Today, Bishop Dominic Kimengich celebrated Mass and blessed the new parish of Sts. Joachim and Anne at Kibish.
Prior to the visit to Kibish, the Bishop visited Lomanakeju, Kokuro and Napeikar settlements. These are very remote villages deep in the Ilemi Triangle, close to the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The Mass was attended by a multitude of Christians from all the outstations of the parish: Lomanakeju, Kokuro, Napeikar, Lokomarinyang, Koyasa, Napak and Kibish. The Church was packed and shook to traditional Turkana music and dance. The Parish Priest, Fr. Wycliffe Ochieng, was accompanied by other MCSPA priests – Fr. Avelino Bassols, Fr. Alex Campon and Fr. Angel Valdivia who came with a team from Ethiopia to represent the new Prince of Peace Catholic Mission in Nyangatom.
The area Member of Parliament Hon. Christopher Nakuleu and other political leaders also graced the occasion. In his homily, the bishop said that the new parish is a very important step towards primary evangelization and cross-border peace efforts in the area. He also said that without peace there cannot be development. Finally leaders, members of the community and also Fr. Angel Valdivia stressed the need of bringing peace to this corridor as soon as possible.
After mass and the presentation of gifts, the bishop blessed the first stone of the new parish and the new plot where the church which will be built in time.
We pray that Sts. Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary, will protect and help the people of Kibish to be wise and caring so as to bring peace to the people around especially the youth.
God bless our new parish!!!!
Lillian Omari
