The first event saw us all in Dimesse from the 19th to the 22nd of December, 2013 for a Province Assembly with the “Theme Exploring Together and Birthing the Heart of who we are.” This was a real Birthing time for us as it culminated on the last Day with the Reception of our three Postulants, Cynthia Sylvia Okusima, Mary Magadalen Njeri Kibugi, Rose Kerubo Maranga to the Novitiate in Nakuru.

Cynthia, Mary Magdalen, Rose and Rosemary

As Sisters we were confronted with a challenge in the Rite of Initiation and I quote “Will you Sisters by your prayers example and encouragement, accept the privilege and responsibility of sharing your life with Cynthia, Mary Magdalen and Rose as they continue their journey with you in faith” This is the call and witness we are asked to give here and now to these young women joining us in our Mercy Family today. Are we ready for the challenge? Cynthia, Magdalen and Rose have now begun their Novitiate Program in Nakuru with Sr. Rosemary Wanyoike as their Formator. These young women will carry the gift of religious life into tomorrow with God as their companion every step of the way we hope.

Martha Nafula Epalat is in a process of discernment and let us pray for her during these days that she will receive every grace she requires at this time.

We approached the New Year with a lot of energy. The Provincial Team had celebrated one year in Office “one year older and one year wiser” and so we begin anew. The first activity of the New Year 2014 involved the Temporary Professed Sisters. We gathered in the Provincial Chapel for the renewal of vows of Sisters Lillian Misaro and Josephine Nzengi. Lillian, Josephine and Redempta Mulei had received First Profession in January, 2012 and were now renewing their vows for 2 years. Because Redempta is from the Chepareria Community in Kitale and was unable to come to Nairobi she renewed her vows in the presence of Srs. Anne Itotia, Rose Macharia and the Chepareria Community. In all the ceremonies there was a real sense of new life. The celebrant at the Mass in Villa Maria invited each of us once more to receive love in all the ways it comes to us and to know we are the Spirit’s work. The comfortable cup of tea after the ceremony gave us an opportunity to engage and relax with each other.

Sr. Patricia welcoming Agnes, Regina, and Silvia

On the first of February 2014 the Feast of St. Brigid the excitement was palpable at Villa Maria as that was the day we were going to welcome three new Pre-Postulants. The Hospitality Community at Villa was busy preparing for the new arrivals as they were to stay there overnight before moving to Makadara Convent the following day with their Formator Sr. Patricia O’Meara on loan to us from South Central Province.

The Welcoming Committee with Agnes, Regina and Silvia

The first to arrive was Agnes Mwikali Kitaka from the parish of Masinga, Machakos Diocese, and Agnes is a trained Primary School Teacher. Close on her heels was Kariuki Regina Wanjiru is from Uplands in the Diocese of Nairobi. Regina is a Computer Teacher. The last to arrive was Silvia Matanda from Kimwanga Parish Bungoma. Silvia is also a Primary School Teacher. It was a great reunion of three friends and companions reconnecting again as the last time they had been together was at the interviews for admission to the pre-postulancy in the Provincial House in October 2013 – there were a lot of emotions swirling about, but I think the strongest emotion for all of us present was one of happiness.

The following morning bright and early they drove to Makadara, their new home and formation house accompanied by their Formator Sr. Patricia O’Meara. As Makadara was our first Mercy Foundation in Kenya this was very special. As they touched base they were warmly welcomed by their new Formation Community members Sisters Magdalene Musau, Agnes Kakiuki and Catherine Wamboi. We had a beautiful celebratory Mass that day and a Provincial gathering for as many Sisters as possible. It was remarkable that it was the day set aside for the celebration of Consecrated Life by the Church. Very soon after arrival we were all caught up in the enthusiasm of the day. Planned for the day was the launch and missioning of the two new Formation Communities Nakuru and Makadara. The Seeds for the idea of Formation Communities had being planted at our December 2013 Assembly and this was the first step on the journey.

Connected into this was the Missioning and sending forth of Sr. Rosemary Wanyoike as Novice Mistress, Sr. Patricia O’Meara as Formator of the Pre-Postulants and Temporary Professed and Sisters Esther Erus and Mary Kanyi as Vocation Promotors. With the most of our Sisters gathered including the Pre-Postulants and Novices there was a great sense of newness and freshness and we welcomed it. We were encouraged through the idea of Formation communities to be in mentoring roles to these young Sisters. Renewing our commitment together we believe we are moving into a future full of hope, confident that the Spirit is moving in new and surprising ways.

No ceremony would be complete without a blessing. When Mass ended we all sallied forth with one voice through the hallowed halls of Makadara Convent and Compound blessing this new formation community and its surrounds.  Something new was reborn in each of us as the sun shone down and embraced us with its warmth. Hospitality is Mercy’s middle name so none of us could go home without a comfortable cup of tea but this time the hospitality extended to a beautiful lunch – we had received strength and sustenance for the journey.

The Formation Community

As the day drew to a close and we began to say our good bye a climate of togetherness was experienced – All of us were being reminded that we are connected to the whole and must continue to inspire and inspirit each other especially our new members. For our three Pre-Postulants it is a new beginning – may they find what they are looking for amongst us. May we answer the invitation to be their mentors as we try to shape the future together knowing “that all will be well” Let us hold each other in prayer. Love across the Miles.

Brigid Marnane rsm
Kenyan Province