Novice – 4th December 2009
“It is God’s will that everyone called to His service should be happy.” Catherine McAuley. The above quotation from our Foundress, Catherine McAuley on the booklet used for Reception into Novitiate of a young Kenyan lady: Lilian Bisieri Misaro on Friday December 4th at the Provincial House in Nairobi seemed apt for the occasion. The simple ceremony began with the opening hymn: “All to Jesus I surrender.” The reading chosen from Luke 5:1-11 was the call of Peter.
Sr. Margaret O’Brien with Josephine Muli Nzengi, Redempta Mutito Muli and Lilian Bisieri Misaro
As the rite of initiation into Religious Life took place, the formator, Sr. Margaret O’Brien called Lillian to come forward. She was presented with a cross, candle and our Mercy Constitutions by Provincial Leadership. As she accepted the candle, she was reminded of our common Christian call to discipleship and the symbol of the faith response she was making at this time. Sr. Liz Fletcher welcomed her into the Novitiate phase of her journey with the Mercy Sisters. All the Sisters present from the Province stretching from Lokori in the north to Mutomo in the south east congratulated the newly received and promised to support her in prayer as the hymn “What return to Yahweh can I make” was sung in response.
This was followed by a sung blessing –“May the Spirit of the Lord come down” as each Sister present raised her right hand to extend a blessing to the new novice. The ceremony ended with the singing of the Suscipe in Kiswahili.
We then enjoyed a delicious evening meal in the Provincial House. Congratulations Lilian as you begin the next stage of your journey with us.
2011
My name is Lilian Bisieri Misaro. I am 24 years old. I come from Kisii Diocese. I am a second year Novice. I love serving God in the Mercy way of life, that is serving the poor, especially those that are neglected and rejected by the society. I am happy to be with the Sisters of Mercy.
First Profession – 14th January 2012
It was a time of great joy and celebration, when on Saturday 14th January 2012 at the Provincial House – Villa Maria in Nairobi, Sr. Lilian Bisieri Misaro made her First Profession vows.
Srs. Liz, Lilian, Josephine and Redempta
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by a Kiltegan priest, Fr. David Larkin. In his inspiring homily, he reminded us that religious life is a prophetic way of life which must be lived with passion and compassion. He concluded with a short reflection in the form of a story. As boys, they intentionally used to throw their caps into an orchard belonging to a neighbour, the reason behind the tossing of their caps as youngsters over the wall was, to get apples in the name of following for their caps. This was challenging our act of profession and commitment that we have willingly tossed our lives unto Jesus and so there is need to go after him as we follow our ‘caps’. Not just during our profession day, but also every single day of our lives. It is therefore worth it to reflect on where is my ‘cap’? Have I thrown it over the fence and forgotten all about it?
The hymns for the choir were nicely chosen and they suited the occasion very well. Thanks to our first year novices and postulants together with their formators for the lively liturgy. The singing was enriched by kayambas, drums and ullulations. The newly Professed sister each gave a brief testimony as to how joyful and delighted she was to follow Christ as a woman of Mercy. To crown the celebration, we all shared in a sumptuous meal. It was a great time to socialize and chat away with sisters whom we meet only occasionally. Thereafter, a tasty cakes was cut for the newly professed. We did not hesitate to partake of the sweetness of life represented by this cake.
Lilian has been missioned to Lokori in Turkana. We wish her well and many more returns of blessings as she begins her journey in Mercy. Karibuni sana!!! May the good Lord continue to illumine your lives. God bless you All, God bless Mercy!!!
