BISHOP'S DESK

     

 On this day 31st January 2026, we anticipated the feast of the presentation of our Lord, which is usually celebrated on 2nd February each year. In 1997, Pope St. John Paul II instituted this day as a special day of prayer and celebration for those in consecrated life in the Catholic Church, a year after the promulgation of the apostolic exhortation, Vita Consecrate, on 25th March 1996. It is also referred as Candlemass, or the feast of candles. In the diocese of Kakamega, we have the privilege and opportunity to gather solemnly at the Cathedral Church together with the religious men and women and the clergy of the diocese to pray and appreciate the work and apostolates they render in the diocese. We begin the liturgy by the blessing of candles and procession to the Church, commemorating as it were the entry of the Lord in his temple, as a light to the nations. The liturgy is centred on the presentation and consecrated nature of Our Lord, both as the first born son of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph his foster father, and as the Lord who suddenly enters his temple and illuminates the nations in darkness. The work of spreading light to the nations continues in every age and time. Christ calls from among his people those who are to follow him more closely and to carry on the work of consecration. These are specially consecrated to the Lord, when they profess the vows of Poverty, chastity and obedience. They are set apart in order to be the sign of Christ's presence in his Church and the world. Their consecration pertains to the holiness of the Church, they live and serve in the Church the temple of the Lord. The figures of Simeon and Anna demonstrate a life dedicated in prayer in order to recognise the Lord when he comes. Simeon in his old age is able to point him out and rejoice over him, (Lk. 2:25-32). Likewise with Anna the prophetess, whose life in prayer leads her to identify the Messiah. The connection of these two great personalities is that the consecrated men and women, by virtue of the grace bestowed upon them, they have to be men and women of prayer. It is only then when they can recognise the Lord, whom they have to proclaim. Their charisms and apostolates are not just activities like any other. It is not enough to be a good teacher, or doctor, or social worker. The work of the consecrated person must reveal something beyond just good work. The world longs for authenticity beyond the superficiality of a society that is racing for wealth and power. The consecrated persons must be able to point out the truth from their attitude of prayer and contemplation. That is the witness required of us as we serve in our different apostolates. Simeon pronounces very significant words to the the mother of Jesus, "This one has been set for the ruin and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and a sign which will be contradicted. And a sword will pass through your own soul, so that many thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Lk. 2:34-35. Jesus' mission did not necessarily mean something delightful to everybody. Many found it challenging their chosen ways of life, and they saw it as a contradiction. It became a source of sorrow and persecution to him and his followers. Proclaiming the message of Christ does not necessarily mean pleasing everybody. At times one may be a bother to others. Consecrated people are called upon to be the consciences of society, the moral compass in the midst of a humanity confused with all the world has to offer. Going against such currents of the world today can be a sword that pierces the heart. But Jesus is our ultimate example and encouragement. Celebrating the World Day of the Consecrated is an opportunity for us to appreciate all the consecrated people in the Church, the testimony they keep giving and the mission of evangelisation that they spread in the world. As we pray for them we urge them to continue shining the light of salvation to a longing humanity. Amen! 

Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe
Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Kakamega