The Subukia National Shrine has always struck many spiritually but its architectural design is also stunning, thanks to Polish priest Fr Kazimier Szulc.
Fr Szulc is the brains behind the designing of the shrine whose 200-acre land was acquired in the 1980s.
A fourth-born in a family of ten, Fr Szulc always aspired to be a star mechanic as he was in love with automobiles.
However, he came from a deeply religious family and he found his life’s trajectory bordering more on the church than in the garage. He chose to follow the path that three of his other siblings had taken.
He was ordained as a priest in 1993 and posted to Kenya by the then Pope John Paul the second.
Years into priesthood in Kenya, the Polish Priest would catch the eye of The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops who were seeking a brilliant mind behind the design of the Subukia Shrine.
In 2006, Fr Szulc was assigned the role of designing the shrine despite having no architectural background.
He put his design work on a blueprint which manifested in what is today’s holiest places for worshippers all over the country.
In an interview with NTV, the Polish priest said that he does not struggle drawing his sketches on paper.
He is happy that his creativity led to the construction of the Subukia Shrine.
“After getting the idea, I sketch it on paper and with the help of architects it is brought to life,” he explained.
“The church in Subukia is a special church. My experience in Kenya inspired the design. It has 12 corners which symbolize the 12 stars of the Mary Mother of God. The roof is shaped like a tent, which is what chiefs use when they want to communicate to the people,” added Fr Szulc.
Subukia Shrine stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation not just in the spiritual realm.
Pilgrims from around the country visit the Shrine at least once a year. It can hold up to 5,000 worshippers.
Fr Szulc has designed Catholic schools in parishes where he has served.