Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Fides Service) - For the next two Saturdays 15 May and 22 May there will be great celebrations in the Catholic archdiocese of Nairobi for the ordinations of eleven young men, six to the priesthood and five to the deaconate. Breaking with recent tradition, instead of being held in the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi the Ordinations this year will take place in the respective deaneries as was the custom some years ago for all diocesan priests. “This is one way of encouraging vocations ” Archdiocesan Director of Vocations Rev John Muhindi told CISA news agency . “We want the people to witness their sons being ordained ”. In Kenya ordinations attract large crowds so logistic problems such as parking and good organisation must be taken into consideration.
Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana’a Nkezi will preside the Ordination on Saturday 15 May at Mutomo parish, in the rural Gatundu deanery. On that occasion 3 priest and 3 deacons will be ordained. The following Saturday 22 May, at the Holy Family Basilica Auxiliary Bishop David Kamau, will ordain 3 more priests and 2 deacons. To prepare for this important event the candidates took part in a week long retreat at the Carmelite Centre at Karen. The archdiocese of Nairobi has a community of 1,218.000 Catholics in a population of 4,010.000. The community is served by 174 diocesan priests and 368 religious priests. There are 66 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 14/5/2004; Righe 18; Parole 240)
