Credit: KCCB
He also expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for the appointment, saying, “I give thanks to the Holy Father for the trust he has placed in me… It is a privilege to be entrusted with the spiritual care of this community, and I humbly accept the mission to walk with those who serve and to offer them spiritual guidance.”
He described the Military Ordinariate as a place where faith is planted and nurtured in the hands of those who stand ready to defend their nation as a sacred responsibility.
Bishop Wallace pledged his support to the KDF, who he said had demonstrated dedication and selflessness in their service to the country.
Credit: ACI Africa
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“You serve our nation with courage and integrity, and it is my mission to work with you, to provide spiritual leadership and to be a source of strength in both moments of trial and triumph,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop said.
He assured the Kenyan military that he is going to them not just as a leader but as “a shepherd, a pastor and a father.”
“I am here to work with you to share in your joys, and to support you in times of difficulty,” he said.
Credit: ACI Africa
And to the Clergy serving in the Military Ordinariate, Bishop Wallace said, “Note that I am coming to you, not as one who is above you but as your father, as your brother, a shepherd, a pastor, and a fellow pilgrim in the journey of faith.”
He also expressed his eagerness to work in building “a state of unity and shared purpose” with the Chaplains of other Christian denominations, as well as the Muslim community in the KDF.
Credit: ACI Africa
Acknowledging what he described as “unique challenges” that the men and women in uniform face, Bishop Wallace underscored the need to build in the Military, a community where members feel some comfort.
“I am keenly aware of the unique challenges that come with military service. The time spent away from your family members, the emotional toll of serving in times of conflict, and the strain of living far from your loved ones,” Bishop Wallace said.
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He continued, “My prayer is that together we can build a community of support within the Military Ordinariate, a community where every serviceman and woman, along with their families will find comfort, spiritual guidance, and strength to persevere.”
He described the Military Ordinariate as unique in its scope, spanning the entire nation and even beyond the Kenya’s borders, where KDF members are commissioned.
The Kenyan Ordinariate, the Bishop said, “is a Diocese without geographical boundaries”, where military personnel and their families are ministered to.
Credit: KCCB
He said that the blend of mission found in a military Ordinariate presents both challenges and opportunities.
A military Ordinariate, he further explained, “is a testament to the universality of our faith that we can serve along one another, military and civilian, Clergy and lay, united in our commitment to Christ with His Church.”
“I am typically conscious of the importance of supporting your families. To your spouses, your children, I pledge my dedication to their spiritual welfare,” he said.
Credit: KCCB
Bishop Wallace is a native of the Archdiocese of Nairobi where he was born in March 1973.
He underwent Priestly formation and studies at St. Augustine's Senior Seminary Mabanga in Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Bungoma and St. Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary Tindinyo in the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Kenya, respectively, both under the auspices of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). He was ordained a Priest for ADN in May 2005.
The Catholic Church leader, who serves as Chairman of the Commission for Social Communications of KCCB obtained a master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
Credit: KCCB
As a Priest, he served as the Assistant Parish Priest of Regina Coeli Parish Karen, and Parish Priest of Christ the King Church Embakasi, among other Priestly duties.
Until his February 13 Episcopal appointment, the Kenyan Catholic Bishop served as the Pastoral Coordinator of the ADN and Parish Priest of Queen of Apostles Ruaraka Parish of ADN.
Credit: ACI Africa
Meanwhile, Bishop Wallace has revealed that his Apostolic Motto, “stand form in faith, serve with love”, drawn from 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, is an invitation to be vigilant and courageous.
“These are not just words to inspire, but a guiding mission for all of us,” he said, and added, “You men and women who serve in uniform are called to protect our nation with vigilance and courage.”
Credit: KCCB
“Likewise, as followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in our faith, to remain unshakable in our commitment to God, especially during the most challenging moments of our lives. Faith is our anchor, our foundation, and our source of strength,” Bishop Wallace said during his October 12 installation as Local Ordinary of Kenya Military Ordinariate.
Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.
Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi, Local Ordinary of Kenya’s Military Ordinariate. Credit: ACI Africa
Credit: ACI Africa
Credit: KCCB
