Final Profession Of Sr. Rosemary Gathoni Wanyoike – 17th August 2008

Sr. Rosemary signs her vows

Siku njema huonekana asubuhi—a good day shows itself up in the morning.   Sunday the 17th of August, 2008 was a special day for Sr. Rosemary Gathoni Wanyoike and her family as she made her Final Profession to Christ. It was also an extraordinary day for the Christians in Ikinu Parish where she hails from. The day was cloudy in the morning with fear that it might pour rain any time. This did not happen and the day brightened as it unfolded.

The procession started at the nearby shopping centre about 50 meters away from the Church. The Catholic Womens Association [CWA] escorted Rosemary with songs, dances and ululations up to the church. After a few minutes all the Sisters together with the main celebrant Emeritus Archbishop of Nairobi Ndingi Mwana a’ Nzeki joined for the procession. There was a great sense of happiness as people joined the choir in singing and dancing the entrance hymn, accompanied by clapping and shouts of joy.

After a brief and enriching homily by the Archbishop Rosemary surrendered her entire life to Christ. She solemnly abandoned herself completely to God in the pronunciation of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. The Mercy Sisters then welcomed Rosemary into full membership of the Congregation.

Sr. Rosemary cuts her cake

After Mass there was the cutting and sharing of the cake—a symbol of a life shared as Rosemary shared cake with those present. Then all were treated to a meal cooked by the women of the parish. Great entertainment by young and old added to the celebrations. Gifts were presented and the assurance of continued support through prayers for Rosemary. Her motto is “He must increase and I must decrease.”

Rosemary left for the Loreto House Formation Programme in Ireland in August 2008.  She trained in Formator work and since September 2009 has been doing Formation work in Pre-Postulancy, Postulancy and now Notitiate.