sadmin By Imelda Lihavi
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, Rt. Rev. John Mbinda, on Sunday presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration during which he consecrated the new altar at St. Augustine Cathedral Parish, officially dedicating it for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The Rite of Dedication, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the life of a parish, marked the altar as a sacred place where the Eucharistic sacrifice will be offered for generations to come. The ceremony brought together priests, religious, and hundreds of faithful who witnessed the historic occasion with prayer and thanksgiving.
In his homily, Bishop Mbinda reflected on the profound significance of the altar, describing it as the heart of the Church’s liturgical life and the sacred table where Christ continually nourishes His people through the Holy Eucharist.
“The altar is the place where heaven and earth meet in the celebration of the Eucharist. It reminds us of Christ Himself, who is both the Priest and the Sacrificial Lamb,” the Bishop said.
He encouraged the faithful to deepen their love for the Eucharist through regular participation in Holy Mass, frequent reception of the sacraments, and a committed life of prayer. He also reminded Christians that the altar is a visible sign of Christ’s abiding presence in the midst of His people and called on them to approach it with reverence, faith, and gratitude.
The celebration was made even more special as it coincided with two important milestones in Bishop Mbinda’s ministry: the 24th anniversary of his priestly ordination and the 4th anniversary of his episcopal ordination as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar.
The faithful joined the clergy in offering prayers of thanksgiving for the Bishop’s years of dedicated pastoral service, asking God to continue blessing him with wisdom, strength, and good health as he shepherds the Diocese of Lodwar.
