Oldest church now declared historical site

BY RENSON MNYAMWEZI

TAITA TAVETA COUNTY, KENYA: One of the oldest churches in Kenya has been converted into a centre for pilgrimage for the Catholic faithful.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa announced that Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, Bura, in Mwatate district is now a historical pilgrimage site. A new church is already under construction.

The fortress-like Christian sanctuary located South of Taita Hill was built by the first missionaries in 1893.

“We have promoted the church to be a centre for pilgrimage where the faithful can hold special prayers. It will also serve as an important historical monument... a tourist attraction,” said the Catholic Diocese of Mombasa Vicar General Wilbard Lagho.

“There were a lot of happenings in this church and the conversion of the church into a pilgrimage centre and historical site will add value to the lives of the local community,” added Lagho.

Father Lagho was speaking yesterday at Bura Girls during celebrations to mark the church’s 120th anniversary, and end of the Year of Faith.

Those present included Governor John Mruttu, MPs Joyce Wanjala Lay, Andrew Mwadime, Thomas Mwadeghu, former Education Assistant Minister Calist Mwatela and Bura Ward Representative Flumence Mshilla.

Mruttu challenged the church to be at the forefront in the fight against retrogressive practices, like witchcraft, that are detrimental to development.

“Traditional witch doctors from the neighbouring country have secretly been invading the region and causing fear among the local community. Some have been coming on invitation by the local residents. We want churches to take the lead in the fight against such outdated cultural beliefs,” said Mr Mruttu.

He noted some residents had been contributing more resources to the witch doctors at the expense of supporting education and church development programmes.

The governor commended the early missionaries for implementing several health and education projects that had transformed the lives of the local community.

“We must commend the coming of the early missionaries as many schools and health facilities were built for the benefit of the local community,” said Mruttu.

At the same time, Lagho said there is need for the church to foster education as an integral part of evangelism so as to instill moral values in the youth.

“It is a golden moment for Christians to evaluate their faith in God. Teaching people about the beliefs of the Christian religion will keep Catechism going,” he said.

“We must invest in the type of Christian instructions to enable Kenyans manage emerging challenges. Christians must strive to protect the mission,” added Lagho.