“WE LOVED HIM AND HIS WAY OF PREACHING TO US. WE LIKED HIS ENTERTAINMENT BUT WE ALSO LEARNT CRUCIAL MESSAGE FROM WHAT HE USED TO DO. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT HE WAS SUSPENDED,” SAID ANTHONY OWINO, A PARISHIONER.
Owino said already church members were looking at ways to reverse the suspension since they “believe he has done no wrong.”
Norah Akinyi, a youthful parishioner, said most colleagues have stopped going to church following the decision:
“THE PRIEST HAS BEEN ATTRACTING THE YOUTH TO CHURCH. AS A RESULT, HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO INFLUENCE US TO SHUN SOCIAL EVILS SUCH AS DRUG ABUSE. HE TAUGHT US HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT. WE FEEL BAD THAT HE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED,” SAID AKINYI.
She said since Ogola was suspended, the church masses have never been the same. Scores of people, both young and old, do not attend church. Besides, many activities in the church, including youth functions, have stopped.
“CATHOLIC CHURCH MASS WAS CHANGED FROM LATIN TO LOCAL LANGUAGE, SOME ASPECTS OF LOCAL DANCES ADDED WHY DO THEY REFUSE WHEN YOUTHS HAVE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE MASS?” SAID ONE OF THE YOUTHS.
Homa Bay diocese bishop Philip Anyolo said the priest will only be suspended from conducting mass, but will continue to do other priestly duties in church.
