A Temporary Catholic
For two hours or so hours on Thursday, 26th November 2015, I became a Roman Catholic. This was as I sat glued to my TV waiting to hear what the Holy Father had to say to my fellow countrymen.
Actually, my curiosity started the day before when I listened to him as he was being welcomed by our President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In spite of having attended a few masses during weddings or funerals, this one had a special appeal for me because of two reasons. First, was the fact that I have been following the fortunes of this humble Brazilian with a mixture of awe and pride. Awe because of his obvious humility and compassion for mankind. Pride because, in a way, we share a common geographical destiny - we are both from the southern hemisphere albeit separated by the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Second, because I was curious to hear what the Potentate had to say to the people of our fractious nation.
I must admit that on both counts I was not disappointed. First of all Kenyans turned up in their thousands to welcome and to listen to this remarkable symbol of the Catholic faith. This in spite of the torrential rain which, in our typical Kenyan optimism, were referred as "showers of blessings" - a commodity that is desperately needed at this time in the history of our nation. Of particular interest at the Mass was the line up of members of our political class who turned up and some actually even took the Eucharist - I had no idea that we have so many senior politicians and public servants who are Catholics. I can only hope that they heard their Pontiff's message of peace, love and reconciliation.
The Papal Message
Which brings me to the actual Papal messages. Religion aside, he reminded us bluntly about the whole duty of man: One, to care for the environment without which life as we know it cannot continue. Two, to consider passionately the plight of the weak, poor and disadvantaged people of the world. And three, which is perhaps most important, for the leaders by whatever name they are called, to realise that their job is to always act in the best interests of the people they represent regardless of their political inclinations. He himself symbolises an almost non-sectarian approach to religion which is summarised in the biblical call: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
The final point to me was about family and its values. I do not think that there has been any other time in human history when the human family has been under threat of disintegration as it is now. And it is not restricted to any one of the numerous religious inclinations as we know them today. It calls for a communal approach to this serious condition of man whether through education, cultural reorientation or mentorship. The Pontiff believes that family must continue to be the centre of everything we do as individuals and as a nation.
The journey may be difficult but, like someone once said, you can pray to the good Lord to move the mountain but in the meantime, keep digging. We have work to do. I hope we shall be up to the task if not for ourselves at least for the sake of our children and their children.
May the words of Pope Francis to Kenya not fall on deaf ears or on rocks where nothing can grow.
JH Kimura,
Nairobi,
26th November 2015.