A Catholic Bishop in Kenya has called on university students to allow the Word of God to shape their leadership and commitment to justice as they prepare to play a transformative role in society.
Rose Achiego Ande - Nairobi Addressing the young people during the Annual Pre-Easter Camp Conference of the National Movement of Catholic Students, Bishop Henry Juma Odonya of the Catholic Diocese of Kitale, urged young Catholics to cultivate a faith that is deeply rooted in the Gospel and capable of guiding them through the ethical challenges of modern life. Formation and spiritual preparation The gathering took place from 12 to 15 March at the Mji wa Furaha Youth Centre in Nairobi and brought together Catholic students from institutions of higher learning across Kenya for reflection, formation and spiritual preparation ahead of Easter. Bishop Odonya, who chairs the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission for Youth Apostolate, told the students that intellectual achievement must be accompanied by moral responsibility. Intelligent minds, awake consciences “Universities are places where knowledge grows, but knowledge alone is not enough,” he said. “What the world needs today are graduates whose minds are intelligent and whose consciences are awake.” Reflecting on the conference theme drawn from St Paul’s Letter to the Colossians — “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col 3:16) — the bishop said a faith firmly rooted in the Word of God enables young people to think critically, live responsibly and courageously defend truth. He encouraged students to examine the social realities affecting their country, including youth unemployment, injustice and growing individualism, and to respond with leadership grounded in Gospel values. Leadership that transform ssociety “The Church looks to young people and asks what kind of leaders they will become,” he said. “Will they pursue only personal success, or will they help transform society?” Bishop Odonya also highlighted the mission of the National Movement of Catholic Students in forming young leaders capable of integrating faith with intellectual life and social engagement. As the Church approaches the celebration of Easter, he reminded the students that the Resurrection of Christ remains the ultimate sign of hope for the world. “The future of society will not be shaped only by political or economic systems,” he said. “It will also be shaped by the character, faith and integrity of young people.” He concluded by encouraging the students to carry with them three guiding values: faith deeply rooted in Christ, integrity that cannot be compromised, and compassion for the suffering of others.