The Diocese of Marsabit in Kenya, founded in 1964 thanks to the work of its first bishop, the Consolata missionary Mons. Carlo Maria Cavallera, is celebrating its 60th anniversary of foundation this Monday, November 25, 2024. The Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated on Saturday, 23 November.
By Jaime C. Patias *
Subsequently, in 1981, the leadership of the diocese was entrusted to Bishop Ambrogio Ravasi, IMC, until 2007, the year in which he was succeeded by Bishop Peter Kihara, IMC. In this interview, given to the Office for Communication in Rome, he reflects on the history of evangelization and the reality of the region inhabited by many ethnic groups, among the main ones: the Borana, the Gabra, the Burji, the Rendille, the Waata, and the Turkana. Before becoming the bishop of Marsabit, Mons. Peter was the bishop of the Diocese of Morang’a for seven years (1999 – 2006).
Video produced by the Office for Communication.
Brief history
The Diocese of Marsabit was erected by Pope Paul VI, taking its territory from the Diocese of Nyeri (now an archdiocese), and is located in the north-eastern region of Kenya, about 560 km from Nairobi and covers an area of about 78,078 km2. The territory of the diocese is a vast plain between 300 and 1800 m above sea level. It is located in a semi-arid area and 80% of the population is made up of nomadic shepherds, 10% practices subsistence agriculture, mainly around the most mountainous areas that enjoy more rainfall during the year. Approximately 7% of the population is dedicated to commercial activities and the remaining percentage are employed. On 15 June 2001 the diocese ceded a portion of its territory in favor of the erection of the Diocese of Maralal.
* Father Jaime C. Patias, IMC, Office of Communications, Rome.
