Filipino named parish priest in Nakuru, Kenya

A priest from Compostela Valley in Mindanao has become the first Filipino parish priest in the diocese of Nakuru in Kenya.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Reverend Father Deem Virtudazo was installed as the new parish priest of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

In his message after the installation rites, Virtudazo said each priest has different characteristics that set them apart from each other.

“But with all these differences, there is one thing in common with all the priests and that is we are called by the Lord and we are chosen to serve Him,” he said.

Virtudazo's official installation was held during a Mass attended by officials from the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi last week.

The newly-installed priest later expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Embassy as well as the Filipino and Kenyan community. He also vowed to fulfill his responsibilities.

Ambassador Alex Chua welcomed the appointment, saying Virtudazo will bring honor to the Philippines and would be an exemplary representative of the Filipino people. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK, GMA News