In the vibrant mix of Kenyan cultures and the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, a new generation of Catholic teenagers is emerging—one determined to blend the Catholic faith with the realities of today. As society becomes more secular owing greatly to the influence of social media, it’s this age group that feels this shift the most.
Amid pressures to conform to traditional norms, being a young person striving to live out the Catholic faith often feels like an uphill struggle. The faith is frequently met with scepticism and sometimes ridicule, dismissed as outdated in a world that prizes modernity. It’s all too easy to feel isolated when you choose mass over a wild party or teaching catechism over a night out.
This challenge calls us not only to define what it means to live as Christians but to drink the very water we preach. Like mountain climbers depending on each other to reach the summit, we young Catholics rely on each other for support. Our faith is nurtured and flourishes in fellowship, whether in church youth groups, gatherings or at the local SDC Centre. We find a haven, a place to share our struggles, grow in faith, and support each other on this journey.
Here, we find mentors and peers who offer guidance, helping us navigate the sometimes-turbulent path of living out our faith. In a world pulling us in countless directions the faith grounds us in what is eternal. Through this journey, we grow not only in our personal relationship with God but also in our commitment to our community, embodying our faith in a world that so often questions it.
Thomas Njugun
SDC Candidate, Ruiru (Kenya)
