The new Catholic archbishop of Nairobi took over the metropolitan see Thursday at a ceremony witnessed by thousands of Christians, including President Mwai Kibaki.The special mass on the feast of All Saints was the culmination of two days of ceremonies to receive Cardinal-designate John Njue in the Kenyan capital.
Joyous Christians filled every space available in the Holy Family Minor Basilica; many more followed the proceedings from outside the church.
The firm, clear voice of Archbishop Njue delivering the homily reverberated through the cathedral as he passionately appealed to all Christians to uphold their identity and dignity and to remain committed to the holiness they were called to at baptism.
Archbishop Njue addressed each group of the Church family. He told the children that they, too, were called to be saints, and urged them to participate in church life especially through the Holy Childhood movement.
The archbishop pledged to be close to young people in their journey of faith, warning them they were under siege from those who would like destroy them.
He called parents "the foundation of the domestic church" and appealed to them to protect the family.
Archbishop Njue reminded members of the clergy of their unique role as the instruments through which God reaches his people.
He urged them to uphold the dignity of their vocation.
He called on politicians and other citizens to respect every human person and to carry out their responsibilities with all honesty, guided by love for the common good.
He appealed for peace, especially as the country prepares for elections on December 27. In spite of political differences, he said, the country needed to remain united.
Archbishop Njue thanked "the Holy father for calling me to this responsibility."
He praised his predecessor, Raphael Ndingi Mwana 'a Nzeki, who, he said, had served the church with dedication and humility.
President Kibaki said he was happy with the appointment of Njue to head the church in Nairobi and assured him of support. He also praised retired Archbishop Ndingi as a steadfast and fearless church leader.
Archbishiop Ndingi said he was grateful to God for calling him to serve the Church. He thanked the Christians, clergy and government officials of Machakos, Nakuru and Nairobi where he worked.
"I will continue to pray for my country, Kenya, especially as we head to the general elections," he said.
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