subukia shrine

The Kenya National Marian Shrine at Subukia is just the right place for any Christian to make this very important pilgrim.I recently made my first visit at the Shrine which is located about 210Kms from Nairobi off Nakuru – Nyahururu Road, and I can sum up my experience with two words – abundantly rich.Sacrament of reconciliationFirst, the Conventual Franciscan Friars who run this place are always at hand to help, to offer any spiritual guidance that may be necessary for the visitors at the shrine.Their dedication to offer the Sacrament of reconciliation is amazing. It is lovely receiving the sacrament of reconciliation under some huge indigenous tree; doesn’t God really feel right there - By the tree, listening to the confession? Nodding His head with appreciation.Eucharistic celebrationThe Shrine’s new Grotto Chapel is perfect for Holy Mass. And trust me; there is no better thing to do than attending Holy Mass soon after receiving the Sacrament of reconciliation. It’s like moving from one point of glory to the next, absolutely lovely.Holy springBut perhaps, one of the major aspects of the Shrine; which is owned by the Kenya Roman Catholic Bishops’ umbrella – the Kenya Episcopal Conference - is the water spring that gushes almost at the top of the hill.Now, one form of worship that is bound to bring any pilgrim who visits Subukia Shrine even much closer to God is; The Way of the Cross; A total of 14 stations that Roman Catholics often undertake (And even so during the Lenten Period.)These Stations of the Cross are designed for the Christians to soberly revisit the passion of Christ. And as one moves from one station to the next, the hill becomes more stepper. But I must say at this juncture, the pavement and the stairway has been freshly done; with the use of building stones, which makes it look so table.This meandering path right under the indigenous forest - the uphill walk way, will absolutely make you feel as if you are in the Garden of Aden, alone; walking; along with God!It is a forest that has evidently been left as natural as possible. The fourteenth station of the cross finally gives way to the gushing spring that has since been channeled into a number of water taps for the worshipers. After the discovery of the spring, its waters have since been blessed in accordance with the Church’s practice.A chapel of Mary, Mother of God has been conveniently constructed right on the spring. Indeed, many pilgrims who drink this water or wash themselves with it; or take it home with them have been testifying of this water’s miraculous powers.There are also three symbolic wells that have been constructed right by the spring; pilgrims can deep their hands into these wells and by faith, get purified besides – according to the resident catechist - getting more galvanized in their faith; in their obedience to God and to the Church. The structure of lightIt is also worth noting that the Equator passes right through this shrine. One of the most magnificent structure at the Shrine - The structure of light, has been built right at this imaginary line.This structure is a combination of both walls and pillars that have been adorned with great mosaic works depicting various animals.Conveniently, the structure is built without any roofing; according to the resident Catechist, a structure that has no roof cannot be referred to as; or even used as a chapel. It knows no denomination.This is a place where all peoples of the world, all races and tribes, all denominations are welcome to come and worship God, to take in the magnificent Light of God, His goodness, without any inhibitions at all!Being at the center of Earth, it is a place where both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere join, meet. What a place to stand; and look up; and take it all in; and appreciate the uninhibited God!The shrine’s vast compound on the other hand is an absolute reminder; of the vastness of God’s love. Current, the construction of a large church that can take up almost 5000 worshipers is underway, more development – including the construction of an adoration chapel and a youth center will follow, bringing to pass, the later Michael Cardinal Otunga’s projections of having the Subukia Marian Shrine as the ‘Village of Mary.’All said and done, this is a place of tranquility, a holy ground that reminds us that God isn’t far from humankind, but right here with us, walking with us; helping us make the longest journey that we can ever make, the journey into ourselves with such serenity that can only be inspired by the Motherly love of Mary, the Patron Saint of this Shrine.