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Like Mary, Take Responsibility of Family Care “with seriousness”: Kenyan Bishop to Women

A screenshot of Bishop Cleophas Oseso Tuka during the graduation ceremony at St. Elizabeth Demo Farm-Subukia on 21 November 2023. Credit: Capuchin TV

The Catholic Bishop of Nakuru Diocese in Kenya has called upon women in marriages to take the responsibility of taking care of their respective families “with seriousness” in the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bishop Cleophas Oseso Tuka who was presiding over the opening of the catering wing & graduation ceremony at St. Elizabeth Demo Farm-Subukia in his Episcopal See on Tuesday, November 21, the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary underscored the need for mothers to bring up their children “in the way of faith”.

“The responsibility that you have been given is to nurture and promote and to also take care of the family in the way of faith as Mary did, we should take that responsibility with seriousness,” Bishop Oseso said in his homily at the facility under the care of the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (LSOF)– East of Rift valley region.

He added, “All women in marriage and family life, you have a responsibility of leading as examples in those families, to lead those families towards Christ.”

“The same way Mary dedicated her son in the temple, as mothers, let us also play an important role in the lives of our children in bringing them to the Church,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop said.

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During the November 21 event, women who had been trained in modern farming for improved livelihoods graduated.

The beneficiaries of Momoi sustainable farming, a project under the auspices of St. Elizabeth Demo Farm had also been prepared to manage their homes and employment strategies so they can contribute to the well-being of their families, fostering self-reliance.

The graduation occasion served as a reminder of the influential role mothers play in shaping the lives of their families and communities, echoing the enduring legacy of Mary as a guiding figure in the Christian faith, the Kenyan Catholic Bishop said.

Reflecting on integral role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of Jesus, from infancy through his public ministry, to the cross, and thereafter, Bishop Oseso emphasized the impact women have on their children, in marriage and family life.

“You are the first teacher of that child and you are mandated to teach them who God is in their lives,” he said, adding that women in marriage have the duty to teach their children “how to worship God” and how they “can live an ordinary life in accordance with God’s will.”

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Like Mary, the Catholic Bishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in May this year went on to urge women in marriage to also embrace a life of simplicity and humility in child upbringing even in the face of adversity.

“Mary persevered as she witnessed her son navigate through every form of humiliation and suffering,” he said, and continued, “Silently, she held onto these experiences, allowing her humility to be a fortress against the urge to complain to God about the path her son was treading.”

The Kenyan Catholic Bishop implored, “Let us continue praying for each other as we emulate the examples that Mary has shown us through her simplicity and humility even in the face of the suffering of her son. She is the best example in our life of faith.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.