The Year of the Eucharist 2023 that the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a (CDM) in Kenya has launched is expected to foster positive change in the spiritual life of the people of God, especially in their relationship with the person of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
In a statement published on his Facebook page Monday, January 9, a day after presiding over the launch, the Local Ordinary of the Kenyan Diocese shares his expectations for yearlong celebration.
“I am optimistic that the launch of the year of the Eucharist will lead to a significant change in spiritual matters within the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, especially in the number of Christians who receive the Holy Eucharist,” Bishop James Maria Wainaina says.
Bishop Wainaina calls for collaboration in realizing the Year of the Eucharist 2023, saying, “It is my hope and desire that the Christians will cooperate in order to help achieve the set objectives for this year.”
The Kenyan Catholic Bishop presided over the launch and declaration of CDM’s Year of the Eucharist 2023 at Epiphany of the Lord Wang'uru Catholic Parish on Epiphany Sunday, January 8.
The Parish of CDM was celebrating its first Family Day that was inaugurated on 11 June 2022.
In his statement published January 9, Bishop Wainaina highlights the objectives of the CDM’s Year of the Eucharist 2023, to be celebrated under the theme that is drawn from the Gospel of John, “I am the bread of Life”.
The Year of the Eucharist 2023 will have five pillars, the Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Murang’a Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in June 2009 says, and enumerates “believe, celebrate, receive, adore, and commune”.
In observing the yearlong celebration, Bishop Wainaina says that the rallying call will be, “Give us Oh Lord Bread from Heaven”, and that its response will be, “Which is full of all Goodness.”
The January 8 launch and declaration of CDM’s Year of the Eucharist 2023 had representatives from the 53 Parishes of the Diocese in attendance.
“The colorful Holy Mass during which 380 Catechumens received the Sacrament of Confirmation was concelebrated by 14 Priests,” Bishop Wainaina indicates in his statement about the January 8 event during which he received and blessed the logo, banner, prayer and guidelines' books that will be used throughout the Year of the Eucharist 2023.
“May 2023, the Year of the Eucharist in the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, be a moment for Christians to get rejuvenated to do what it takes to receive the Holy Eucharist,” the Kenyan Catholic Church leader says.
CDM’s Year of the Eucharist 2023 follows the Year of Evangelization of the Kenyan Diocese, which was celebrated under the theme, "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations, and be my witness".