FAITH AND SERVICE AS MILITARY ORDINARIATE COMMISSIONS CWA MEMBERS

Faith remains an enduring source of strength for military personnel, providing moral guidance, resilience and hope amid the demands of service. Within the Kenya Defence Forces, spiritual life complements professional duty by nurturing values of integrity, selfless service, unity and compassion that inspire personnel both in uniform and within their families.

This enduring commitment was highlighted when the Military Ordinariate of Kenya hosted the Diocesan Catholic Women Association (CWA) Commissioning service at St Peter and Paul Cathedral, Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

The ceremony brought together Catholic women from various formations and units of the KDF for an important moment of spiritual nourishment and commissioning, presided over by the Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya, Rt Rev. Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi.

In his sermon, Bishop Ng’ang’a urged the faithful to make prayer a foundation of their families and communities, especially when facing challenges. He encouraged them to remain calm, avoid conflict and seek God’s guidance through prayer. He also called on the CWA members to pray for their children, teach them to pray, correct them with love and patiently guide them in their lives.

Members underwent 6 months of training based on the CWA syllabus. The formation prepared them to take up their responsibilities as CWA members and to serve as role models of faith, discipline and good Christian values within their families and communities.

During the ceremony, Bishop Gachihi officially commissioned the members and entrusted them with the responsibility of supporting the growth of the Catholic faith within the Military Ordinariate of Kenya.

The newly commissioned members took a vow committing to serve with dedication, promote prayer, uphold Christian values, foster unity, and care for others among the Catholic faithful. They will also work closely with chaplains and other members of the Catholic community in supporting pastoral activities across the various formations and units.

This commissioning marks an important step in strengthening the role of women in the life and mission of the Catholic Church within the KDF.