Editor

By Odiwuor Opiyo

GARISSA, MAY 10, 2022 (CISA) – Newly consecrated Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa, Rt. Rev George Muthaka OFM Cap., on May 8, urged faithful in the diocese to consider religious vocations to continue growing faith both within the diocese as well as all over the world.

In his homily during his first Mass as bishop, the prelate while also celebrating Mothers’ Day asserted that the day, “is a day to pray for a vocation because we know that the Church needs workers who will continue to spread the gospel to the entire world and we recognize that in our diocese, we need priests and men and women religious who will continue with that work. In a special way, we know that there is a dearth of vocations in our diocese. So today, I urge the youth in our diocese, from Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River to listen to the voice of God and come closer and heed that call to carry out this important work.”

He also urged parents to motivate their children to take up vocations especially those with a calling to a vocation to grow faith in the future maintaining that it is among the priorities forwarded to him by the Holy Father after his appointment.

“We only have three diocesan priests so we have a great challenge as we need more priests to better fulfil pastoral work,” said the prelate who during his installation as bishop intimated that Garissa is geographically the largest in Kenya but with the fewest number of faithful.

“Even when schools close, the youth should attend seminars here where they will be guided on vocation,” urged Bishop Muthaka.

The former first African Provincial Superior of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins in Kenya, moreover, took the occasion to celebrate the mothers in the diocese, with his mother in attendance, on the Sunday of the Good Shepherd. The mass was animated by the Catholic Women Association (CWA) of the diocese of Garissa.

The youngest bishop in Kenya at 47 years, praised “A good shepherd is supposed to provide and to protect his flock…our mothers are the best shepherds since they provided and protected us… so we love our mothers, we cherish you, you are very important to us and God loves you. Thank you so much to our mothers, you are important to the church and our diocese.”