Faith and Family Converge in Ichaweri as Archbishop Anyolo Consecrates New Chapel

In a heartwarming ceremony steeped in faith and family ties, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi consecrated the newly built St. John the Baptist Chapel in Ichaweri, Gatundu, on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The chapel, a symbol of devotion and community, was constructed by the former First Lady of Kenya, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, and her family.

The consecration ceremony, attended by hundreds of faithful from the local community and beyond, was a moving testament to the power of faith and family. Archbishop Anyolo, in his homily, praised Mama Ngina and her family for their dedication to their faith and their commitment to giving back to the community.

"This chapel is not just a building of bricks and mortar," Archbishop Anyolo said. "It is a sacred space, a place where people can come together to pray, to find solace, and to strengthen their faith. It is a testament to the generosity of Mama Ngina Kenyatta and her family, and their dedication to serving God and their community."

The Archbishop's words resonated deeply with the congregation, many of whom expressed their gratitude to Mama Ngina and her family for their thoughtful gift.

"We are so grateful to Mama Ngina and her family for building this beautiful chapel for us," said Jane Njoki, a resident of Ichaweri. "This is a place where we can come together as a community, to worship God, and to support one another. It is a blessing to have such a sacred space in our village."

The St. John the Baptist Chapel is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of hope and unity for the people of Ichaweri. The chapel's construction has brought the community together, creating a space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and celebrate their faith.

In addition to the Archbishop, the ceremony was also attended by several other dignitaries, including government officials and religious leaders. The occasion was marked by traditional music and dance performances, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the day.

The consecration of the St. John the Baptist Chapel is a significant event for the Catholic community in Ichaweri and beyond. It is a testament to the power of faith, family, and community, and it serves as a beacon of hope for the future.

Key Quotes:

"This chapel is not just a building of bricks and mortar," Archbishop Anyolo said. "It is a sacred space, a place where people can come together to pray, to find solace, and to strengthen their faith. It is a testament to the generosity of Mama Ngina Kenyatta and her family, and their dedication to serving God and their community." 

"We are so grateful to Mama Ngina and her family for building this beautiful chapel for us," said Jane Njoki, a resident of Ichaweri. "This is a place where we can come together as a community, to worship God, and to support one another. It is a blessing to have such a sacred space in our village." 

Significance of the Event:

The consecration of the St. John the Baptist Chapel is a significant event for the Catholic community in Ichaweri and beyond. It is a testament to the power of faith, family, and community. It serves as a beacon of hope for the future.