If you grew up in a Catholic setting (for non-Catholics), I am sure at one point you had convinced yourself it was time to convert.

The catechism classes, the Rosary, receiving the Body of Christ - it all seemed cool, so to speak.

A visit to the National Shrine located in Subukia can quickly change that view.

The Village of Mary or the Marian Shrine as is well known to many, is located on top of a hill in the midst of Subukia forest 40km away from Nakuru.

Getting into the premises where the 200-acre monument sits, feels akin to touching the hem of Jesus’ cloak or standing on the sacred ground where Moses encountered the burning bush.

An arial view of the chapel in Subukia shrine.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

At the centre of the compound is a church designed in the shape of the crown of Mary the mother of Jesus that currently holds 4,500 seats.

It has 12 corners symbolizing the 12 stars in Mary’s crown and 12 pillars symbolizing the 12 apostles of Jesus.

At what is referred to as the foot of the hill, we observe a queue at the little chapel of Mary, a nicely curved statue with Mary and her son, where pilgrims (people on this journey) go in to put in their written prayer requests and leave their rosaries.

Believers, from all walks of life, ascend the hill in devotion, reciting the rosary, to different prayer points scattered throughout the mountain where they kneel silently making heartfelt prayers, while others press on carrying jerricans of all sizes, eager to reach the source of the 'miraculous' water.

We find out that the climb up the hill epitomizes the way of the cross, recounting the time Jesus carried the cross as he was taken for his crucifixion.

At the peak, where the spring of 'life' flows, two wells sit beside it. Pilgrims come to drink, splash the water on their faces and arms, and fill their jerricans with as much water as possible to share with their neighbours, believing in its healing power.

Believers of the Catholic faith fetch water believed to have healing power at the Subukia shrine on October 5, 2024.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

Here too, prayers move the congregants to tears as everyone implores God to answer their deepest wishes which they travelled far and wide to be fulfilled, while others line up to fetch the ‘holy’ water.

We overhear snatches of conversation- tales of miraculous recoveries, of businesses received, jobs secured, of wayward children returned to the fold, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

As we begin our descent we wonder- if it is doubt or wisdom that holds us back from joining the queue yearning to have the kind of palpable faith just experienced.

And perhaps, in observing we've taken the first step on a journey of understanding - one that may bring us back to these hills, if not as converts, then as respectful witnesses to the enduring power of faith.

The fascinating wonders of Subukia shrine

Author Spotlight

Leleti Jassor