The names of 17 Catholic pilgrims from St Mathias Mulumba Parish, Mikindani, Mombasa, who died in a road accident at Salama while travelling to Subukia for the National Prayer Day, have been released.
The deceased are Janet Miito, Florence Atieno, Jane Mwakamba, Josephat Mekonge, Hilkah Orina, Linah Akinyi and Veronicah Musyimi.
Others are Martha Nzyoki, Ann Mwanthi, Sarapia Mwarimbo, Scholastica Ochieng, Catherine Joseph, Beatrice Oluoch, Veronica Ngandi, Regina Mwai, Samuel Muigai and Samuel Mwanyasi.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa confirmed the deaths in a statement dated Saturday, October 3, signed by Coadjutor Archbishop Dominic Kimengich.
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The pilgrims were travelling from St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Mikindani to the National Shrine of Subukia to attend the National Prayer Day when the accident occurred at Salama.
The Archdiocese expressed deep sorrow over the loss and asked priests and Catholic faithful to pray for the deceased and their families.
Parish priests have been directed to make special arrangements for prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims during Sunday Masses on October 4.
“Let us pray for the repose of their souls as we pray for their families, St. Mathias Mulumba parish and the Archdiocese as a whole, so that we may find solace and consolation in the Lord,” the Archdiocese said.
The church also called for prayers for the bereaved families and the wider St Mathias Mulumba Parish community as they come to terms with the tragedy.
“May their souls rest in peace. Amen,” Archbishop Kimengich said.
Church prepares for Sunday prayers
The announcement came as families, parishioners and the wider Catholic community in Mombasa began mourning the pilgrims who had been travelling for the National Prayer Day at Subukia.
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The Archdiocese said the special prayer intentions would focus on the repose of the victims’ souls, as well as their families, St. Mathias Mulumba Parish and the wider Archdiocese.
The Salama crash occurred along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway as pilgrims made their way towards Subukia.
The deaths have left the Mikindani parish community grieving, with Sunday Masses on October 4 expected to provide an opportunity for prayers and consolation.
