Amid COVID-19, “duty, obligation to worship God remains indispensable”: Bishops in Kenya

As a domestic Church, the Bishops say, the family is called “to proclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life” and add, “It is here that the parents and caregivers impart the values of Gospels - respect, love, thanksgiving, charity, forgiveness, endurance, selflessness and generosity.”

Terming the home the “first school of faith virtues and values,” the Bishops emphasize that that homes should “be the first place of worship” where the faithful read the Holy Scriptures, sing their favorite hymns, recite the Rosary and pray together.

“Dear people of God, a strengthened domestic Church is one of the greatest positive offshoots of COVID-19,” Bishop Mukobo who presided over the televised Mass at the Holy Family Minor Basilica, Nairobi said on behalf of the Bishops in Kenya and added, “We have lost so much through the COVID-19; we cannot afford to lose our faith, our worship and our family values.”

The Prelates call on the youth and children in Kenya to “appreciate” that they too are “indispensable part of the family and the Church: you are our hope.”

They acknowledge the challenges the young people are facing amid COVID-19 restrictions and remind them that they cannot afford to lose hope and allow social media, anxiety, boredom, negative peer pressure and destructive behavior ruin their life.

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“Let us not use the time we have on endless hours on using electronics negatively to keep yourselves busy,” Bishop Mukobo who is also the Local Ordinary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Isiolo advise the youth in Kenya.

“Instead, let us draw up realistic routines to see how to use our time wisely; I know you are capable of doing wonders,” the Kenyan Bishop said June 28.

While we create physical distance so as not to spread the virus, the Bishops in Kenya say in their collective statement, “we can do works of mercy to our neighbors by feeding and clothing them.”

“There is so much we can do at this time; we just need to ask the Holy Spirit for his inspiration,” the Bishops say and offer the challenge, “Could we inspire the suffering with hope, joy and courage?” 

They thank the healthcare workers for their role in controlling the spread of the pandemic and urge them to be “resilient and patient.” The Bishops also call on the people of God in Kenya to continue adhering to COVID-19 containment measures.