This year God blessed the Kenyan Province with the presence of three Pre-Postulants: Regina, Sylvia and Agnes. They have completed their pre-candidacy stage of formation with its emphasis on faith formation and part time involvement in ministry and transitioned to the candidacy phase in September 2014. The location for this early stage of formation is Makadara in Nairobi, which was the first house in Kenya opened by the Sisters of Mercy in 1958. The surrounding area is densely populated with many schools, a variety of Christian churches, and prayer from a mosque within hearing distance and with easy access to the slums in the industrial area.
Silvia Nasimiyu Matanda
The candidates assist with Sunday catechism classes in the parish, take catechumenate classes in two Secondary schools, teach pastoral programme to the Catholics in the local primary schools, join the Young Christian Students at their weekly meetings and help with literacy classes. They have visited different ministry sites as part of their exposure to the Mercy apostolate and in May/June they will be assigned to various Mercy communities and ministries in the province for further experience.
Regina Wanjiru Kariuki
Since September 2014, they have been attending an inter-congregational formation programme twice a week with one hundred and seventy other candidates from thirty seven different congregations. Among the group are candidates from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt and one or two from as far away as the Philippines. The formators who accompany them are from Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mexico, Ecuador, India, Italy, Portugal and one from Ireland. The purpose of this programme is to give candidates a good foundation in theology, scripture, catechesis, church history and the basics of religious life.
Agnes Mwikali Kitaka
On alternate days the candidates have opportunities to study and reflect on the mercy charism and the life of Catherine McAuley, participate in community activities and home making, are introduced to the divine office and other forms of prayer, acquire computer skills, prepare for ministry, cultivate a culture of reading and develop their creativity. They are alerted to social issues through a process of participation and reflection. Contemporary issues such as the trafficking of people and eco justice are also brought to their attention and awareness.
Regina, Sylvia and Agnes are from different parts of Kenya with their own vernacular languages but all are able to communicate efficiently and effectively in Swahili and English. They are being exposed to diversity in culture, ethnicity and nationality with the internationality of the congregation gradually unfolding for them. They are getting to know Sisters in the province and are being introduced to the larger Mercy family as they meet visiting Sisters, read mercy@live and Mercy E-News.
They are conscious of their need for your support and prayers as they continue to discern a call to the Mercy way of life. It is a privilege to journey with young women who are so enthusiastic for Mercy and who find the life of Catherine McAuley inspirational, challenging and relevant to life in Kenya today.
Patricia O’Meara rsm
Kenyan Province
