Kenya: number of priests reaches record levels

The number of diocesan priests in the metropolitan archdiocese of Nairobi in Kenya, reached 150 on Saturday, after nine deacons were ordained to the priesthood.

The colourful ordination ceremony also saw the elevation of two acolytes into deacon hood level.

Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki presided over the ceremony. In his homily, the Archbishop observed that the Catholic faith in the country was growing fast.

In 1950 he pointed out, there were only three dioceses, namely Nairobi, Nyeri and Kisumu while today there are 26.

He added that the number of priests, nuns and laity has also shot up.

Ndingi told a packed congregation at the Holy Family Minor Basilica that the Church in Kenya was contributing to the world-wide Church.

He said Kenyan Catholic clergy as well as nuns were currently serving in many parts of the world. "This is some thing we should thank the Lord. Jesus Christ for," he said as he thanked the parents of the newly ordained priests and deacons for supporting their children's vocations.

Two of the ordained priests belong to the missionary congregations of Jesuits and Rosminians.