Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama recently returned from a trip to Kenya where he traveled to see firsthand how the work of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S., is serving communities in that part of the world.
After arriving in Nairobi, Bishop Luis and the CRS delegation flew in a smaller plane to Isiolo, a town approximately 175 miles north. There, he saw how CRS works to build wells and provide access to drinkable water. In many other parts of the world, CRS also supports agriculture efforts in communities. In Kenya, the range of wild animals in the region makes it difficult, if not impossible, to protect whatever crops are cultivated.
Bishop especially enjoyed celebrating Mass and socializing afterward with the people of Isiolo.
“They have no access to phones, no TV, no media; many of them do not read or write,” he explained. “Even though a daily Mass could go for over two hours, the people are listening and present. They are not in a hurry. They are there to celebrate and to help keep their traditions.”
At the end of the trip, Bishop traveled to the Shaba National Reserve and saw more of the vast African landscape and the animals that inhabit it. Among the wide range of animals he saw were gazelles, giraffes, hippos, lions, tigers and zebras. One animal especially stood out, he said. “Hyenas – they are not nice!”
In 2021, Bishop Luis was elected to serve on the board of directors of CRS. He commented at the time, “Like many others throughout the world, the faithful in North Carolina especially understand the devastating impact of natural disasters. I am honored to serve in this way and to more fully reflect to others the goodness of God and also help give his strength to those who are suffering and burdened throughout the world.”
CRS alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. In 2020, the U.S. Bishops’ Executive Committee issued a statement regarding their support of CRS: Catholic Relief Services Delivers the Hope of Christ to Where Human Suffering is Worst.
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