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First Professions of Srs. Catherine Wamboi Mmanyi, Risper Namarmba Ouma, Virginah Kaingi Kasai and Juliana Kpadoo Yarkwan - 6th December 2008

On Saturday 6th December 2008, four sisters, Catherine Wamboi Mmanyi, Risper Namarmba Ouma, Virginah Kaingi Kasai and Juliana Kpadoo Yarkwan made their First Profession at Villa Maria, Nairobi. Sisters from the Northern Province, the Nigerian region and the Kenyan Province gathered for the occasion. Sr. Maire McGann from Nigeria, Sisters Anne Lyng, Rose Marie Conlan and Gabriel Stuart from the Northern Province witnessed the First Profession of Sr. Juliana, the first Nigerian profession. Sr. Rose Marie Conlan, from the Northern Province received her vows. It was a wonderful occasion for the Kenyan Province too, as three young sisters took their first vows as Sisters of Mercy. Sr Liz Fletcher, Provincial, received their vows.

Fr. Niall Martin S.P.S celebrated the Mass. He highlighted the message of the Gospel Mark 1:14-20 “Follow me I will make you fishers of people” - comparing the ongoing commitment of a Sister of Mercy to challenging task of a fisherman; his work in endless, and he often has to make hard choices.

The liturgy for the Profession was enhanced by the singing led by the Novices and Postulants. A variety of instruments accompanied them.

After the ceremony, the congregation was entertained by the newly professed and novices, with their director Sr. Catherine Dooley to a heavenly rendition of songs like, “Be Still my Soul’, ‘Whispering Hope”. A fitting conclusion to the ceremony!

All were served with a delicious meal in the Provincial House.

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 Commitment to Christ. It was also an extra-ordinary 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.

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 leaves for the Loreto House Formation Programme in Ireland in a weeks time. Our support and prayers go with her on this new lap of her journey in Mercy.

Sr. Teresiah Njoroge

Final Profession of Sr. Agnes Musemba Mativo - 16th August 2008

Sr. Agnes Mativo and Sr. Susan DeGuide, Congregational Leadership Team

On the 16th of August 2008 all roads lead to Kathonzweni, to the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. This was for the great occasion of the Final Profession of Sr. Agnes Musemba Mativo as a religious Sister of Mercy for the rest of her life. Agnes is the third religious sister of her family. Thus for the family it was another day of thanksgiving and generous giving of their beloved daughter and sister to the Church as a Sister of Mercy.

The celebration of Mass was most colourful. The ceremony was presided over by His Grace, Emeritus Archbishop of Mombasa, Rt. Rev John Njenga. It started promptly and the Sisters of Mercy came in droves to witness to yet another who has heard the call from the inspiration of our foundress, Catherine Mc Auley. Sr. Susan DeGuide represented the Congregational Leadership team and Sisters Regina and Mary came all the way from Zambia to witness Agnes finally committing her life to the Lord completely.

The colourful song and dance followed by ululations marked a truly African celebration. People came from the surrounding areas to witness the occasion. Agnes is blessed with a cheerful heart and an enthusiastic spirit. Sr. Sabina, sister to Agnes, came from Brazil and confesses that since childhood Agnes related to God in a very unique way and was sensitive to the needs of others, especially the marginalized. It would seem the seeds of mercy were implanted in her by her family from her earliest days and she knows what it is to trust in the providence of God.

Since her first profession Agnes has served in a number of communities in the Kenyan province and now ministers in the Region of Zambia. She has found home there and works closely with the people in a spirit of joy.

Archbishop Njenga spoke about community life and the concept of “I am because we are, and because we are therefore I am” and the Gospel value of loving and forgiving each other. Agnes is also participating in the Formators Training Programme for Africa. We look forward to another mercy woman who will pass on the mercy charism with enthusiasm.

Sr. Rose Macharia

First Profession of Srs. Lilian Sewe, Nancy Kamau, Agnes Hunter and Felistas Kingori on 1st December 2007

Srs. Lilian, Nancy, Agnes and Felistas

December 1st brought its blessings to the Kenyan Province, Zambian Region and the Congregation. Four novices, Lilian, Nancy, Felistas and Agnes made First Profession, while four postulants, Beatrice, Willimena, Joyce and Rebecca (Zambia) joined the Novitiate.

Final Profession of Sr. Esther Migayo - 11th November 2007

Sr Esther Migayo signs her vows in the presence of Srs. Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader
and Liz Fletcher, Provincial Leader

Sr. Esther Muthoni Migayo took her final vows at Karuri Catholic Church on 11th November 2007.  Esther's parents walked with her to the altar and she was received by Sr. Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader.  Many came to celebrate with Esther and there was song and dance during the celebration and at the reception. 

Final Profession of Sr. Selina Mbuli - 10th November 2007

Sr. Selina Wavinya Mbuli took her Perpetual Vows on 10th November 2007 at Wote, Makueni Parish.  Bishop Martin Kivuva, Machakos Diocese, was the main celebrant.  People came from far and wide to witness this ocassion.  Selina was escorted to the altar by her mum and her brother and the parish council and she was received by Sr. Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader.

Final Profession of Sr Catherine Wabwoba - 3rd November 2007

Sr Catherine Wabwoba signs her vows in the presence of Sr Coirle McCarthy, Congregational Leader

Sr. Catherine Wabwoba made her Final Commitment at a colourful celebration held at Kabula Parish in Bugoma Diocese on 3 rd November 2007. Among those who witnessed this occasion were the Congregational Leadership Team, members of the Kenyan Province, the Bishop, parents, relatives and the parish at large.

First Profession of Sr Rosemary Karani

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 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 of Sr Esther Mburu

19th November 2006

Esther Mburu took her Final Vows in a colourful ceremony held at her home Parish Church, Ikinu, Kiambu, Kenya.

People started arriving long before the ceremony started.  At 10.30 a.m. the church was already full. Many people
were outside waiting for the Mass to start. 

The procession to the church started at 11.00 a.m.  Esther was accompanied by the Sisters, choir,
her mother and uncle, (her father was unwell, but was waiting inside the church), dancers, the
Catholic Women's Association and the Bishop.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop David Kamau, Nairobi Diocese, who comes from the Ikinu Parish. There was great participation at Mass by the people.

Sr. Coirle McCarthy (Congregational Leader) received Esther's vows in the name of the Congregation and the church.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Novices 2008

	I am Joyce Wnjiku Koigi, the last born in a family of six. I come from Kagwe Parish, Kiambu District, Central Kenya. My inspiration for Mercy is the spirit and works of the Sisters of Mercy – always putting God’s will first and in total service of God, for the poor and for one another. It’s inviting and encouraging for me when I see a group of warm-hearted people together, answering God’s call, serving the people, especially the neglected and weak people, in a joyful and welcoming spirit. In Mercy my love for God is nourished daily. I am now a first year novice in Nakuru.
	I am Rebecca Soko, the first born in a family of six, four girls and two boys. I come from Maamba, in the southern part of Zambia. I am a Ngoni/Chewa by tribe. My parents are both living. What attracted me to Mercy life was my desire to serve God, through working with the poor. Having experienced God’s love in my own life, I felt called to show that love to others, especially those the world has left rejected. Currently I am a novice at Continental Novitiate, Nakuru, Kenya.
	I am Epeyon Willimena Ayan. 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.
	I am Juliana Yarkwan. I come from Benue State in Middle Belt, Nigeria. My family is TIV speaking and I am third born in a family of seven. Presently I am a second year novice with the Sisters of Mercy, in the Continental Novitiate, Nakuru, Kenya.
	I am Catherine Wanboi Mmanyi, second born in a family of six. The word "Mercy" attracts and inspires me and I am enjoying my second year in novitiate with the Sisters of Mercy in Nakuru.
	Hi, I am Ouma Risper from Mumias, Kakmega, Kenya. I was inspired by the foundress Catherine McAuley and I joined the Mercy Sisters in 2004. I am now a second year novice.
	I am Virginiah Kasai. I am 25 years old and I come from Kitui Diocese, Kenya. I was attracted to the spirit of Mercy among the sisters who taught me at Mercy Commercial College. I joined Mercy in 2004 and I am a second year novice.

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