BISHOP HENRY JUMA ODONYA CALLS FOR DEEPER FAITH FORMATION IN CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY

Bishop Henry Juma Odonya has challenged youth chaplains to strengthen spiritual formation and Eucharistic catechesis to ensure Church activities lead to a deeper commitment to the Catholic faith. Speaking at the Clergy Home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Bishop of Kitale expressed concern regarding the low number of young people receiving Holy Communion during the National Youth Mass and music festival in Mombasa.

As chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission for Youth Apostolate, Bishop Odonya urged chaplains to improve how they accompany young people toward a better understanding of the sacraments. He noted that while some youth participate actively in Church events, they often show little interest in catechesis or fail to receive Holy Communion despite being baptized.

The Bishop suggested that youth ministers examine whether their programs adequately address spiritual needs rather than focusing solely on participation. He cited St. Carlo Acutis as an example of how young people can maintain a profound spiritual life through devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary.