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More than 4,000 Catholic students drawn from schools across the diocese converged at St. Joseph Parish for the annual YCS Flags Day celebrations organised through the Youth Apostolate Office.
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The event brought together students, teachers, clergy, and youth mentors in a rare moment of unity that blended prayer, reflection, and communal commitment.
The Catholic Diocese of Kitale was transformed into a vibrant centre of youthful faith and celebration on 4 July 2026, as more than 4,000 Catholic students drawn from schools across the diocese converged at St. Joseph Parish for the annual YCS Flags Day celebrations organised through the Youth Apostolate Office.
Held at the Curia Grounds, the event brought together students, teachers, clergy, and youth mentors in a rare moment of unity that blended prayer, reflection, and communal commitment.
The gathering reflected not only the strength of the Young Christian Students (YCS) movement within the diocese, but also its growing influence in shaping values-based education among learners.
The day began in a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Henry Juma Odonya. The Eucharistic celebration set the tone for the entire event, with hymns, processions, and the vibrant display of YCS flags symbolising the diversity and unity of Catholic student communities across the region.
In his homily, Bishop Odonya anchored his message on the theme: “Catholic students living the Gospel through faith, hope, and love, following the example of St. Dominic Savio.” He urged young people to remain firmly rooted in faith as they navigate the complexities of modern life, warning against distractions that could weaken their moral and spiritual foundation.
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The Bishop reminded the congregation that trust in God remains essential, especially in moments of uncertainty, pressure, and personal struggle. Drawing from the message of the Prophet Amos, he emphasized that even in times marked by hardship, injustice, and confusion, God continues to act as a source of direction and hope for His people.
“Do not lose heart when challenges arise in your studies, families, or personal lives,” he said in essence. “God remains present, and His guidance is constant even when situations appear overwhelming.”
Beyond encouragement, Bishop Odonya delivered a strong moral call to action, urging students to emulate the life of St. Dominic Savio, a young saint known for his deep devotion to prayer, discipline, and purity of heart. He challenged the learners to adopt similar virtues in their daily lives, particularly in an era where peer pressure, digital distractions, and moral ambiguity are increasingly common.
He stressed the importance of discipline both inside and outside the classroom, reminding students that academic success is closely tied to personal responsibility, consistency, and ethical conduct. According to him, education without values risks producing individuals who are knowledgeable but lacking in moral direction.
“Work hard in your studies, pursue knowledge with purpose, and let your actions reflect the values you profess as Christians,” he told the students. “You are not only learners but also future leaders of the Church, your families, and the nation.”
The Bishop further encouraged the young people to view themselves as active agents of change capable of transforming society through integrity, service, and faith-driven leadership. He noted that the Church continues to invest in youth because they represent both its present vitality and its future strength.
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Following the Holy Mass, the atmosphere shifted from solemn reflection to energetic participation as students took part in a fundraising activity aimed at supporting youth development initiatives within the diocese. The fundraising drive focused particularly on the ongoing construction of the Sibanga Diocesan Youth Centre.
Once completed, the centre is expected to serve as a major hub for youth formation and empowerment. It is envisioned to support a wide range of programmes, including spiritual development, talent nurturing, environmental conservation, anti-addiction awareness campaigns, and agricultural training initiatives designed to equip young people with practical life skills.
The initiative was warmly embraced by students and stakeholders, who contributed enthusiastically in support of the project. The gesture reflected a growing awareness among young people of their role not only as beneficiaries of Church programmes but also as active participants in shaping their future spaces.
Speaking during the event, the Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Fr. Dino Kiboi, underscored the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility in sustaining youth ministry across the diocese. He emphasized that effective youth formation requires collaboration between clergy, teachers, parents, and the students themselves.
Fr. Kiboi urged all stakeholders to remain committed to guiding and accompanying young people through their spiritual and personal development journeys. He noted that mentorship plays a critical role in helping students make informed decisions and remain grounded in faith amid social and cultural pressures.
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“The success of youth ministry depends on our ability to walk together with the young people,” he said in essence. “They need guidance, encouragement, and consistent support to grow into responsible and faithful members of society.”
The event was attended by a wide representation of the clergy, including the Dean Fr. Micah Kibet, Fr. James Ndombi, Fr. James Nyamache, Fr. James Njogu, Fr. Mike Khisa, Fr. Daniel Matara, Fr. Dino Kiboi, and Fr. David Odongo. They were joined by religious sisters and teachers, who played a key role in accompanying and supervising the students throughout the day.
Throughout the grounds, the colourful display of YCS flags, choir performances, group prayers, and moments of shared reflection created an atmosphere of both celebration and spiritual renewal. For many students, the gathering offered an opportunity not only to strengthen their faith but also to reconnect with peers and reaffirm their identity as young Catholics committed to living out Gospel values.
As the event drew to a close, what remained most evident was a renewed sense of purpose among the young participants. The Flags Day celebration stood as a powerful reminder of the Church’s ongoing commitment to nurturing disciplined, hopeful, and morally grounded young leaders capable of shaping the future of both society and the Church itself.
By Hillary Muhalya
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