blesses us, warns us, and constantly directs us”, he narrated.
He continued:
“Today, we also officially launch the Lenten campaign, a 40-day period dedicated to deep reflection on the Word of God. This period helps us be guided, blessed, and directed by God’s Word on our journey as human beings, so that we may continue fostering unity and reconciliation among ourselves”
Reflecting on the book of prophet Joel, the prelate emphasized that “God wants us to rend our hearts, not our garments, that each one of us should look within and recognize our weaknesses”.
He urged all Kenyans to acknowledge their shortcomings, repent genuinely, and cry out for God’s mercy.
As Kenya marks the Jubilee Year of Hope, the bishop encouraged citizens to work toward a peaceful and transformed nation through faith and action.
During the event, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) called on all Catholics to pray for Pope Francis as he continues leading the Church.
The bishops urged the faithful to seek God’s strength for the Holy Father, especially during this Lenten season.
The bishops also introduced the weekly themes for Lent, focusing on key issues affecting the Church and society:
1. Week 1 – Family: Foundation of our Church and Society
2. Week 2 – Corruption
3. Week 3 – Youth: The Untapped Resource
4. Week 4 – The Role of Holistic Education
5. Week 5 – Care for Our Common Home
Several bishops, priests, and Catholic leaders attended the launch, including Bishop John Kiplimo Lelei (Eldoret), Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe (Kakamega), Bishop Joseph Maria Wainaina (Murang’a), and Bishop Wilbard Lagho (Malindi).
Also present was Very Rev. Fr. Jude Waweru, the General Secretary of KCCB, alongside numerous priests and faithful from across the country.
The event marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church in Kenya, as leaders encouraged unity, prayer, and action for a better nation.
In the next article, Chaduchinews will highlight the lenten calendar for this year.
