After a lot of ups and downs the building was finally ready for blessing on 22nd September. Bishop Crowley (a Cork man) was present for the celebration.
Local people were very proud to have a two story school at the entrance to their shopping Centre.
A number of people and organizations donated funds to construct this extension to our existing centre. The Mercy Sisters leadership in Kenya made funds available, some of which came through the Congregational Solidarity Fund and Misean Cara. Africa Direct and eRKo [a Slovakian Christian Organization] as well as individual volunteers have been very generous. A group of young girls from Sancta Maria College in Ballyroan, Dublin gave us a big boost.
In this building we intend teaching Computer Studies, Food and Beverages and Garment Making up to the Kenya National Examinations Council level. Another subject we are preparing to teach is hairdressing. This building is an extension to one set up by Sr. Peter Hegarty, originally from the Diocese of Cloyne, in the year 2000. How I remembered her on the day and wished she could have been well enough to be with us to see how the seed she had planted had taken root and continues to expand with God’s help. Her wish was that local Pokot women would develop skills in Cookery, Dressmaking and Machine Knitting. We followed her wishes and in addition taught literacy and many of these women who were illiterate can now read well. We also did an outreach programme, taking pots and pans to remote areas to teach cookery to women. The idea Sr. Peter had was very close to the heart of Catherine McAuley and we still try to follow in her footsteps in educating women, young and old.
Blessing and Mass went off with plenty of singing and dancing. Entertainment followed and after about 10 minutes the sky darkened and rain poured down; there was nothing for people to do but run for shelter. Did they panic? Not at all; they chatted freely with music in the background.
After 45 minutes, the sky resumed its blue colour. Celebrations continued again, this time the ground was muddy!
There were many speeches, mostly in praise of the Mercy Sisters. Then came the giving of gifts. Sr. Hilary Finnegan, representing the PLT was dressed in traditional gear by the group women who danced and sang around her. It was a joyful event indeed!!!!
Women prepared the food which was contributed by the local people and served to the multitude which they relished! It was a real celebration. On the day, the Sisters community in Chepareria (Srs. Theresia Waraga, Teresia Rugiri and Virginiah Kasai) rowed in to assist in every way possible. Representatives’ from Sisters of Charity, Holy Rosary Sisters and a number of priests came to witness this wonderful occasion.
Veronica Quigley rsm
Kenyan Province
