Fidei Donum Not a One-Way Arrangement: Kenyan Catholic Bishop Advocates for Reciprocity in Mission

Bishop Michael Otieno Odiwa of the Diocese of Homa Bay called for a reciprocal approach to Fidei Donum missionary work during a convention for Fidei Donum priests on October 28. Speaking at the Golgotha Centre for Evangelization in Homa Bay, Kenya, Bishop Odiwa urged churches that have grown through receiving missionaries to also send their own priests to dioceses in need.

Bishop Odiwa stated that a mature missionary model functions as a cycle of receiving, growing, and sending rather than a one-way arrangement. He noted that this reciprocity could help build a self-reliant African Church. He explained that the goal for Kenyan dioceses is to increase their capacity to serve so they can eventually send priests to other growing communities requiring pastoral care.

The bishop previously served as a Fidei Donum priest in Australia before his appointment and ordination as a bishop on February 9, 2021.