Novice
I am Willimena Ayan Epeyon. I am the fifth born in a family of six, five girls and one boy. I am from Lorugu, Division in Turkana District, Kenya. Before joining the Mercy Sisters I worked with the youth in my parish. I also participated in Justice and Peace Empowerment Program among the youth. Then I trained as a Primary Teacher and worked in one of the schools in Mukuru (a slum in Nairobi) run by the Sisters of Mercy. My desire, in Mercy, is to grow in a deeper relationship with God and to serve Him in his poor with what I am, have and what God wants me to become.
Temporary Vow Renewal – 1st December, 2012
As the Nandi Flames, the Jacarandas and a variety of other brightly colored flowers adorned the Villa Maria compound in Nairobi, so did the Sisters of Mercy, Kenyan Province.
It was Saturday, December 1st 2012, and all came in their element to grace occasion, the renewal of vows of Willimena Ayan Epeyon in Temporary vows.
Villa Maria, Nairobi
The short procession began at 10.30am and our hearts were filled with joy and hope as we witnessed the love and generosity of this young woman desiring to commit herself to God in the Mercy Congregation holding Profession Candle and reading her vows. Our joy was palpable as the witnessing Sisters broke in to song, dance, claps and ululations! Nothing could hinder the strong willed sisters from attending the celebration as they braved their way through striking matatus (public transport) and as the old saying goes “where there is will, there is a way” they surely found some means to get to Villa Maria and they trickled in at different times!
The opening hymn was sung in Kiswahili and the words were true to the day-translated as “it is pleasing…it is joyful…it is beautiful to be in the house of God and indeed it was beautiful to be in the house of Mercy that morning!
Sr. Liz Fletcher, Provincial of the Sisters of Mercy, Kenya Province at that time, welcomed all present to the Celebration which was presided over by Fr. Frankie McAuliffe (St. Patrick’s Society Priest ministering in Nakuru). Special welcome was extended to Willimena who would be renewing her vows. She acknowledged the presence of Marilyn Lacey rsm from the West Coast of the United States who was visiting Kenya and Sr. Debra Campbell – a Providence Sister also from the States and working with Catholic Relief Services. Present too was Miss Jacinta Nafula Sikali, a young lady interested in joining Religious life and on a ‘come and see’ visit from Busia-Kenya Uganda border.
Kenyan Sunset
In his homily, Fr. Frankie recounted his own association with the Sisters of Mercy in his home town in Kilrush, Ireland which goes way back since the 1940s. In that community, he witnessed the heroic deeds of works of mercy and praised their remarkable spirit of hospitality.
Fr. Frankie also referred to the call and commissioning of Peter in the Gospel. He reminded us that, in that account, Jesus did not have a well laid out theological examination set for Peter. Jesus asked Peter boldly, “do you love me?” He asked that question three times to emphasize the importance of love in His ministry. It was only when Peter answered, “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you… that Jesus commissioned him.
“Love therefore” he said, “is the fundamental quality that we need if we are to be followers of Christ and to witness him to the world. It is mercy and compassion embodied”. He also quoted an article by Henri Nouwen where compassion is named as key in spiritual leadership and the first quality he mentions in the passion of compassion is solidarity – that profound faith experience of human sameness. We are one human family…the family of God and he noted the challenges of today where society urges us to be distinct rather that same, more wealthy, more specialized than others, more this, that and the other and the world will recognize and respect us by those standards. The Good news of the Gospel is, that that kind of superiority is an illusion and that our true identity is in solidarity and in service to God’s people especially the marginalized and it is clearly outlined not only in the Mercy Constitution but more importantly in the lifestyle and works of the Sisters of Mercy since its foundation.
Fr. Frankie remembered the Irish life in the ’50s when many people where poor and many would never have gone to school were it not for the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers who not only offered free primary education but also a high standard of secondary education at very low cost and indeed free for those who couldn’t afford it and they were many. And even today he said, the same spirit of service to the most needy lives on in Kilrush where Sisters of Mercy live an inspiring witness of love and compassion in action.
A day like this couldn’t possibly end without cutting the cake after a lovely meal. Sr. Redempta rose to the occasion. She sang and danced her comic ’kata cake’ song and was joined by a group of jubilant Sisters.
A series of photo shots took place and sisters grouped in twos, threes or more as they hugged and kissed goodbye until we meet again at the Chapter event due in ten days. Everyone seemed to exclaim quietly in their grateful hearts – thanks be to God!
Selina Mbuli rsm
Kenyan Province
First Profession – 5th December 2009
“The only return God requires of us for all His favours is a return of love” Catherine McAuley.
Sr. Willimena Ayan Epeyon
On Saturday December 5th 2009, Sisters from up country, down country and the city as well as visiting Sisters Gabrielle Stuart and Maureen McGurran from the Northern Province, Mary Harrington, La Sainte Union Sister and Maureen Limer, Mercy Federation, Great Britain, gathered for the joyous occasion of the First Profession of Willimena. Fr. Niall Martin, SPS, opened the ceremony by greeting Willimena in her mother tongue, the Turkana language. He gave an inspirational homily highlighting the message of the Gospel: Mark 10:35-45. The reflection touched on what we might take from the story that can help us in ministry. What can be a beacon of light for Willimena today? His reflections were intertwined with sayings of Catherine McAuley – “Without the cross, there is no crown.” The world needs people whose ideal is service.
Jesus was the great Teacher and he linked this to an emphasis on the qualities that marked Catherine out for leadership – her patience, compassion, light hearted playfulness – all giving life and character to the first community of Mercy Sisters. He concluded the homily with Catherine McAuley’s Advent prayer. Willimena proclaimed and signed her vows which were also witnessed and signed by the Provincial Leader and two members of the Leadership Team. The liturgy for the Profession ceremony was enhanced by the singing led by a number of Temporary Professed Sisters and accompanied by a unique blend of Kenyan musical instruments. Fr. Niall concluded Eucharist with a special blessing for Willimena and for Sr. Margaret O’Brien as her formator.
We wish Willimena many fruitful years in Mercy. The celebration continued as we shared food together. Sr. Liz thanked Sr. Marie Louise White for accompanying Willimena during her time in novitiate.
Theresa Burke rsm
Kenyan Province
