Three Professions in Kenyan Province
The Kenyan Province will treasure dearly Wednesday, 14th of December with fond memories.
On that day, three of our young and vibrant sisters said a complete and self-giving YES to Christ,
the spouse of their hearts. The three brides namely Catherine, Willimena and Virginia originate
from diverse parts of the country and that diversity has not only enriched their journey together
but also the Province as a whole.
In Swahili we say siku njema huonekana tangu asubuhi (A good day is predicted by the dawning
of the day) and this was certainly true for us on the profession day. Days before the event had
been marked by showers and at times torrential rains. However, on this auspicious day the Lord
blessed us with beautiful weather that favored all the activities of the day.
St Austin’s Parish hosted the celebrations with the same cordial spirit it had 60 years ago when it
welcomed the first Sisters of Mercy, who set foot in Kenya from Ireland. The compound was
flowered with people from all walks of life who had come to witness the ceremony. Buses
started streaming into the venue as early as 7:30am. All were in jubilation and high spirits for
what the day would offer. There were Christians and family members from Lodwar which is in
the Northern part of Kenya (620 km from Nairobi city) where Sr. Willimena comes from. Sr.
Catherine who is a native of Kakamega which is in the Western part of the country was all smiles
to see her kin and Christians from her local church. Lastly Virginia who is from Mwingi which
lies in the Eastern part of Kenya was happy to say her “yes” in the presence of her family, friends
and parishioners. All three sisters brought together people from faraway places yet the distance
didn’t deter any of them from gracing the occasion with great enthusiasm.
The holy Eucharist which started at 10:30am was presided over by Bishop Dominic Kimengich
from Lodwar Diocese. In his homily he urged the three sisters to keep renewing their daily
commitments to Christ. He reminded them that their commitment shall face challenges but they
are never alone, or rather the God who has called them will always be with them. He expounded
to them the three vows stating that Chastity entailed one’s total love for God and his people.
Poverty is about detachment from things and people and lastly obedience entails seeking to do
what God wants of them. His homily echoed a sense of personal renewal to all of us who were
present.
From left Srs.Virginia, Bishop Kimengich, Willimena and Catherine
Sr. Marie Louise who was the previous formator of the three sisters and a member of CLT
received their vows on behalf of Sr. Margaret Casey, Congregational Leader. In her address, she
urged the three to be immersed into the Mercy charism following the footsteps of Catherine
McAuley who sought to do the will of God no matter what the cost. She said that Catherine kept
a keen eye on the special needs of her time and this entailed giving service to the poor, the sick
and uneducated.
We wish Virginia, Catherine and Willimena God’s blessings as they begin another part of their
journey as Mercy women. I finish with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that “the purpose of life
is to live it, to taste the experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer
and richer experiences”. Just like Catherine may you find the courage to dare to be different as
you commence another part of your life’s journey?
May you find deep fulfillment as you answer this noble call from God- Hongera sana! (Hearty
Congratulations)
Agnes Musemba Mativo rsm
Kenyan Province