Candidate
2004
Felistas is a secretary. She worked in the Bishop’s Office in the Catholic Diocese of Kericho for seven years before joining the Sisters of Mercy.
Novice
2006
I am Felistas King’ori from Gilgil, Kenya. The location of the Novitiate is where I grew up and my family only moved out about five years ago. While here, I feel so much at home in the environment and in my new community! I am the fourth born in a family of five girls. I first met the Sisters of Mercy in Eldama Ravine, where I went for my high school education. While there, I admired the apostolic work in which the Sisters were involved in school and in the hospital. Though I worked in close association with other Religious Congregations, I was still attracted to the Sisters of Mercy. I am a first year Novice.
2007
I grew up in Nakuru and went to secondary school in Mercy Girls’, El Dama Ravine. This was where I first felt a call to Mercy. I trained as a secretary and worked in the Diocesan Offices in Kericho for 7 years. I am a second year novice in Nakuru, Kenya and enjoy embroidery, art and music.
First Profession – 1st December 2007
Srs. Lilian, Nancy, Agnes and Felistas
December 1st 2007 brought its blessings to the Kenyan Province and the Congregation. Felistas Wanjugu King’ori made her First Profession.
Final Profession – 21st August, 2015
Left to Right: Agnes Hunter, Rosemary Karani, Margaret Casey and Felistas King’ori
In Kenya, there is a Swahili saying that goes; Siku njema huonekana asubuhi and indeed the morning of 21st of August 2015 had a clear indication that good things were about to unfold. The time scheduled for Mass was 10 o’clock, however, the Sisters of Mercy arrived long before time and were seen chatting joyfully and reconnecting with one another. We were blessed to have all the five CLT Members (Srs. Margaret Casey, Patricia O’Donovan, Cecilia Cadogan, Scho Nganda and Marie Louise White) with us for this celebration who had come for Canonical Visitation.
Myself and my fellow Sisters Agnes and Rosemary made our Final Profession vows in Our Lady Queen of Peace South B Parish, Nairobi Archdiocese. These Mercy women had one word written all around their faces – Joy.
Family members of ours, friends, and parishioners from the parishes where they minister, Christians from their home parishes and religious men and women from other congregations were all gathered to witness this solemn occasion of perpetual vows.
The main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist Bishop Maurice Muhatia of Nakuru Diocese was accompanied by many clergy on this auspicious occasion. All the Sisters of Mercy joined in the colourful procession to the church. The animating choir filled the church with angelic voices. This delightful music moved the congregation to respond in whichever way the spirit moved them to. Some clapped rhythmically, others swayed their heads whereas others danced to the tune. Ululations filled the air in great pomp. Liturgical dancers added to the celebratory mood of the occasion by fitting in with their creativity and agility. Our five Postulants and two Novices equally took an active role in the liturgical dance.
In his homily, Bishop Maurice emphasized that a call to religious life is not a call to be a superstar; rather it is an invitation to service. He further said that superstars depend on human intelligence whereas those called to serve God as consecrated persons are invited to allow themselves to be used as instruments of God.
The words of the Bishop addressing the three Sisters…“you may never see the fruits of your labour in your lifetime but you are called to continue pressing on and have faith that God is always with you”. These same words were echoed by the Congregational Leader Sr. Margaret Casey as she addressed the congregation. In her reflection, Sr. Margaret encouraged us newly professed Sisters and all Mercy Sisters present to be committed in Mercy, in lifelong service to God’s people.
Isukuti dancers graced the day after the Eucharistic celebration. This is a cultural dance from the western part of Kenya. All present joined in, in free dance. Isukuti is comprised of a group of men beating drums and other musical accompaniments as they sing and dance. It was free entertainment for all. Thereafter, everyone was invited to take part in the last piece of the celebration which was sharing a meal. Food and drinks were served in plenty. There was enough for everyone.
Indeed it was a happy occasion and we thanked God.
