Kenyan Catholic Bishop Congratulates 15 Couples at Matrimony, Cautions against Misleading Teachings on Marriage

“But this is against God and our traditions and customs. It is not acceptable, and it is not right,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop reiterated.

The Local Ordinary of Nakuru Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in May 2023 hailed the 15 couples who were receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony, saying, “When we see people coming to get married in church, it is something we must celebrate. It is something we must emphasize because this is how God intended it from the beginning that a man and a woman live together to build a family. And that is how we should live.”

Bishop Oseso highlighted some of the key issues the people of God should focus on, including marriage and its importance in society.

“Without marriage, there is no Church because it is through a father and a mother that generations come forth. That is how the Church grows and continues,” he said, and posed, “Without a father and a mother, can there be a school? Without a father and mother, can there be a family?”

“We must emphasize the importance of the family. Father and mother. And that’s why we say even the teachings given to those preparing for marriage must be taken seriously. Even those already married will testify that they need continual reassurance to keep going strong in their marriage,” Bishop Oseso said.

He described the family as a school, where young ones are taught basic things and nurtured to become responsible adults. “That is the first school. If we look after that school properly, society will be good; the family will be good. Therefore, we must care for that school, invest resources in it so it may grow in the right way. We must teach our children, the family is a school,” he emphasized.

The Catholic Church leader encouraged the parents not to tire but to continue guiding their children, saying that young ones depend on their parents for advice, comfort, and direction.

“That is why God created the family as the foundation of society. If the family is broken, the entire society is broken. If the family is good, the church will be good, society will be good, and the country will be good,” he said, adding that some of the vices like corruption start from the family due to poor upbringing of the young ones.

Bishop Oseso emphasized on the importance of the union between a man and a woman saying that marriage must bring joy to the lives of the couples just like that of Adam and Eve.

“You marry to find joy, to complement each other. To complement each other means a man alone cannot do everything, and a woman alone cannot either,” he said.

He went on to urge couples to normalize renewing their love, which he said fades due to inconsistent nurturing urging that love is what draws people to marry. “Without love, there is no marriage,” Bishop Oseso emphasized.

“Don’t let the flame of love go out. If I blow on this burning candle, its light will go out. Don’t be the one in your marriage who blows out the light. Keep it burning, guard it, nurture it so that your marriage can be strong,” he added.

Bishop Oseso urged the faithful to pray for families and to seek help from the Clergy, Chancellors, and the elderly when faced with challenges.

“We are praying for them so that God may continue to dwell with them, that they may live faithfully and thrive in their marriage,” he said.

“When we look at marriage, it is at risk. Many people are dying, many are being killed, and many are killing each other because of marriage. Let us not kill one another,” he said, and continued, “People reach such extremes because of many issues that trouble their hearts, yet they are not willing to share them with others who could help. Whenever there is a problem, let us be open and seek help.”

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Meanwhile, turning his attention to the candidates of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Bishop Oseso urged their parents and guardians to guide their children to recognize their vocations, listen to God’s calling as early as possible, noting that several young ones in his Diocese are unaware of what God wants in their respective lives.

“If God is calling you to be a mother, be a good mother. If God is calling you to be a father, be a good father. And if He is calling you to be a Priest, a Religious Sister, or a Brother, then be a good one,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader also reflected on the Solemnity of Pentecost. He assured the candidates of Confirmation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which he said each one of them was going to receive just like the disciples of Jesus Christ did on Pentecost Day.

“They will receive the gifts of wisdom, fortitude, fear of the Lord, counsel, knowledge, piety, and understanding so that they may use them all to grow in their faith. Let them not abandon Christ. Now, let them walk with Christ in their lives,” Bishop Oseso said during the May 18 celebration at St. Joseph the Worker Kituro Parish of Nakuru Diocese.

He urged those receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation to stand strong in faith, urging them to be consistent in listening to the word of God and be consistent in participating in Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations.