What Kenyan Committee for Cause of Cardinal Otunga’s Sainthood is Doing to Make His Virtuous Life Known

“Our books have become so effective that even in places we cannot physically reach, the books can still reach people,” she said referring to publications on the Kenyan Servant of God such as “Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga” that Humphrey Sipalla Jr. authored, “Cardinal Otunga” by Sr. Beatrice Iguem of the Daughters of St. Paul, and Cardinal Otunga: A Gift of Grace, which Margaret Ogola and Margaret Roche authored.

“These books, which had previously gone out of stock, are now available, and the committee emphasizes their role in reaching places they cannot physically visit,” Sr. Praxides told ACI Africa during the September 6 interview.

Dinner in support of the beatification process. Credit: Paulines Publications Africa

The Nairobi-based FSP member, who is in charge of the committee’s communication said that the committee has also produced children's books about Cardinal Otunga, with a focus on teaching the younger generation about the virtues of the Servant of God.

“One of the key virtues they are promoting is Cardinal Otunga’s deep love for family. We want these books to reach deep into the family,” Sr. Praxides said, noting that the committee is also drawing attention to the Cardinal's teachings on salvation and family values.

She said that the outreach has extended beyond parishes to educational institutions with the committee holding public lectures at Catholic institutions of higher learning in Kenya such as the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Hekima University College (HUC) and Tangaza University (TU).

Credit: Paulines Publications Africa

The committee members also engage social media with regular posts on the Kenyan Servant of God, forums that facilitate networking with Kenyan Episcopal Sees that benefited from the late Cardinal’s ministry such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisii, and Kisumu, Sr. Praxides said.

Cardinal Otunga Liturgical Calendar 2025 has also been published in support of the beatification of the Kenyan Servant of God.

Credit: Paulines Publications Africa

In the interview with ACI Africa, Sr. Praxides lamented that a section of younger Priests and some women and men Religious, who did not experience the life and ministry of Cardinal Otunga do not know much about him. “The committee is working to address this through their parish visitations, with plans to visit various parishes to reawaken interest in Cardinal Otunga’s life,” the FSP member added.

The Directress of PPA said that the committee is also engaged in donation initiatives to cover costs related to the Sainthood cause of the Kenyan Cardinal, who died in 2003 and was declared “servant of God” in 2010.

In May, for instance, the committee realized a dinner. Plans are underway, Sr. Praxides said, towards the realization of a golf tournament and a walk.

Credit: Paulines Publications Africa

The committee members have also organized and taken part in monthly recollections on every fourth Saturday of the month at Resurrection Garden of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, where Cardinal Otunga’s remains were moved in August 2005; the Cardinal had been buried at St. Austin’s Msongari cemetery following his demise on 6 September 2003.

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In his homily at Holy Family Basilica on September 6, the 21^st death anniversary of the Kenyan Servant of God, Archbishop Philip Subira Anyolo appealed for prayer, almsgiving, and a lifestyle that contributes to the furtherance of God’s Kingdom.

Archbishop Philip Subira Anyolo. Credit: ACI Africa

“I encourage you, my dear brothers and sisters, to support it (sainthood journey) with your prayers, almsgiving, and by living your lives in the service of the Kingdom of God,” Archbishop Anyolo said.

In the interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the death anniversary, Sr. Praxides said, “We are praying for a miracle; but are we truly convinced we have one among us? I believe this is the greatest challenge.”

She added, “The committee also recognizes the importance of testimonies from people who have met Cardinal Otunga or experienced favours through his intercession.”

These testimonies, the FSP member went on to say, “would encourage others to pray with greater devotion.”