Bishop Henry Juma Odonya presided over the Holy Mass celebrating the Feast of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus for the first time at the Rafiki Centre of Christ the King Parish, assisted by the Parish Priest, Father Daniel Nakameti.

In his homily, the Bishop invited the faithful of the Centre to reflect deeply on the importance of “bearing good fruit” in the ordinary life of a Christian. Referencing biblical teachings about a farmer who planted a vine expected to yield good fruit but instead produced bitter fruit, the Bishop reminded the faithful that a Christian’s life should manifest good fruit through faith, love, good deeds and a life pleasing to God.

Furthermore, he urged the faithful to reflect on the life and example of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who dedicated herself to God from a young age and later became a religious sister, known also for her missionary spirit and witness of faith.

The Bishop encouraged the faithful to emulate Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus in humility, love, dedication to God and a life of prayer, emphasizing that every Christian has a duty to be a witness and an evangelist in their daily life.

In his teaching, the Bishop also reminded the faithful of the importance of looking to the Virgin Mary as a model of faith and obedience to God. Noting that October is the Month of the Rosary, a time set aside specifically to honor the Virgin Mary. He urged the faithful to be people of constant prayer and to cultivate the habit of praying the Rosary within their families and daily lives.

The Bishop exhorted the faithful of the Rafiki Center to continue growing in faith and to ensure that their lives bear good fruit, evident in their families, the Church, and society at large.

For his part, the Parish Priest, Father Daniel Nakameti, advised the Christians of the Center and the parish community as a whole to maintain the spirit of cooperation that has already yielded positive results in the parish.