It was such a thrilling and a life giving experience for all the sisters in our province as we came together for a weekend. This was on Friday 1st June, as the Sisters gathered at the Resurrection Garden, Karen, Nairobi, for a Provincial Assembly. The theme of the Assembly was “G C” (Graced Companionship) – Continuing Catherine’s Legacy, facilitated by Mary Pat Garvin rsm, from the United States
The cover picture of the weekend’s booklet was a picture of the door to Baggot Street house, the first Mercy House. It was quite encouraging to have this as our ‘axis’ for those few days. And on further reflection it was an eye opening picture, showing that all the Sisters have entered through the one door either physically or symbolically, all entering into the mercy way of life. The evening began with an introduction and a prayer session. In all the sessions, there was a continual sharing of what had “shimmered” among and within the participants after every session. The shimmering was an invitation from St. Benedict’s prologue to his Rule where he encourages his followers to “cultivate the ability to listen with the ear of the heart”.
Pauline Kingo’ori rsm
As Graced Companions we are on this journey together, offering support to each other. By the signing of our vows during profession, it was a confirmation that we had chosen to be graced companions to our Sisters in the congregation. Members felt they had experienced these moments during professions, some assemblies, jubilees, in times of sickness, deaths in family and other close encounters. The challenge is to keep these graced moments so as to overcome –ism moments like tribalism, racism, classism and many more that we could add to our list. This sharing came at an opportune moment when the Kenyan Province will be holding its Chapter at the end of the year and also National General Elections early next year. It also gave us an opportunity to reflect further on the Congregational Chapter which is just about to take place.
Looking at Mother Catherine McAuley and Mary Ann Doyle, the Sisters noted that the difference in age and personality did not separate them; instead it brought them together since they sought what they had in common i.e. loss of family members, their love of God and love for the congregation, love for the poor and the desire to walk with them and improve their lot. It was another opportunity for all of us as Sisters of Mercy to go back to ourselves and see how we have lived with each other despite our differences. The challenge is the ability to choose to embrace those whom we live with in community, as we all share the same mission of Catherine, even though we are aware that conflict is inevitable!
During the evening Mass on the second day, the Sisters remembered in a very special way Sr. Maureen McGurran and Sr. Mary Pat’s late Mother, with the main celebrant being Fr. Niall Martin SPS. Sr. Maureen was remembered as a kind person who offered a hand to assist whenever there was need. The Sisters expressed their gratitude and appreciation of her giftedness for the time she lived and worked with us in the Novitiate. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God RIP. Amen
As the Provincial Assembly ended, all were filled with zeal, to go out and become G.C’s (Graced Companions) to each other and to continue Catherine’s Legacy. Rooted in Mercy, our lived experiences become stepping stones for the present and future.
Pauline Kingo’ori rsm
Kenyan Province
