By Rose Achiego Ande
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| Archbishop Philip Anyolo installed as the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi; Photo courtesy |
The installation ceremony was conducted by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, His Excellency Bert Van Megen and witnessed by Kenyan bishops, the Clergy and Religious, the faithful, government representatives and political elites.
In his speech, the Nuncio hailed Most Rev. Philip Anyolo as a profoundly religious person. “You, Philip Arnold Subira Anyolo, are a patient man, as your name seems to indicate. I know you as a man for whom Christ is truly alive. I know you as a man of prayer and silence and as a man who is always keen to hear the soft whisper of the Good Shepherd who calls us to fresh and green pastures,” Nuncio said.
On the same note, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ngong Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa compared Archbishop Anyolo’s traits with those of the Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga saying, "Your Grace, we bring you sincere congratulations and assurance of prayers. People of Nairobi, you have received a humble servant who in many ways will remind you of the servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga."
Bishop Oballa’s statement was echoed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura saying, "Iam telling you, Otunga has come back to Nairobi. It is true as has been said, he is a humble Archbishop. He is firmly rooted in education and he is not proud about it.”
Meanwhile, Archbishop Anyolo expressed his gratitude to the Holy Father Pope Francis for appointing him as the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi.
“I am grateful to the Holy Father Pope Francis for this new appointment. It is a sign of his trust and confidence in me. I am consciously aware of the position of Nairobi as a key ecclesiastical see in our country. I am therefore under no illusion of the magnitude of the responsibility that has been bestowed upon me and which I accept with great humility,” he said.
While calling for prayers and support on his new role, Most Rev. Anyoloexpressed his commitment to work closely with the priests of Nairobi Archdiocese and to embrace them as his key collaborators.
“In me you have a father. Each one of you will be my beloved son. My door will remain open and you can come in any time for consultation or advice. I assure you of my support and prayers throughout. I ask you to also pray for me for God’s guidance and together, we will achieve success in leading all our people to Christ,” Archbishop Anyolo said.
He also said the Religious men and women, play an integral role in the ministry. “Together, we all serve in the Lord’s vineyard, each one playing their role and all of us answerable to our master, the Lord Jesus Christ. I assure you of my support and close collaboration with you always,” he said.
Archbishop Anyolo also called on the lay faithful to join hands with him so as to continue the great work that had been done by his predecessor His Eminence John Cardinal Njue. He thanked them for the warm welcome.
“To the lay faithful of Nairobi, thank you for your warm welcome I am overwhelmed by your love. I come as your son, brother, father and shepherd. I come as a servant of Christ, to proclaim and teach the Good News of Christ.”
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| Archbishop Philip Anyolo With HE John Cardinal Njue Retired bishop of Nairobi Archdiocese; Photo courtesy |
He asked them to strengthen lay movements so as to build a strong Christian family, urging them to remain rooted in Christ the Good Shepherd. “I have no doubt that with the collaboration of each one of you, we will deepen the faith in our archdiocese,” he said.
Following the current school unrest, Archbishop Anyolo pleaded with the young people not be distracted and destroy their future.
“You are the future of our nation and indeed all humanity. I see a lot of hope in you. You may be facing a lot of challenges in your lives, but I want to assure you that God loves you. I plead with you to stop burning your schools and instead seek alternative means of addressing your grievances,” he said.
He added that, “whatever challenges you may be facing, always feel free to talk to us your elders. We are open to journey with you and to help you in addressing the problems you are facing in your lives and in school. Above all, I invite you to cultivate your relationship with Jesus. Make Jesus your friend. Your Church needs you. Abandon everything and follow Jesus and you will never regret.”