Subukia: Thousands of faithful from across Kenya converged at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County for the National Prayer Day 2025, a deeply spiritual gathering marked by reflection, unity, and renewal. This year’s event, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Renewing Our Nation,” culminated in the solemn dedication of Kenya to Mary, Mother of God, invoking her maternal protection over the country and its people.
The grand Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Archdiocese of Nyeri and attended by bishops from across Kenya, along with hundreds of priests, religious, and lay faithful. The sea of pilgrims many traveling long distances gathered in prayerful devotion, lifting the nation before God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Leading the act of consecration, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu and Chairperson of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), invoked the protection of the Mother of God over Kenya. The bishops prayed for her intercession amid the country’s struggles with corruption, division, and moral decay. “We dedicate our nation to the Mother of the Church, that she may guide our leaders with wisdom and our people with integrity and peace,” Archbishop Muhatia declared.
The act of dedication symbolized a renewal of Kenya’s faith and moral conscience, as the bishops prayed for unity, social justice, and healing. They implored Mary’s maternal care to “enlighten the darkness of corruption and restore the spirit of honesty, compassion, and truth” among citizens.
As part of the day’s celebrations, Archbishop Muhatia unveiled a pastoral letter to the youth of Kenya, describing them as “protagonists of hope.” The letter urged young people to rise with courage and faith, to “tune in to the frequency of hope, faith, and charity,” and to become active builders of the nation’s moral and spiritual renewal.
He reminded the youth that their true identity lies in Christ, encouraging them to seek meaning through prayer, love, and service. Quoting St. Carlo Acutis, recently canonized by Pope Leo XIV, he said, “All people are born originals but die photocopies. You, the youth of Kenya, are called to live as originals rooted in God’s love and guided by His wisdom.”
The pastoral letter, structured around five central themes identity in Christ, encountering Christ in our story, moral courage and chastity, healing from brokenness, and hope for Kenya called on the young to embrace their mission as witnesses of faith and renewal. “Christ is alive,” the Archbishop reminded them, “He is not an idea or a principle He is life itself.”
Delivering the homily, Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u of Embu spoke passionately about God’s abiding presence amid Kenya’s challenges. “God has pitched His tent in our country,” he said, “as a sign that He is with us even in times of uncertainty and struggle.”
He likened the Marian dedication to the miracle at Cana, where Mary interceded for a renewal of joy. “As she renewed the wine at Cana, Mary will renew our lives and our nation,” he proclaimed. “Hope does not disappoint we are called to be signs of God’s presence where we live, starting from our homes and hearts.”
Bishop Kimani urged the faithful to make Kenya a “sign for all nations,” rooted in truth, justice, and peace. “Let integrity, love, and hope begin from within our families,” he said. “Only then can they flow into our communities and nation.”
Echoing the call for national healing, Bishop Kimani appealed to Kenyans to rise above political and tribal divisions. “The time has come to listen not only to one another but to the Holy Spirit,” he said. “True reconciliation requires humility and dialogue. The common good must always prevail over narrow interests so that no one is left behind.”
He urged young people in particular to resist polarization and to stand as bridges of peace in a divided society. “You are the renewing sign of our world,” he said. “Seek Christ as your center, and your lives will radiate His light.”
Concluding his message, Bishop Kimani reminded the youth that holiness is possible at every age, pointing to the life of St. Carlo Acutis as a model of youthful sanctity. “Be witnesses of faith in your families and workplaces,” he said, “for it is in the family that the seeds of faith, peace, and love are first sown.”
As hymns to Mary filled the Subukia Shrine, the atmosphere was one of grace and renewal. The dedication of Kenya to Mary, Mother of God, marked a historic spiritual moment a call to national conversion, unity, and hope. Under her maternal mantle, the Church in Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to walk as “pilgrims of hope,” renewing the nation in faith, truth, and love.