During their week-long ad limina visit to Rome, Catholic Bishops from Kenya celebrated Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul, with Archbishop Anthony Muheria presiding over the liturgy. This visit, which includes a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, also involves meetings with the Holy Father and visits to various dicasteries within the Vatican.
As part of their pilgrimage, the Bishops are celebrating Mass at the four Major Basilicas of Rome. These include St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran (the Pope’s cathedral as the Bishop of Rome), and the Basilica of Mary Major, which honors the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On Tuesday, Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, with Archbishop Martin Kivuva officiating. Thursday’s Mass at the Basilica of Mary Major will be led by Archbishop Phillip Anyolo of Nairobi, and on Friday, Archbishop Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu Archdiocese will preside over Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
These Mass celebrations are significant as they reinforce the Catholicity and Apostolic nature of the Church, highlighting the unity of the Bishops with the Pope through Apostolic succession.
Wenesday’s Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul was attended by priests, religious, and lay faithful from the Kenyan community in Rome. The Kenyan Ambassador to Italy was also present. During the service, the Bishops prayed for the nation of Kenya, its dioceses, and all people of goodwill, offering blessings from the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle.
