By Nangori Silvio

Hundreds of Catholics gathered in prayer, thanksgiving, and celebration as the Catholic Diocese of
Marsabit marked the Feast of Our Lady of Consolata, the Patroness of the Consolata Missionaries and
a cherished symbol of hope and comfort for Christians around the world.
The Eucharistic celebration, held at Our Lady of Consolata Parish, was presided over by the Bishop of
Marsabit Diocese, Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC.

A Feast rooted in consolation and hope
Celebrated annually on June 20, the Feast of Our Lady of Consolata honours the Blessed Virgin Mary
under the title Consolata, meaning “She Who Consoles.” The devotion originated in Turin, Italy, and
has spread across the world through the missionary work of the Consolata Missionaries.
In his homily, Bishop Kihara invited the faithful to reflect on God’s unconditional love and their
identity as His beloved children.

“We thank God because he created us and loves us. We are called children of God because we belong
to him. He has enlightened us and created us in his image,” the Bishop said.
Describing the feast as a celebration of gratitude, Bishop Kihara noted that God’s love is not earned
but freely given through his mercy.
“God placed love in our hearts and made us worthy to be called his children and whenever we reflect
on his love, we are able to call him Father,” he said.
Reflecting on St. Paul’s teachings
Drawing from the day’s liturgical readings and the teachings of St. Paul, the Bishop praised the Holy
Trinity and emphasized the gift of redemption made possible through Jesus Christ.

“God purified us from our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not because we were worthy on our
own, but because of the price paid through Christ’s death and precious blood, which redeemed us and
enables us to live in his true love and peace,” he explained.