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: Redempta Mutito Muli 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 Mulei and Lilian Bisieri Misaro
As the rite of initiation into Religious Life took place, the formator, Sr. Margaret O’Brien called Redempta 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 novices. The ceremony ended with the singing of the Suscipe in Kiswahili.
We then enjoyed a delicious evening meal in the Provincial House. Congratulations Redempta as you begin the next stage of your journey with us.
2011
My name is Redempta Mulei, a second year Novice. I am fifth born in my family. I count it a blessing to have both parents and my ten siblings alive.
My home parish is called St. Martin DePorres – Kathonzweni. I came to know the Sisters of Mercy while studying in the University through one of our sisters who was working there. The desire to want to try the Mercy way of life was sown in me during my first encounter with the sister. It was her deep concern of what I was planning to do with my life upon completion of my degree course and her warm heartedness that moved me to begin aspiring with the Sisters of Mercy.
Since then, I kept in touch with the vocation promoter until the time I was accepted to join in 2008. At this moment of my life, I am happy to be with the Sisters of Mercy experiencing the mercy way of life and discerning what the will of God is in my life.
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. Redempta Mulei was making 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 sisters each gave a brief testmony as to how joyful and delighted they were to follow Christ as women 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, tasty cakes were cut for the newly professed sister. We did not hesitate to partake of the sweetness of life represented by this cakes.
It was a good celebration in which a new member was professed. Redempta has been missioned to Nguutani in the Kitui Diocese. 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 life. God bless you, God bless Mercy!!!
Agnes Mwali Hunter rsm
Kenyan Province
Vow Renewal – 21st December 2013
We approached the New Year with a lot of energy. The Kenyan Provincial Team had celebrated one year in Office “one year older and one year wiser” and so we begin anew. The first activity of the New Year 2014 involved the Temporary Professed Sisters. Redempta Mulei had received First Profession in January 2012 and was now renewing her vows for 2 years. Because Redempta is from the Chepareria Community in Kitale and was unable to come to Nairobi she renewed her vows in the presence of Srs. Anne Itotia, Rose Macharia and the Chepareria Community. In all the ceremonies there was a real sense of new life.
