The Holy Cross story started in the early 2000s when the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) brought its mission to Kenya. At the time, Catholics who preferred the older form of the liturgy had very few options. The Catholic Latin Mass was rare, and consistent access to it was even rarer.
On 3 September 2003, Rev. Fr. Anthony Esposito, the first prior, arrived with Rev. Fr. Grün to begin the work of establishing the Traditional Latin Mass in Kenya. Their early days were marked by simplicity.The first priory stood in a hut on the property of a local faithful. Next to it, another small hut served as the chapel. No permanent structures. No parish buildings. Just the Mass, the Sacraments, and a group of Catholics grateful to attend the Traditional Latin Mass on Kenyan soil.This small mission formed the foundation of what would eventually become Holy Cross Catholic Church.
The desire for reverent worship drew more people week after week. As the community grew, so did the need for a larger space to accommodate the faithful. In April 2004, Fr. Esposito purchased a property in Karen to establish the first proper priory. Later that year, he was succeeded by Rev. Fr. Christophe Nouveau, who served as prior for a decade, assisted for four years by Rev. Fr. Denis Bedel.From Karen, the priests continued to offer the Traditional Latin Mass and guided the growing number of Catholics who were drawn to the older liturgy.
In 2005, Fr. Nouveau later purchased land in Lavington. The location was practical, sitting near both the established neighbourhood of Lavington and the informal settlement of Kawangware, where the priests were already teaching catechism. Even with a very modest budget, a chapel was built on the Lavington property later that same year. On 20 March 2006, Bishop Bernard Fellay blessed the new chapel and gave it the name Holy Cross Church.This moment marked the real beginning of Holy Cross as a stable parish in Nairobi. For many Catholics looking for the Traditional Latin Mass in Nairobi, it became the place they could finally rely on.
The Parish Priest, Father Pierre Champroux, faithfully leads the congregation with devotion, humility, and a shepherd’s heart.
Students gather in church for service, hearts open and minds attentive, ready to worship, learn, and grow in faith together.
The future Holy Cross Church will be more than brick and mortar. It will be a living confession of faith — built by the hands, prayers, and sacrifices of those who love the beauty of Catholic tradition.
The cross of Jesus is the place where love conquered sin and mercy met justice. Through it, sacrifice became salvation and death gave way to eternal life.
After two decades of steady growth, Holy Cross has become a vibrant center of Catholic tradition in Nairobi. Every Sunday, hundreds of faithful gather for the Traditional Latin Mass — so many that those worshipping beneath the tents outside now outnumber those seated inside the church during High Mass and feast days. Week after week, the priests of the Society of Saint Pius X celebrate the
sacraments, teach catechism, and guide parish life with consistency and care. The community draws families, students, and professionals from across Nairobi — united by a shared desire to worship God in the beauty and reverence of the ancient liturgy. Holy Cross continues to grow quietly and firmly, rooted in prayer, faith, and the timeless rhythm of the Latin Mass. Holy Cross continues to grow quietly and firmly, rooted in prayer, faith, and the timeless rhythm of the Latin Mass.
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