Mugunda Stadium, in Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, was transformed into a vibrant sea of activities, music, and youthful energy as thousands of learners from Grades 7, 8, and 9 gathered for the historic inauguration of the Junior Youth movement in the Archdiocese of Nyeri.
The event marked a major milestone for the Catholic Church in nurturing faith formation among adolescents transitioning through middle school.
The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Anthony Muheria, accompanied by priests, religious brothers, and seminarians who joined the young people in prayer, song, and celebration.
Excitement filled the stadium as the Archbishop officially launched the Junior Youth, a moment that was greeted with cheers, waving banners, and coordinated performances from various schools and parishes.
In his homily, Archbishop Muheria captured the learners’ attention with a warm Christmas story about the shepherds who visited the newborn Jesus. He reminded the youth that among those shepherds were likely young boys often overlooked who brought small but heartfelt gifts. In the same way, he said, every young person carries a unique gift that can be offered to Christ and shared with the world.
The Archbishop then drew inspiration from the life of St. Carlo Acutis, the young Italian teen who used his ordinary life to do extraordinary things. He spoke about Carlo’s devotion to prayer, his deep love for the Eucharist, and his ability to draw others to God through simple acts of faith. One of Carlo’s most striking impacts, Archbishop Muheria noted, was helping convert a Muslim man through his joyful and consistent Christian witness.
“You are called to be the lights of the world,” he told the students. “At school, at home, on the playground—show others the way. Be magnetic like Jesus, and to do that, stay close to Him.”
The archbishop also shared the famous Quasimodo story from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, using it to encourage the young people to live authentically. He challenged them to remove the “masks” people often wear to impress others and instead embrace sincerity, truth, and courage in their daily lives.
Pretending to be someone else, he said, may win short-term attention but never leads to real happiness.
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He further urged the youth to be vigilant about harmful habits that can slowly derail their character and future. While acknowledging that every young person faces temptations, he assured them that negative habits can be broken through honesty, confession, and a genuine desire for change.
“Do not be afraid to start again. Do not be afraid to be holy,” he encouraged. “Look up to St. Carlo Acutis. He was your age, and he shows us that holiness is possible even for the young.”
Throughout the day, learners showcased lively performances, hymns, and coordinated presentations that expressed their joy and deep sense of belonging. Teachers, catechists, and parish youth leaders who accompanied the students expressed optimism that the Junior Youth program will strengthen values, leadership, and spiritual grounding among adolescents.
As the celebration concluded, Mugunda Stadium echoed with renewed hope and purpose. The inauguration marked not just the beginning of a new church program, but the start of a journey of growth, friendship, and faith for thousands of young Catholics.
The Junior Youth movement will now be rolled out across all parishes in the Archdiocese of Nyeri, with activities designed to guide students through their formative years—helping them build identity, moral grounding, and a strong relationship with God.
For many of the learners who attended, the day was more than an event; it was a defining moment. And for the Archdiocese, it stands as a commitment to raising a generation rooted in joy, integrity, and hope.
By Rodgers Wagura.
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