First Profession – 2nd June 2007
Sr. Rosemary Karani made First Profession of vows on June 2nd 2007 at Villa Maria, Nairobi, Kenya.
Srs. Liz Fletcher (Provincial Leader), Rosemary Karani, Marie Louise White (Director of Formation)
It was a perfect June day and the Sisters were in a jovial mood. All were at Villa Maria, Provincial House grounds to witness another great occasion in the life of the Congregation and the Province of Kenya, as Rosemary Wangu Karani took First Profession vows.
Mass began at 11.00am. It was celebrated by Fr. Isidor, Capuchin priest, the singing and dancing was led by the Novices. At the beginning all were surprised when Fr. said that Rosemary was going to give the homily; she was petrified. To everyone’s relief he clarified and said that her life was to be the homily, the vows and the readings. They were teachings of love. Rosemary was congratulated and officially welcomed into the Congregation by all present. At the Offertory different gift symbols were presented; the globe, a candle, a basket of fruits, a growing plant, the Mercy Cross, a portrait of Catherine McAuley, her written vows, a copy of the Constitutions and bread and wine.
All present were treated to a sumptuous lunch. It gave the Sisters an opportunity to catch up on news of each other. A cake was shared to mark this occasion.
Rosemary will be living and working in Lokori. May the readings, solemn vows and love be the pathway she walks upon. We wish Rosemary all the best in her life as a professed religious Sister of Mercy.
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 Felistas and Agnes 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 thank God.
