The day was 18th October 2025, three Sisters; Sr. Agnes Kitaka, Sr. Regina Kariuki, Sr. Sylvia Matanda, were set to make their perpetual commitment, following in the footsteps of Catherine Mc Auley, our foundress as Sisters of Mercy.
L-R: Sr. Sylvia Matanda, Sr. Regina Kariuki, Sr. Agnes Kitaka
There were representatives from CLT, BLT, Sisters of Mercy in Kenya, family, friends and invited guests. The event took place at St. Austins Parish, Westland’s Nairobi, and the day was full of joy, enthusiasm and gratitude. Each professing Sister individually was invited to sincerely and candidly declare like Catherine advised, “I am now resolved, with the help of Thy Grace, O My God, to be Thine without reserve or division and to serve Thee with lively devotion to the last hour of my existence”.
The day was graced with the presence of four Congregational Leadership Team members from Ireland led by Sr. Mirriam Kerrisk our Congregational leader and the Kenya Branch Leadership Team led by Sr. Theresiah Waraga.
Sr. Mary Okumu played the role of liturgical MC who guided and explained the various stages of the celebration. Singing was done by the Youth choir from St. Austins Parish who echoed their heavenly voices and rhythm bringing those present closer to God and helped all pray with and for the professing Sisters.
Associates of the Sisters of Mercy, Kenya have always joined in congregational celebrations and on this day, they ushered visitors and ensured everyone was comfortable. Liturgical dancing is taken as part of worship which expresses gratitude to God, this was led by our Sisters in initial formation; Pre- postulants, postulants and Novice Sylvia.
Holy Mass was presided over by the Most. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the Archbishop of Kisumu Metropolitan (Left). The readings for the day were intentionally chosen from (Sirach 2:1-11, Psalm 40, 1 Peter 1:3-9 and the Gospel of St. Mark 10:24-30).
After the readings Sr. Magdalene Musau, formator for the temporary professed Sisters, called each Sister by name, to respond to the call of God. The Sister to be professed accepted the call by responding “Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will.” The professing Sister was accompanied by her parents and brought to the altar and received by the main celebrant on behalf of the church.
In his homily the celebrant encouraged professing Sisters to be steadfast in the journey of life they were about to make in perpetual commitment. He encouraged them to remain united like the holy trinity since they were three like the trinity. Focusing on the Gospel, he emphasized on the question from the one who came to Jesus and asked, “Good teacher what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
An equivalent response came from Sirach, where he entreated the Christians to remain in justice, fear of God and set their hearts right with God. The question on eternal life is a question that should always surface in the Christian life and vocation. The archbishop emphasised being centered in God and His mercy by enduring sorrows and in changes that humble Christians they should remain patient. He emphasised growing old in closeness to God by reflecting on the fundamental question of perpetual commitment, “Why do you call me God? Why is Jesus a better spouse?” These accentuate that perpetual commitment is being involved and entangled with God. Hence keep the commandment and being perfect as the heavenly father is, selling all possessions and following Christ for a treasure in heaven which is the ultimate challenge.
The Sisters were called to divest themselves with a kind of emptiness that only God can fill. This was to be achieved by doing works of Mercy, sharing with the poor or deprived and through prayer. He concluded by emphasising clinging to the God of resurrection who shows the direction to survive trials and temptations. Hence the Sisters were encouraged to shine in grace, love, hope and faith and to always remain focused on their aim through Jesus Christ who is the key in life and one who will guide them to finally acquire eternal life.
The three Sisters greeting the Church after professing evangelical vows and wearing their Rings
Sr. Mary Okumu, the Liturgical MC, guided the professing session which included, praying the Litany of Saints while the Sisters laid prostrate before the altar and received the blessing of consecration by the Celebrant. Thereafter, the Sisters were welcomed one by one to commit themselves by professing their vows before the Lord and the Church, holding their candles as a sign of light of Christ and later by signing of vows witnessed by Sr. Teresia Waraga, Kenya Branch Leader, Sr. Mirriam Kerrisk, Congregational Leader, and the Main Celebrant, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia, on behalf of all witnesses.
Each brought a ring for blessing and for perpetual commitment to live the Mercy way of life. Sr. Mirriam Kerrick presented the rings to the three sisters welcoming them to permanent membership in the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy.
After Mass a group photo with the main Celebrant, their families and Sisters of Mercy was taken and later Cake cutting was guided by Sister Virginia Kasai. Meals were served and each sister had time to bond and share with their friends and family members which included traditional dances, encouraging words and thanksgiving prayers.
Congratulations to our three Sisters and may the words of Catherine always direct and animate them all to be shining lamps giving light to all … and possess the tender Mercy of God who has given us and them each other.
Hurray!!! To the Trinitarian Sisters
Messages to: Elizabeth Mwaniki & Rose Maranga
E: anastaciakings@gmail.com
Editor: There were 2.1 thousand views in the first 24 hours of the profession ceremony, involving individuals, groups and communities, and another 600 views in the two weeks following the ceremony, an extraordinary result.
The profession ceremony is still available for viewing and can be watched on YouTube at this link:
