BISHOP LEADS COMMEMORATION OF WORLD DAY OF THE SICK AT KAHAWA

The Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya, Rt. Reverend Wallace Nganga led the military fraternity in marking World Day of the Sick at Kahawa Garrison in Nairobi County.

He was received by the Kahawa Garrison Camp Commandant, Colonel Valentine Kilungya, before proceeding to the Nairobi Regional Hospital (NRH) within the garrison, where activities focused on prayer and solidarity with the sick.

At the hospital, he was received by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Brigadier (Dr) James Mwika and the hospital’s top management team. The CMO briefed him on the hospital’s structure, operations, and services to service members and their families, highlighting its role in caring for the sick.

Bishop Ng’ang’a then proceeded to address the hospital’s caregivers and staff.

“On this World Day of the sick, we honor your commitment to those in pain. Your service restores hope and dignity and it’s not in vain. May God bless you for your selfless service to the sick and the vulnerable.” He said.

The CMO reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to quality and patient-centered care within the Kenya Defence Forces. He noted ongoing efforts to strengthen systems and capacity to meet emerging health needs. “As we mark this day, we renew our duty to provide timely and effective care to our personnel and their dependants,” he said.

The Bishop visited the various wards in the hospital where he prayed for patients and encouraged them to remain hopeful during treatment. The visit cemented the day’s message of compassion and shared responsibility for those facing illness within the military fraternity.

The commemoration concluded with a Mass for the sick at Saint Charles Lwanga Catholic Church Kahawa. During the sermon, Bishop Nganga reminded the congregation that the day calls for closeness to those who suffer. “We are invited to be instruments of comfort and support,” he said.

The World Day of the Sick is observed annually on 11 February as a global occasion of prayer and awareness for the sick and their caregivers. The day was established in 1992 by Pope John Paul II to coincide with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, emphasizing prayer, compassion, and support for those suffering from various illnesses. This points to the importance of dignity, access to quality healthcare, and role of caregivers in restoring hope and comfort to those who are ailing.