This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
On August 1, 1969, Pope Paul VI blessed the plaque of St Paul's Chapel in Uganda, during his historic visit to Africa, marking a significant milestone in the chapel's history.
Founded in the mid-1960s, St Paul's was envisioned as a chaplaincy ministering to both students and staff of the University of Nairobi. The location was selected and paid for by the Archdiocese of Nairobi in June 1969, and construction soon began under the supervision of P. M. Cummings of Opus Dei.
Today, St Paul's Chapel is a vibrant centre spreading faith-based activities to other campuses of the UoN, including Parklands and St Raphael's Kabete. With a capacity of 800 worshippers, five Masses are celebrated on Sundays, and the chapel has a strong commitment to training priests, with seven seminarians currently training for the priesthood.
As Catholic Student Community chairperson Brian Ogado notes, St Paul's is not only a place of worship but also a rendezvous for students to network with professionals in and around Nairobi. Prof Judith Mbula Bahemuka, a long-time associate of the UoN, regards the chapel as a vital part of her life, saying,
