‘SISTERS OF MERCY TO PIONEER IN TROUBLED KENYA’. Such was the heading in ‘The Irish Catholic’ in March 1956. As I glanced at it, gazed and read, I made up my mind. One day, God willing, I would follow those Sisters.

Meanwhile the Leaving Certificate examination was looming and life in Mayo, Ireland was exciting. However, having sealed the Mercy ideal and Kenya in my heart and mind, I entered the Novitiate in Carysfort, Dublin in September 1956. What a change from the freedom of life in Mayo. Now there were fields in view, but except for a few weeks in the summer, we only saw them through the blinds and when we walked for twenty minutes each day to say our rosaries.

In October 1964, after Final Profession and nurse training I set off for Kenya. The Mater Misericordiae Hospital operating theatre was my first assignment. How strange it appeared. But, happiness to be in Kenya overcame any anxiety. It was a time of hard work and long hours but above all of great job satisfaction. The Sisters’ presence and the new hospital, which was opened in 1962, were much appreciated.

Independence had been granted to Kenya in December 1963, so, our Mercy foundation and the new nation started life together. They continue as close siblings to this day!

The next great news was the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy from Sligo, Ireland followed by the arrivals of Sisters from Kerry, Cork, Cloyne and Killaloe. Spread throughout the country, the Mercy presence grew from strength to strength. Catherine McAuley’s Suscipe (prayer) was the mainstay of our ministry especially when things were difficult.

It’s a long way from Castlebar, Mayo, to Kenya. Journeying has become a Mercy way of life and it seems set to continue – but as our Foundress reminds us “in the midst of all this traipsing around, our hearts are centred on God”.