By Florence Kinyua
The Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Murang’a James Maria Wainaina has called on all members of the public to accord respect to persons with disabilities(PWDs) and the most vulnerable in the society.
Speaking at St Joseph Benedict Cottolengo Kianyaga catholic during the parish’s Centenary celebrations, the bishop observed that respecting persons with disabilities is a godly and noble thing to do because Christianity reminds us of the sacredness of life from conception until death.
“Regardless of the physical outlook of any individual, we are always compelled to respect and put into consideration the innate human dignity of each person throughout their life,” he said.
Bishop Wainaina further reminded the faithful that persons with disabilities have a claim to our respect because they, just like ourselves also contribute to the development of our society.
The church, he added, must become an advocate for them, because disability is not a punishment.
Amongst the congregants, the bishop spotted and recognized a lady in a wheelchair, who turned out to be the director of persons with disabilities in Kirinyaga County.
Compelling the faithful to respect and love persons with disabilities, the lady Mary Wawira, gave a chilling account of how an accident in her most active years of life rendered her disabled.
“We are all candidates for disability, I was not born like this, a tree fell on my car and rendered me disabled so let us learn to treat people with disability compassionately” revealed Wawira.
The historical centenary event brought together hundreds of faithful members of the clergy from the parish and beyond.
Others present at the event included Correctional Services PS Mary Muthoni and Mwea MP Wachira Kabinga.