Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has joined catholic faithfuls of Kwangamor Sub Parish in the push for parish status by December 2020.
Speaking during a mini-harambee in aid of completion of the Priest’s residence after attending mass at St Teresa of Avila Kwangamor Church, the Governor said he will do everything within his powers to have the residence completed by the end of the year.
He pledged to organize a major funds drive by the end of September to appreciate the efforts of Kwangamor Catholic Women Association who have pooled their resources to ensure the roofing is done without delay.
The impromptu harambee realized Sh190,000 with the governor giving his donation of Sh70,000 while the CWA donated Sh100,000.
If the Apostolic Administrator of Bungoma Diocese Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe agrees, Kwangamor parish will be hived off Amukura Parish with eight sub parishes.
The eight include Kwangamor, Akobwait, Kachoroi, Igara, Lupida, Kotur, Gara and Okisimo.
CWA chairperson Mary Ariku said they started constructing the house in March but it stalled owing to Covid-19 challenges.
“We are happy the Governor has stepped in to assist us,” she said.
Amukura Parish Priest Fr Dunstan Epalaat who led the mass lauded Christians of Kwangamor for pushing for a Parish.
He said the Diocesan elections will start at sub -parish level with culmination of parish polls.
The chairman of the mobilization team William Okedi and the Sub Parish chairman Okoit Dindi said they are assured of a parish.
They said the declaration of the priest to be posted to the parish designate is the completion of his residence.
Why Catholic faithful’s always want to have a Parish
According to Bibianne Situma a Catholic faithful from Bukembe Parish in Bungoma Diocese, a Parish brings development in a locality.
With the construction of a church, social amenities like schools and hospitals crop up.
Most of the schools and hospitals are Mission since they are church sponsored.
The locals get employment at the schools and hospitals.
Their children do not need to go far away from home to get education.
She told Hot News locals can supply food and transport to these schools and hospitals and get income.
There is also growth of sports around these areas.
Cohesion and peace are enhanced since most people living around and working in parishes are of different ethnicity race and nationalities.
This leads to exposure and growth of individuals.
She said the most important is the Spiritual growth and being able to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at least every Sunday because of the permanent presence of a Priest.
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