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Nairobi , November 21, 2006

First Lady mourns Father D' Agostino

First Lady Lucy Kibaki has sent a message of condolence to the family, Nyumbani Community and the entire Catholic fraternity following the death of Father Angelo D’Agostino.

In her message, the First Lady said she learnt of the death of Father D’Agostino with a deep sense of sorrow and regret, describing Father D’Agostino as a colleague in the field of caring for HIV positive children.

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow and regret that I learned about the death of my colleague in the field of caring for HIV positive children, Father Angelo D’Agostino,” Mrs. Kibaki said.

“I convey my deep sympathies and heartfelt condolences to all the children and members of Nyumbani community and members of the Catholic church,” the First Lady added.

The First Lady pointed out that in the true sense of the spiritual mission of the church in providing care to those in need, the late Father D’Agostino devoted his life not only to preaching the gospel but also initiating projects to cater for children living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and even the elderly who have been deprived of care by the loss of their children to HIV/AIDS epidemic.

She added that due to Father D’Agostino’s efforts the Nyumbani Children’s Home in Karen, Nyumbani Village in Kitui and a community programme, Lea Toto, all of which are dedicated to providing care to those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, particularly children were established.

The First Lady recalled that together with Father D’Agostino they officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of the Nyumbani Village in Kitui which is today a home to many children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

In this regard, the First Lady said the late Father D’Agostino has not only been a mentor and source of inspiration to her but also to many others involved in programmes aimed at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and helping disadvantaged children.

“I retain very fond memories of the moments we shared together in the course of outreach work to improve the lives of children living with HIV/AIDS over the last four years,” the First Lady said.

Saying the love, care and friendship of Father D’Agostino shall be missed by all, Mrs. Kibaki encouraged and assured the entire Nyumbani community that she will continue working with them as a family to keep Father D’Agostino’s flame burning.

She called on the community to carrying on with the work Father D’Agostino cherished and perpetuate the values he professed, saying that is the only way of honouring him for the distinguished service he rendered to this nation.

Said the First Lady: “I take consolation that though he is physically gone, his legacy will continue to be an inspiration to many of those he has left behind.”

The First Lady reassured all the children, members of Nyumbani community and members of the Catholic Church that she shared in their grief and prayed to God give them the strength to bear the loss.