In an era where families often live in isolation, exacerbated by a rise in social media and the exigencies of work, a Catholic church in Shanzu has taken a proactive step to restore unity by hosting an eventful Family Day.
The worshippers from all walks of life and age groups put their devices away to avoid disruptions from social media to reconnect through faith, fun, and games.
The event-filled day began after the morning mass, where worshippers from four out stations: Bamburi, Majaoni, Maweni and Shanzu converged at the Sacred Heart of Christ Catholic Church for praise and worship before going to the field for athletics, football and tug-of-war games.
Surprisingly, the women’s team triumphed over the men’s team one-nil in the highly dramatic football game cheered by a mammoth crowd at the church’s ground.
The men, however, claimed victory in the tug-of-war contest, winning three out of four rounds before the women clinched a single round and broke into celebratory songs.
Fr Vincent Alicho, the Reverend Priest of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, says the day was all about family and fun day, but as the saying goes, ‘all work and no play make Jack a dull boy’
“After we finished our celebrations in the church, we came to the field. There has been football, tug of war and races. We want to celebrate our families, we want to celebrate our unity,” he stated.
The games, he noted, were not about winners or losers but about play and to reinvigorate the minds and bodies and showcase and nurture the talents of the youths.
Fr. Alicho affirmed his commitment to creating a holistic parish that nurtures not only spiritual growth but also mental and emotional well-being through co-curricular activities.
“We want to bring everyone together and celebrate together. When we came to the field, the whole Shanzu community joined us, from all church denominations, we called everybody together to come here and see that the unity that we all preach is there in the community.”
Fr Alicho explained that the family is an important cog in society, ‘in fact, the church calls the family a small church’ where the training and moulding of children begins before they are enrolled for formal education.
“If you see a good child, if you see a child well trained, if he mixes with other members of the society, if they are all well trained in their different families, they will be a better community. In a situation where children are not well-trained, they cause trouble in the community.
“If every child followed the parents’ rules and regulations, the society would be a better one because every child would be obedient, respectful and disciplined. There will be less crime in the community,” he added.
Parishioner Matilda Ouma noted that the day not only fosters unity but also love among worshippers as they enjoy a meal and games together.
“The day has uplifted us as women. Sometimes we go through a lot in the homes alone, but through interactions with other people, it relieves the stress, and life goes on,” she said.
Another Worshipper, David Simwa, says the yearly event coincides with the feast of St. Paul and St Peter, and they embrace it as it brings happiness, joy and togetherness. “We thank God for this day because it brings peace and love in the community,” he stated.
By Sadik Hassan
