Embrace Technology, Discover New Ways to “be Connected”: Kenyan Bishop to Pastoral Agents

Making reference to the virtual gathering that could have seen participants meet face to face were it not for COVID-19 restrictions, the Kenyan Bishop posed, “Who could have thought that one day we would all be seated in our homes, our communities and still connect with one another using technology for such a workshop.”

“Now we know that distance, time and space doesn’t matter once we are determined to accomplish any task,” he said, adding that despite the challenges occasioned by the pandemic, “We are still encouraged to imbue the spirit of sharing, cooperation, and mutual respect.”

He encouraged participants in the workshop to be frank in their deliberations and make known the difficulties they encounter in their respective ministries saying, “I urge you brothers and sisters to discuss openly the challenges we face. Please give your comments and suggestions on how we can work together as agents of evangelization.”

“I hope that we use these days together to share ideas that will benefit the Church in Kenya and the entire world. It will only work if we collaborate; if we work together,” he said September 24.

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The Auxiliary Bishop of Kenya’s Nairobi Archdiocese went on to say, “Today more than before, we are called to find innovative and creative ways to evangelize. As agents of evangelization, we will be challenged now and again to look at the way we carry out the mission of Jesus Christ.”

He encouraged the pastoral agents participating in the workshop to seek ways to “harness the gift we have to better proclaim the good news and offer healing to our ailing world” and added, “More than ever before, the Church needs authentic witnesses of the gospel.”

Reflecting on the theme of the workshop, Bishop Kamau highlighted the importance of communication in the Church’s evangelization mission saying, “Each day we endeavor to merit a more collaborative Church. It is our collaboration and mutual respect and sharing that illustrates the Church that celebrates our unity in diversity.”

“Evangelization is the common goal that should unite us. Most importantly, I appeal for your support in our efforts of collaboration in the various areas. This will benefit all of us” the 65-year-old Kenyan Prelate told participants and added, “We are the light of the world. Let your light shine that they may see and believe in the one that sent you.”

On September 24, the first day of the virtual workshop, participants deliberated on the art of communication with Consolata Fr. Daniel Mkado engaging the 100 participants in reflecting and sharing about skills and attitudes that foster cohesion and unity in diversity.

Other reflections planned for September 25 and September 26 include "navigating the media for networking and evangelization" and challenges and opportunity in "gender, culture and communication" respectively.

In a message sent to ACI Africa, the National Executive Secretary of the Commission for Clergy and Religious of KCCB, Sr. Joan Mukhwana who is spearheading the workshop said that the three-day online event is an opportune moment to “have conversations on how we can work together for the sake of the mission of Christ.”

“It is an opportunity for future plans. We do hope to have some concrete actions we can take especially on how to network better,” Sr. Joan, a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) told ACI Africa, adding that more workshops for the Clergy and Religious to deliberate on their collaboration for evangelization were being planned for October.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.