Bungoma Catholics mark Good Friday in style
Lent is a liturgical season consisting of 40 days of fasting, prayer and repentance and normally begins on Ash Wednesday (The 7th Wednesday before Easter Sunday).
The lent season is actually preparation for Easter and during this period, Catholic Christians are expected to fast as well as avoid eating meat especially on the Ash Wednesday and Fridays that fall in the lent season.
This year, the lent season began on 10th February 2016 and went on up to Thursday 24th March 2016.
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day, Christians commemorate the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross.
Christ the King Catholic Parish in Bungoma marked the day by joining hands to take part in the way of the cross procession for seven hours.
Led by Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua of Bungoma Catholic Diocese and the Parish Priest Father Wanyonyi, the Christians started the procession at Christ the King Catholic Parish Church in Bungoma town at 9.00am.
The procession then proceeded to pass through 14 centers in the suburbs of Bungoma and ended at 4.00 pm in Church.
Father Wanyonyi used the occasion to urge Christians to take up their responsibilities seriously and follow the example set by Jesus Christ.
Speaking during a stop-over summon at St. Veronica Siritanyi Primary School where the procession stopped for a while, Father Wanyonyi called upon parents to take full control of their families and ensure children are well guided to do the right thing.
According to him, many parents have let go the mandate of overseeing their children grow up with values and Christian teachings.
Father Wanyonyi added that leaders across the divide have the obligation to observe integrity, focus and commitment for them to set a good ground for the youth.
He wondered where the youth will get direction given the mess in the country’s social, economic and political system which is a major cause of confusion to the young generation.
He also challenged Christians to rise to the occasion and be of help to the church regardless of their capacity or position in society. This seemed to be directed to members of the church who make technical appearance in church only on certain occasions such as that of Good Friday.
Moreover, Father Wanyonyi criticized the idea of mushrooming Secondary Schools saying it is wise for the stakeholders in education to improve conditions of the existing schools first, rather than putting up more schools in areas that already have enough Secondary Schools.
He pointed out that poor performance in Schools cannot be solved by putting up more Schools but instead should be addressed by putting up facilities and equipping the existing schools.
In his brief pre-Easter mass service speech in Church, Bishop King’oo Wambua insisted the importance of Christians observing Good Friday with the mind set of following the teachings of Christ. Good Friday marked the start of Easter and was followed by a night mass service on Holy Saturday.
Easter Sunday was commemorated with jubilation in churches because this is the day believed to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The lent period and Easter celebrations are usually a great boost to Christian faith as it reminds them to re-affirm their trust and confidence in God.
Many Christians used this Easter to support the less fortunate in society, which is a sign of good will and a reflection of the teachings and deeds of Jesus Christ.
