Be strong, brave soldiers for Christ
That was the message that His Eminence John Cardinal Njue had for the 152 candidates, on whom he conferred the sacrament of confirmation in a colorful ceremony at Regina Caeli. In his homily, the cardinal stressed on the renewal of baptismal promises and urged those present to live in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Njue delivers his message to the congregation and the confirmation candidates during mass
He said, “Like prophet Jeremiah, there will always be resistance from the world around you. But be strong; stand strong in your faith. Be attentive to the voice of the Lord God because He speaks to us in various ways. Don’t let your light be put out by the trouble you shall face in this world.” Words that encourage bravery in faith for those receiving the sacrament of confirmation and indeed all other faithful reflecting on their Christian lives.
A smile and a prayer: a section of confirmation candidates prepare to receive the sacrament
The Cardinal went on to address the confirmation candidates, “To my dear ones, who will receive the sacrament of confirmation today, remember what Jesus said: If you want to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. Nothing comes easy in being witnesses to Jesus. Do not be discouraged. Carry your cross, not by yourself but together with the one who gave you that cross. Strive to be as close to God as possible, in times of joy and in times of sadness and sorrow. Karibia Mungu wakati wote. As members of the Church, we are living stones, which build a living church and feel the real, living presence of God in the church we are. We are all witnesses to Christ and His Church.”
Cardinal Njue applies chrism on a confirmation candidate as his Godfather looks on
This message of encouragement was delivered on Sunday 3rd of September 2017 during the Parish Family day Mass concelebrated by Fr. Stephen Omondi, Fr. Maloba Wesonga, Fr. Augustine Ledude, Fr. Bernard SDB and a diocesan priest from Burundi assisted by Deacon Charles Charo. The mass was held at Regina Caeli, Karen.
By Catherine Muteithia