A wave of joy and spiritual renewal swept through the St. John Paul II Institute grounds today as thousands of youths from the Catholic Diocese of Kitui came together for the highly anticipated Annual Diocesan Youth Mass. This year’s gathering was particularly significant, aligning with the Diocesan Jubilee celebrations under the theme “Journeying Together as a Eucharistic Community.”
The Holy Mass, which served as the centerpiece of the day, was presided over by Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela. In his homily, Bishop Mwongela delivered a powerful message, urging the youth to embrace goodness and strive for excellence in their academic endeavors. He expounded on the theme, emphasizing the importance of love, care, and adherence to God’s commandments within the community.
“Journeying together as a Eucharistic community calls us to love one another, to care for everyone, and to follow God’s commandments faithfully,” Bishop Mwongela told the attentive crowd. His words resonated deeply, as he encouraged the youth to lead lives marked by integrity, sincerity, and unwavering commitment to their values.
Challenging the youth to reflect on their future roles, Bishop Mwongela posed a thought-provoking question: “Will you be the good leader you advocate for in the future? We start today by being good youth who will become good leaders tomorrow.” He warned against engaging in harmful activities that could jeopardize their education and future, stating, “I don’t want to see you going astray or involving yourselves in destructive behaviors. Through you, we can transform Kitui. The future is bright, but through your actions, you can make it dull.”
The vibrant Mass, filled with music, prayers, and a strong sense of community, concluded with a fundraising drive aimed at supporting youth activities and establishing a project designed to foster self-reliance among the youth.
The event saw participation from a diverse group, including youth chaplains from various parishes, religious men and women, seminarians, and laypeople. Their presence contributed to the richness of the gathering, highlighting the unity and shared purpose of the diocese’s young members.
As the day came to a close, the youth left the grounds not only spiritually enriched but also inspired to take active roles in shaping their futures and contributing positively to their communities.
