Catholic News 2
JERUSALEM (AP) -- A 12-year-old Palestinian girl who was imprisoned after she confessed to planning a stabbing attack in a West Bank settlement will be released early, Israel's prison service said Monday, capping a saga that drew attention to the dual legal system in the West Bank....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Bernie Sanders is still behind when it comes to delegates and votes, but he has one clear advantage over his Democratic and Republican presidential rivals - a lot of people actually like him....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In an early general election warning for Donald Trump, Americans say they trust Democrat Hillary Clinton over the Republican businessman on a range of issues, including immigration, health care and nominating Supreme Court justices....
(Vatican Radio) Almost a year on from its publication, Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, on the care for our common home, has had an important impact at local and international levels.That’s according to the head of the Pontifical Justice and Peace Council, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who was taking part in a panel discussion in the Vatican on Monday about U.S. and Holy See engagement on issues of common concern.The encyclical, signed by the Pope on May 24th 2015, explores the interconnected concerns of caring for the human life and protecting the environment, appealing for action based on an interior ecological conversion.Over the past year, Cardinal Turkson, whose Council worked on the drawing up of the document, has been travelling widely, speaking about its relevance to many other areas of financial, social and environmental policy.He says Laudato Si’ has had a significant impact in highlighting the effects of human activity on our environment&hel...
(Vatican Radio) Almost a year on from its publication, Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, on the care for our common home, has had an important impact at local and international levels.
That’s according to the head of the Pontifical Justice and Peace Council, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who was taking part in a panel discussion in the Vatican on Monday about U.S. and Holy See engagement on issues of common concern.
The encyclical, signed by the Pope on May 24th 2015, explores the interconnected concerns of caring for the human life and protecting the environment, appealing for action based on an interior ecological conversion.
Over the past year, Cardinal Turkson, whose Council worked on the drawing up of the document, has been travelling widely, speaking about its relevance to many other areas of financial, social and environmental policy.
He says Laudato Si’ has had a significant impact in highlighting the effects of human activity on our environment…
Listen:
Cardinal Turkson recalls that right after the publication of the encyclical the UN organised an event to explore what kind of moral support it could lend to the process of combatting climate change.
One month later, he says, the French president, François Hollande opened a conference called Consciences for Climate, quoting widely from the document.
The cardinal says he has spoken since then at many U.S. universities and colleges, highlighting local needs and concerns, such as the impact of rising sea levels off the Florida coast. Climate related disasters, he says, are increasingly “making it difficult for people to live wholesome and peaceful lives” and it’s important to ask “to what extent are people contributing to that”.
Speaking of his own experience growing up in mining town in Ghana, Cardinal Turkson describes the effect that surface mining has on the local environment: “the forest has gone, the topsoil is gone, agriculture is affected, the water board is affected – that’s a drastic change caused by human activity.
Similarly, he continues, the African agricultural practice known as ‘slash and burn’ creates “a lot of savannah in place of forests”. These examples, he says, show how human activity “can induce, worsen or even provoke” climate change.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday spoke of the importance of taking stock of what is in people’s hearts and lives instead of only taking the law into account.During his homily at morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope spoke of the Doctors of the Law whom – he said - passed judgment with their hearts closed to God and to prophecy; all that mattered to them – he explained – was to uphold the Law.Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: Pope Francis was reflecting on the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles in which the Doctors of the Law accuse Stephen of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God” because they “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.”They even instigated false witnesses to uphold their claims, he said.“Their hearts, closed to God’s truth, clutch only at the truth of the Law, taking it by ‘the letter’, and do not find outlets other than in lies, fals...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday spoke of the importance of taking stock of what is in people’s hearts and lives instead of only taking the law into account.
During his homily at morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope spoke of the Doctors of the Law whom – he said - passed judgment with their hearts closed to God and to prophecy; all that mattered to them – he explained – was to uphold the Law.
Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni:
Pope Francis was reflecting on the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles in which the Doctors of the Law accuse Stephen of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God” because they “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.”
They even instigated false witnesses to uphold their claims, he said.
“Their hearts, closed to God’s truth, clutch only at the truth of the Law, taking it by ‘the letter’, and do not find outlets other than in lies, false witness and death” he said.
The Pope pointed out that Jesus had already reprimanded them for this attitude, because "their fathers had killed the prophets", and they were now building monuments to those prophets.
He said that the response of the "doctors of the letter" is more cynical than hypocritical when they say that had they been in the days of their fathers, they would not have done the same.
Thus - the Pope said – they wash their hands of everything and judge themselves pure.
But, he continued: “The heart is closed to God's Word, it is closed to truth, and it is closed to God’s messenger who brings the prophecy so that God’s people may go forward."
Pope Francis said: "It hurts when I read that small passage from the Gospel of Matthew, when Judas, who has repented, goes to the priests and says: ‘I have sinned' and wants to give ... and gives them the coins. ‘Who cares! - they say to him: it’s none of our business!’ They closed their hearts before this poor, repentant man, who did not know what to do. And he went and hanged himself. And what did they do when Judas hanged himself? They spoke amongst themselves and said: 'Is he a poor man? No! These coins are the price of blood, they must not enter the temple... and they referred to this rule and to that… The doctors of the letter. "
The life of a person did not matter to them, the Pope observed, they did not care about Judas’ repentance.
The Gospel, he continued, says that Judas came back repentant. But all that mattered to them “were the laws, so many words and things they had built”.
This – he said - shows the hardness of their hearts. It’s the foolishness of their hearts that could not withstand the wisdom of Stephen’s truth so they go to look for false witnesses to judge him.
Stephen - the Pope continued – ends up like all prophets, like Jesus. And this is repeated in the history of the Church:
"History tells us of many people who were judged and killed, although they were innocent: judged according to the Word of God, against the Word of God. Let’s think of witch hunts or of St. Joan of Arc, and of many others who were burnt to death, condemned because according to the judges they were not in line with the Word of God” he said.
Pope Francis pointed out that Jesus himself ended up on the cross for having trusted in God and obeyed His Word and he reminded the faithful of Jesus’ words of tenderness when he said to the disciples on the Road to Emmaus: “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke.”
He concluded saying: “Let us ask the Lord to look to the large and to the small follies of our hearts with the same tenderness, to caress us gently and to say to us: ‘Oh you foolish and slow of heart’ and begin to explain things to us.”
(Vatican Radio) For two years, a production of Hamlet has been travelling the world to mark the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. The tour is a project of the Globe theatre in London, and is called, appropriately enough, Globe to Globe.So far Hamlet has been performed in over 170 countries, to more than 100,000 people and travelled over 180,000 miles.And on Wednesday, it is scheduled to be performed in the world’s smallest country: The Vatican.The performance has been arranged by the British Embassy to the Holy See, with the cooperation of the Pontifical Council for Culture.“They approached the Holy See about the possibility of finding a venue, and the possibility of putting on Hamlet,” said Bishop Paul Tighe, the Adjunct Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. “There was immediately a very warm response to the initiative.”Listen to the Vatican Viewpoint featuring the interview with Bishop Paul Tighe: This is the f...
(Vatican Radio) For two years, a production of Hamlet has been travelling the world to mark the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. The tour is a project of the Globe theatre in London, and is called, appropriately enough, Globe to Globe.
So far Hamlet has been performed in over 170 countries, to more than 100,000 people and travelled over 180,000 miles.
And on Wednesday, it is scheduled to be performed in the world’s smallest country: The Vatican.
The performance has been arranged by the British Embassy to the Holy See, with the cooperation of the Pontifical Council for Culture.
“They approached the Holy See about the possibility of finding a venue, and the possibility of putting on Hamlet,” said Bishop Paul Tighe, the Adjunct Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture. “There was immediately a very warm response to the initiative.”
Listen to the Vatican Viewpoint featuring the interview with Bishop Paul Tighe:
This is the first time Shakespeare has been performed in the Vatican, and the performance will take place in the extraterritorial Palazzo della Cancelleria, which houses the Holy See’s main judicial offices.
Bishop Tighe said the performance recognizes the significance Shakespeare has for world culture.
“I think it is fair to say that Shakespeare is one of the classics,” he told Vatican Radio.
“He is one of the people who has helped to form global culture” – Bishop Tighe said. – “His work is recognized as something that raises the real questions about what does it mean to be human, about the potential of human beings to achieve greatness, at the same time the tragedy of when human life goes badly.”
Even when his work is not overtly religious, Shakespeare helps draw viewers and readers to consider the questions that can lead to spiritual matters.
“He opens up extraordinary universal themes, and I think in opening up those themes, even for people who mightn’t be explicitly religious, or mightn’t even be open to religious ideas, they are inevitably obliged to confront larger questions about the meaning and purpose of life,” Bishop Tighe said.
“I think I would say it’s not so much what he gives to religious culture, as he asks the right questions and provokes and stimulates the right sort of questions, that then allow people to go that little bit deeper, which is where probably we can begin to talk about religion and views of transcendence,” he continued.
Moreover, Bishop Tighe said William Shakespeare was formed by the culture in which he lived, and this is reflected in his work.
“I think he was profoundly Christian,” he said. “His worldview was shaped by his Christian beliefs.”
(Vatican Radio) The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, addressed the Informal Expert Meeting on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (CCW) on Monday.Below, please find the full text of his address in English****************************Mr. Chairman,The Holy See Delegation would like to express its satisfaction for the excellent preparatory work that you, Mr. Chairman, have undertaken to give every chance of success to our meeting.The issue of lethal autonomous weapon systems is on our agenda for the third consecutive year. The Holy See had the opportunity to express its views on this important issue on previous occasions.To respond positively to your request, Mr. Chairman, that encourages delegations to express their positions in preparation for a possible decision in the context of the CCW Review Conference in December, the Mission of the Holy See would like to briefly present...
(Vatican Radio) The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, addressed the Informal Expert Meeting on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (CCW) on Monday.
Below, please find the full text of his address in English
****************************
Mr. Chairman,
The Holy See Delegation would like to express its satisfaction for the excellent preparatory work that you, Mr. Chairman, have undertaken to give every chance of success to our meeting.
The issue of lethal autonomous weapon systems is on our agenda for the third consecutive year. The Holy See had the opportunity to express its views on this important issue on previous occasions.
To respond positively to your request, Mr. Chairman, that encourages delegations to express their positions in preparation for a possible decision in the context of the CCW Review Conference in December, the Mission of the Holy See would like to briefly present a working paper in which we put forward a few arguments in favor of a collective action which seeks to prohibit the development and use of lethal autonomous weapon system.
A prevention policy seems to be the best approach. The historical experience of regulations, prohibitions or control of certain weapons shows that most often they took place after grave human tragedies. Nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, cluster munitions or antipersonnel landmines are a few good examples. The human costs are exorbitant when responses come late. Prevention is the only way to break the vicious circle of the race between technological progress of military means and their destructive force and attempts to better defend international humanitarian law.
The risks of lethal autonomous weapons systems are too numerous and important to be ignored. Besides the fact that it leaves to a machine the decision of life or death of a human being, one of the dangers is that these weapons could lead to strategies diluting or concealing true responsibilities, inducing a total lack of accountability. Instead of contributing to the defense of peace, they are turning into a progressive incitement to war.
If we want peace, we must not only avoid accumulation of arms, but we must also convert minds. Peace must be born of mutual trust between nations, instead of being imposed on nations by the terror of weapons. This confidence is based on an "ethics of brotherhood" between nations. But the accumulation of lethal autonomous weapons could undermine that trust.
We must be concerned about the use of these kinds of advanced weapons. It is clear that investing on sophisticated weapons fails to restore peace. Quite the contrary! It appears that these weapons do not protect us against attacks and terrorism of all kinds perpetrated by people using rudimentary methods, but ready to sacrifice their lives. The balance of nuclear terror has shown its limits, and with the research and development on lethal autonomous weapons, we are still in a logic that bears no fruit. We must face the facts, Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems are not able to fight against the current scourge of terrorism and asymmetric wars. The real fight is the one which will restore justice, respect for human rights, respect for minorities’ rights, political participation and integral development. This fight will not be won with technologically powerful weapons. The use of LAWS will only lead to false security and to instability. In any case, it will not establish the conditions for peace.
For all the reasons mentioned, we must be cautious about the research and development of LAWS. Now is the time to prevent LAWS from becoming the reality of tomorrow’s warfare. The CCW should make a courageous decision of prohibiting lethal autonomous weapons like it did in the past concerning other types of weapons.
I thank you Mr. Chairman.
Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa in Kenya has led hundreds of Loreto convent school children and their teachers in planting over 1000 trees in Pope Francis forest.Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa in Kenya has led hundreds of Loreto convent school children and their teachers in planting over 1000 trees at the convent’ school grounds now re-named “Pope Francis forest.”“We are naming this forest, ‘Pope Francis forest’ in honour of the Pope who has a great desire to see that Gods creation is taken care of and has a great affection for the environment,” the school head, Sr. Gertrude Mallya, IBVM, told Archbishop Kivuva.The tree planting exercise was organised to coincide with Environment Day that was commemorated last week.‘In the book of Genesis, God created human beings and told them to be caretakers of creation. Pope Francis always reminds us to care for the environment,” Archbishop Kivuva told the children and their ...
Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa in Kenya has led hundreds of Loreto convent school children and their teachers in planting over 1000 trees in Pope Francis forest.
Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa in Kenya has led hundreds of Loreto convent school children and their teachers in planting over 1000 trees at the convent’ school grounds now re-named “Pope Francis forest.”
“We are naming this forest, ‘Pope Francis forest’ in honour of the Pope who has a great desire to see that Gods creation is taken care of and has a great affection for the environment,” the school head, Sr. Gertrude Mallya, IBVM, told Archbishop Kivuva.
The tree planting exercise was organised to coincide with Environment Day that was commemorated last week.
‘In the book of Genesis, God created human beings and told them to be caretakers of creation. Pope Francis always reminds us to care for the environment,” Archbishop Kivuva told the children and their teachers.
Samaritan’s Purse, a humanitarian aid organisation, donated the trees.
(Bertina Kanaka, Charles Lwanga media in Mombasa)
email: engafrica@vatiradio.va
At the weekend, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) issued a pastoral statement to the media on the State of the Nation in which they tackled current issues affecting Kenya. Prominent among these matters is the 5 April ICC decision which has polarized opinion in Kenya.Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) terminated the case against Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto and former journalist Joshua arap Sang, who were facing charges of crimes against humanity in the post-2007 election violence.The ICC cited interference with prosecution witnesses and political meddling as reasons for terminating the case. Notwithstanding some victory celebrations in Kenya, the ICC judges declined to acquit outrightly Ruto and Sang. Initially, the two were charged together with Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta and others for the same case.The ICC decision means that for the majority of the victims, closure the truth, justice, reparations and guarantee of non-repet...
At the weekend, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) issued a pastoral statement to the media on the State of the Nation in which they tackled current issues affecting Kenya. Prominent among these matters is the 5 April ICC decision which has polarized opinion in Kenya.
Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) terminated the case against Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto and former journalist Joshua arap Sang, who were facing charges of crimes against humanity in the post-2007 election violence.
The ICC cited interference with prosecution witnesses and political meddling as reasons for terminating the case. Notwithstanding some victory celebrations in Kenya, the ICC judges declined to acquit outrightly Ruto and Sang. Initially, the two were charged together with Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta and others for the same case.
The ICC decision means that for the majority of the victims, closure the truth, justice, reparations and guarantee of non-repetition has been denied them. In their pastoral statement, addressed to Kenyans, the Kenyan Bishops seem to agree.
“As Catholic Bishops, we see the ruling, not as an outcome of winners and losers. However, the result of the decision does not resolve the cause and pain of the violence. We realize that the trauma of the post-election violence has not been fully healed. Moreover, many of the displaced persons still have not gotten justice. Our appeal to the national government and other County Governments is to offer solutions for the victims, through compensations and plans of reconciliation and integration. This is an opportunity for Kenya to sincerely demonstrate its commitment of never again to take the country back to the dark days of 2007/2008.”
The Pastoral Statement of the Bishops also calls appeals to Kenyans to shun corruption which they say is killing the country and "making us a sick nation.".
“Corruption cannot be weeded out by half-hearted measures. It has to be a total war using all the means that we have as a country. Nobody should be spared beginning from the top to the bottom, the mighty or the least, those who have and those who have not. All those mentioned as kingpins of corruption must be investigated and prosecuted when facts are proven. Those holding public positions and linked with corruption must step aside immediately to pave way for investigations,” the Bishops appeal.
The Bishops make specific mention of “endemic corruption in the Police Service and other security agencies.”
Other issues in the pastoral statement include the condemnation of political alliances based on ethnicity. These alliances, the Bishops say are clearly not “the coming together of like- minded individuals or groups but [rather the] bringing together [of] various tribes so that they can vote as blocs,” the statement said.
The Bishops urge Kenyans to tackle Cultural Radicalization among the youth. Another area of concern for the Bishops is the the issue of cheating in examinations, stealing of papers and other malpractices prevalent in national school examinations.
(engafrica@vatiradio.va)
Find below the full statement of the Bishop:
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Press Statement on the State of the Nation
SITUATION OF OUR NATION
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life" (Mk 8:36-37).
Introduction
Dear Brothers and Sisters, we the Catholic Bishops of Kenya, gathered for our Ordinary Plenary Assembly of Bishops, at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, Nairobi, greet you in the words of the Risen Christ on that Easter evening, "Peace be with you". As we take time to reflect on the life and mission of the Church, we have also had time to reflect on the state of our Nation and therefore, as your shepherds, wish to raise our voice on several issues that are of great concern to all of us.
The visit of His Holiness Pope Francis is still fresh in our minds. The experience of his visit is unforgettable. His example of humility, his powerful and bold message to all Kenyans, his concern for young people of this nation, the poorest of the poor in our slums, and indeed the care of our environment are experiences that will forever shape and transform our society. As we embrace and live the excitement of this visit, the task of building on the foundation of his message must be sustained with greater enthusiasm.
We are eternally grateful for his ever first and historic visit. Kenyans must feel blessed and encouraged by this visit. We sincerely thank the Holy Father for choosing Kenya as the first stop in his Apostolic visit to Africa. Our message to you dear Kenyans, taking the encouraging words of the Holy Father, "Stand strong in Faith, Do not be afraid" is contained in this reflection on the state of our beloved Country Kenya.
"You shall be my Witnesses", (Acts 1:8) for the Sanctification and Salvation of all People.
Our National Foundation
When our forefathers and all those who struggled for the birth of this great Nation of Kenya fought for our independence, they dreamt of a sovereign Nation where all will have equal opportunities to develop, prosper and live in dignity freed from the scourges of poverty, diseases and illiteracy. This vision was not only for themselves and their children but for all generations to come.
They dreamt of a Country guided by visionary leaders who would have the welfare of the entire Country at heart; National Leaders of integrity who would rise above petty personal and ethnic interests so as to forge a united Nation that would shine among other Nations as a place of peace, prosperity and integrity. Our founding fathers expected those who would come after them to keep the dream alive and move the Country forward to even greater heights.
What we need to ask ourselves now is: Is our Country heading in the right direction that will bring development and prosperity to all Kenyans? Have things in Kenya developed the way our founders envisaged or are there serious shortcomings and pitfalls that need to be addressed urgently? Are the present leaders we have living up to the standards required so as to deliver the promises made and meet the aspirations of all Kenyans?
Without doubt there are some strides made towards the right direction. However, a quick glance at the present situation of our Country reveals some dangerous trends and practices that should make everyone who has this country at heart concerned and wonder whether those principles and ideals that our forefathers fought and gave their lives for are not going down the drain.
International Criminal Court (ICC) Ruling
During our Plenary Assembly we received the news of the outcome of the ICC case involving our Deputy President and a Journalist. As Catholic Bishops, we see the ruling, not as an outcome of winners and losers.
However, the outcome of the ruling does not resolve the cause and pain of the violence. We realize that the trauma of the post-election violence has not been fully healed. Moreover, many of the displaced persons still have not gotten justice. Our appeal to the National Government and other County Governments, is to offer solutions for the victims, through compensations and plans of reconciliation and integration. This is an opportunity for Kenya to sincerely demonstrate its commitment of NEVER again to take the Country back to the dark days of 2007/2008, to be more conscious of the plight of the victims, to invest more in building true reconciliation and work towards a truly united Nation. It must never be forgotten that many people lost their lives; thousands more were displaced and have never gone back to normal life. In this Year of the Jubilee of Mercy, Kenya has the opportunity to initiate a new beginning. This must be our concern and our focus.
Corruption: A Disease that Is making us a sick nation
The cancer of corruption is killing our Country. The ordinary men and women are bearing the burden of corruption. The majority of Kenyans are wallowing in poverty and are unable to meet their basic needs. They don't have access to proper medical care. They lack adequate educational facilities and enough teachers for quality education. The youth see no future because of unemployment and even where there is the possibility of jobs they have to pay bribes and kickbacks to secure those jobs. Similarly, unless they know somebody high up nobody will consider them. The daily revelations and exposure of corrupt deals and stealing of money from public coffers by top Government officials, paints a picture of how low we have sunk as a Country. The fact that the cancer has spread to all arms of government and is going on in both national and County Governments, as well as other sectors of the Kenyan society, tempts one to despair and to give up without a fight. We can't give up. Now is the time to rise and face this malignant disease with all the weapons we have.
Pope Francis, during his visit to Kenya last year decried this sickness and pointed out that the only way to root out corruption is by each one of us saying "No to corruption. The Pope called upon all of us to declare war on corruption and fight to the end.
Corruption cannot be weeded out by half-hearted measures. It has to be a total war using all the means that we have as a Country. Nobody should be spared beginning from the top to the bottom, the mighty or the least, those who have and those who have not. All those mentioned as kingpins of corruption must be investigated and prosecuted when facts are proven. Those holding public positions and linked with corruption must step aside immediately to pave way for investigation.
Stealing Of Examination Papers and cheating in schools
The Examination leakages, the selling of examination papers and sharing these examination papers witnessed last year constituted one of the worst forms of corruption that this Country has ever experienced. Cheating in exams has far reaching consequences not only for our education system but the integrity of the Country itself. The people involved in this racket have punctured the integrity of our education. Stealing examination papers will kill the reading culture of our students and make meaningless their effort to study and the quest for knowledge that is at the heart of learning.
All those officials involved in the racket should not only be sacked but should be brought to book and punished accordingly for this is a crime against our beloved Nation and a crime against the future of the children of this Country.
It is incumbent upon the new Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) Board to redeem the image and dignity of our education standards.
Judiciary and Independent Electoral And Boundaries Commission (IEBC)
We are appalled by the information that those very institutions that bear the most necessary responsibilities of our Country are now rotting away with corruption. Allegations of corruption have been levelled against the Judiciary, and what is more, against the highest Court in the land, the Supreme Court. So where do we go for justice?
The Election process is one of the most important activities of any country, to promote good governance and democracy. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is such an important institution to oversee this process, that when it is also riddled with corruption and incompetence, then our democracy and future growth of this nation is in danger. There is need on the part of all of us and especially those involved to make them more effective in accordance with the constitution in order to restore their credibility and confidence.
The Police
The endemic corruption in the Police Service and other security agencies is yet another of those diseases that have eaten into the fabric of our Nation, thereby exposing Kenyans to the perennial threats of terrorism, insecurity and violence. This is clearly obvious to Kenyans in the bribes exchanged at police check points and stations. Our borders are not secure, our roads are mere collection points, our towns and villages are not safe. Kenyans do not feel safe.
Kenyans! give no bribe, receive no bribe!
Political Leaders
If the very institutions constitutionally appointed to oversee the affairs of Kenyans are now deeply involved in the disease of corruption and the rot of our nation, then we are left wondering to whom to turn. If the very legislators elected to represent the Kenyans, in formulating policies of developing lives are accomplices in Corruption, shuttling around the country, making inciting statements that raise political temperatures especially when elections are near, then our country is sick. We must put an end to this. We, the Catholic Bishops wish to raise our voices to our political leaders and say, this must stop. Let us stop bleeding our Country to death. As your shepherds we are not going to allow our Churches and institutions to become platforms of political rhetoric, campaign venues, foul language and hideouts for looted funds and corrupt monies.
We appeal to the consciences of all our leaders, those heading constitutional commissions, institutions and bodies, our leaders in the executive, the Judiciary and the legislature to seriously remember the duty incumbent upon them and to realize that this is our Country. We are all part of it. If it sinks, we sink together.
Radical Ethnicity
While tribalism has been a problem in Kenya, the way ethnicity is being radicalized today is very worrying. This is clearly seen in political alliances that are not so much based on the coming together of like- minded individuals or groups but on bringing together various tribes so that they can vote as blocs. It is also evident whenever an action is taken against an individual, who has done some malpractices, immediately the cry is heard that he or she is being punished, or removed, because he or she comes from that tribe or the other. Another area that tribalism is being practiced without shame is in the Counties. To be employed in the County one has to come from the dominant tribe or clan. Some Kenyans are being termed as minorities in some Counties hence tribalism has been devolved and is now entrenched in the Counties. We are now looking at everything from the prism of ethnicity.
Cultural Radicalization of the Youth
In the recent past, we have witnessed an alarming rate of the radicalization of youths into dangerous groups and activities that have created insecurity and deviant behaviour. The information that many young people are being lured into events and activities that expose them to immorality and cultural decadence is worrying us all. We are seeing a culture that endorses immorality spreading all over the Country. We note with sadness the use of indecent and vulgar language by those who are in position of leadership. This is giving a bad example to the young people. What is more worrying is the organized corruption of the youth through bribery, supply of drugs and promotion of sexual immorality in designated places. Parents seem to have abdicated their parental role and neglected the upbringing of their children in the morally accepted ways.
We are concerned that while we witness this decadence there is a tendency to conveniently side-line religion in schools, and the role of the Church in our Education institutions. We condemn very strongly those who corrupt the youth by distributing money and drugs. We are consequently moving towards a Godless society, where there is no regard for all objective roles that characterize a civilized Nation.
As your shepherds, we call upon you the young people of Kenya, to heed the powerful message of Pope Francis at Kasarani. You must not waste your lives. Do not give in to the devil. Look to Christ as your model and refuse to be lured by the passing pleasures of this world. As your shepherds we commit ourselves to journey with' you and help you to have hope and recognize your dignity. We urge all those who work with and for the young people to help them cherish their hopes and aspirations.
"The Love Of Money Is The Root Cause Of Evil" (1 Tim. 6: 10
Our society has turned money into a god. Some People tend to live for money and their philosophy is to have as much money as possible, as quickly as possible and in any way possible. The madness to make more and more money is permeating all levels of our society. Those entrusted with National and County resources are plundering these resources without blinking an eye. We call upon the citizens of this Country to be vigilant and expose all the thieves who should then be made to return the money they have stolen and made to face the law.
Conclusion
Dear Kenyans, we encourage you not to lose hope. Christ has gained victory over despair. We must never slacken in our determination to make Kenya a home for all of us. Let us all fight the evil within us, let us commit ourselves individually and collectively to reject any form of corruption that is destroying our social fabric. We urge all God loving people, of all religions, faiths and confessions, to take the lead in fighting evil. As your Church leaders we are prepared to join and support efforts to create a society of love, peace and integrity. May the message of Pope Francis burn within the hearts of all people of Kenya like the Emmaus Disciples and inspire us into action.
As we conclude we pray invoking the Prayer of Pope Francis to the Jubilee of Mercy, "that the Lord may send his Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed and restore sight to the blind."
Signed: Rt Rev. Phillip Anyolo
Chairman –Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops/Homa Bay
Date: April 8 2016
Rt. Rev. John Oballa Owaa, Vice Chairman- (KCCB)/Ngong
His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Nairobi
Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth, Kisumu
Most Rev. Peter Kairo, Nyeri
Most Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde, Mombasa
Rt. Rev. Cornelius Arap Korir, Eldoret
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa, Kisii
Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich, Military Ordinariate
Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley, Kitale
Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua King'oo, Bungoma
Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC, Marsabit
Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng'ang'a, Aux. Bishop Nairobi
Rt. Rev. Anthony Ired Mukobo, IMC, lsiolo Vicariate
Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante, Maralal
Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugarnbi, Meru
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo, Kericho
Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria, Kitui/ Apostolic Administrator, Machakos
Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina, Murang'a
Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru, Embu
Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Nakuru
Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich, Lodwar
Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Barbara, Malindi
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mbatia, Nyahururu
Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro, Garissa
Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, Kakamega
Pope Francis on Monday created a new diocese along with the appointment of its first bishop in eastern India, and nominated another new bishop in the south. The Pope created the new Diocese of Rayagada in Odisha state, with territories taken from the Diocese of Berhampur. As its first bishop he appointed Fr. P. Aplinar Senapati, an Odiya Vincentian priest who is serving as parish priest of St. Vincent De Paul Parish and principal of the English Medium School at Derapathar, in Guwahati Archdiocese, Assam state. Rayagada Diocese is a suffragan of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar Metropolitan ArchdioceseBorn Oct. 28, 1960 at Surada in Odisha state, Fr. Senapati studied at the local Technical High School. He studied philosophy at Aquinas College in Gopalpur-on-Sea, near Berhampur, as a Vincentian novice. He then studied theology at Pune university, from where he also obtained a diploma in psycology and formation. He also has masters’ degrees in econo...
Pope Francis on Monday created a new diocese along with the appointment of its first bishop in eastern India, and nominated another new bishop in the south. The Pope created the new Diocese of Rayagada in Odisha state, with territories taken from the Diocese of Berhampur. As its first bishop he appointed Fr. P. Aplinar Senapati, an Odiya Vincentian priest who is serving as parish priest of St. Vincent De Paul Parish and principal of the English Medium School at Derapathar, in Guwahati Archdiocese, Assam state. Rayagada Diocese is a suffragan of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar Metropolitan Archdiocese
Born Oct. 28, 1960 at Surada in Odisha state, Fr. Senapati studied at the local Technical High School. He studied philosophy at Aquinas College in Gopalpur-on-Sea, near Berhampur, as a Vincentian novice. He then studied theology at Pune university, from where he also obtained a diploma in psycology and formation. He also has masters’ degrees in economics and philosophy from Utkal University, in Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar. After his first religious vows as a Vincentian on May 10, 1984 he made his solemn vows on May 10, 1989. Following his priestly ordination on Nov. 28, 1990 he has held the several responsibilities:
- 1990-1993: Assistant parish priest at Mohnana, Aligonda, Berhampur Diocese
- 1993-1996: Formator and teacher at the Vincentian minor seminary at Barpada, Berhampur Diocese
- 1996-1997: Vicario parrocchiale di Alada Parish, Berhampur Diocese
- 1997-2005: Assistant parish priest at Jubaguda, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Archdiocese
- 2005-2007: Parish priest at Dukuma, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar Archdiocese
- 2007-2008: Diploma course in psychology and formation in Pune
- 2008-2014: Master of novices at Stella Maris in Gopalpur, Berhampur Diocese;
- Since 2014: Parish priest of St. Vincent De Paul Parish and principal of English Medium School at Derapathar, Guwahati Archdiocese
Also on Monday, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Thomas Paulsamy as the new bishop of Dindigul, in the southern Tamil Nadu state, making it a suffragan of Madurai Metropolitan Archdiocese. The see of Dindigul has been vacant since the transfer of Bishop Antony Pappusamy as Archbishop of Madurai in Aug. 2014.
Fr. Paulsamy was born Aug. 2, 1951 at N. Poolampatty, in Tiruchirapalli Diocese. After his schooling in his native village he studied philosophy and theology at St. Paul’s Seminary, Tiruchirapalli. He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1977 for Tiruchirapalli Diocese, which then was part of Dindigul Diocese.
Following his ordination he held the following responsibilities:
- 1977-1979: Parish priest, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Melapudur, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 1979-1980: Assistant parish priest, Seven Dolours Church in Palaiyakoil, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 1980-1985: Parish priest, St. Aloysius’s Church in Kosavapatty, Dindigul Diocese
- 1985-1986: Parish priest, Church of St. Joseph the Worker in Kailasapuram, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 1986-1992: Parish priest and vicar forane, St. Joseph’s Church in Dindigul Diocese
- 1992-1993: Sabbatical and study - Maryknoll School of Theology, New York, USA
- 1993-1995: Parish priest, St. Francis Xavier Church in Malayadipatti, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 1995-2001: Parish priest, Holy Redeemer’s Basilica in Palakarai, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 2002-2004: Parish priest, St. Mary’s Cathedral in Melapudur, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 2004-2005: Parish priest, Our Lady of Dolours Church in Nanjur, Pudukottai;
- 2005-2007: Parish priest, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Fathimanagar, Tiruchirapalli Diocese
- 2007-2015: Vicar General, Tiruchirapalli Diocese.
- Currently: Parish priest, St. Anthony's Church a Kallukuzhy
