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| The Apostolic Nuncio Blesses the Statue of Mother Mary |
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) concluded the year of Faith on Thursday 21st, with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya H.E. Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo.
Prior to the Eucharistic celebrations, the Apostolic Nuncio laid the foundation stone for the grotto of Our Lady and blessed the Statue of Mother Mary. The construction of the Grotto will begin immediately. According to the Chaplain of the University Rev. Dr. Charles Kyalo, CUEA is dedicated to the care of Mother Mary and as such the management deemed it proper to build a grotto for Our Lady at a strategic place at the University.
After laying of the foundation stone and blessing of the Statue, the Apostolic Nuncio planted the tree of faith at the university before proceeding to Pope Paul VI Leaning Resource Center where the Eucharistic Celebrations were held.
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| Apostolic Nuncio lays the Foundation stone for the Grotto |
At the beginning of the Eucharistic Celebration, the University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Kyalo shared with the congregation a list of activities that has taken place at the university during the Year of Faith. These included the launching the year of Faith at the University, formulation of a special prayer for the Year of Faith, holding talk on Faith and reason, special ecumenical services, Erection of luminous Cross on Holy Trinity Chapel and placing of crucifixes in all lecture halls and offices, pilgrimages and recollections among many other activities.
During the Eucharistic Celebrations, the apostolic Nuncio received thirteen candidates who became catechumens who are being prepared at the university to receive the sacraments of initiation on Easter vigil. The thirteen included eleven students, a staff member at the institution and a child of one of the staff member at the institution.
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| Nicodamus Kipkoech, the young catechumen |
While presenting each of the new catechumen with the Bible, the Apostolic Nuncio said, “Receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.” He also presented a Crucifix to each of the catechumens saying, “Receive the Cross of Christ and be a follower of the one who gave his life for you.”
In his Homily, the Apostolic Nuncio said that Faith is part of our life and part of the life of the church. It is a gift from God which can be enriched through greater knowledge of God. “Faith requires a greater deal of understanding. When we spend time in prayer we deepen our faith,” he said.
He told the congregation that time of difficulty also strengthens our faith and that each time one has a moment of weakness, their faith in tested. He urged the congregation to support one another in faith.
The vice Chancellor of CUEA Msgr. Pius Rutechura said that the Family of CUEA was greatly honored to have the Apostolic Nuncio come to the institution. Msgr. Rutechura expressed great appreciation to the Apostolic Nuncio for coming to celebrate the concision of the Year of Faith at the institution.
AMECEA Secretariat was reprecented by Fr. Jude Waweru, Coordinator of AMECEA Justice and Peace Desk.
AMECEA Secretariat was reprecented by Fr. Jude Waweru, Coordinator of AMECEA Justice and Peace Desk.
Source: AMECEA Social Communications