Parish rallies around member with family caught in Kenyan violence

Published: 2008-02-19

BALTIMORE (CNS) -- When the priest applied ashes to Mercy Kinyanjui's forehead Ash Wednesday at St. Matthew Church in Baltimore, the act symbolized more than just the start of Lent. The ashes were a reminder to the 34-year-old Kenyan of the burning down of her parents' home in Kenya during recent unrest. They also represented the strength and support of her parish. "The people here have really supported us," Kinyanjui said. "They came together to help my family, but they also came together to pray for peace in Kenya." More than 1,000 people, including a Catholic priest, have been killed and 600,000 people have been displaced in the violence since a disputed election Dec. 27. Kinyanjui's parents lost their dwelling to fire during a brutal protest Jan. 1 and have continued to struggle since they became homeless. After word of their misfortune spread around the Baltimore parish, Kenyans who worship at St. Matthew organized a prayer service Feb. 2 that attracted people from several Catholic churches. They donated more than $11,000 to help Kinyanjui's family start over.

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