Loreto Eastern Africa

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

Contents

Centennial Celebration at its peak - by Sr. M. Santrina IBVM
Mary Ward Reborn in our Century - Courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Sunday
Nakupenda Kenya - by Sr. Shova Christina Costa, IBVM

(South Asian Province)

Formation for Mission - LUMKO Experience, 2021 By Catherine (2nd

year novice)

Stop this Blood Shed!!! by Sr. Teresia Wamũyũ Wachira (IBVM) (extracted

from African Catholic Voices on March 09, 2022)

Mary Ward: Her Time Is Now - Story told by the younger African Members
Praise, Worship, Adore - Loreto Sisters Vol. 3 (Evangelization through music)

by Victorine Nyang’or IBVM

Training of Trainers in Active Non-violence by the Pax Christi Africa

Regional co-ordinator (Mr Dieudonné Serukabuza), Brussels, Belgium and a team of

Pax Christi peacebuilders from Kenya.

Flashbacks in 2021
Masista Hongera – (Well-done Sisters) Poem by a candidate

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

Finally, it was here … the long awaited day!

The 29th of January 2022 was a memorable day At last, the long awaited day had dawned! People
marking the climax of a whole year’s celebration of from all walks of life graced the occasion which
100 years of God’s faithfulness to us, the Loreto Eastern was held at Loreto Msongari grounds. Among the
Africa Province family. The preparations for the cele- special guests was the Honourable Joseph Kinyua,
bration had started way back in 2019, when a team of Head of Public service (who represented the Pres-
sisters, spearheaded by Sr. Margaret Chege took up the ident), Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, the Archbishop
task of preparation towards this great day. Celebrating of the Catholic Diocese of Mombasa, who was
100 years of God’s faithfulness was the theme for the also the main celebrant; Sr. Judy Nekesa the rep-
centennial year. This was arrived at after meetings of resentative of the General leader of the Institute
the steering committee in collaboration with the Prov- of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sr Noelle Corscaden,
ince Leadership Team. In early the year 2020, the plans students and teachers and staff from different Lo-
started taking shape. Unfortunately, there emerged a reto institutions, alumni, parents and friends of
dark cloud of the Covid-19 pandemic which blurred the Loreto and other guests from all walks of life.
forming image of a great celebration. However, God’s The President of the Republic of Kenya, in his
faithfulness surpassed this dark cloud that despite its speech that was read by the Honourable Joseph
spike in the country, the province launched the centena- Kinyua, appreciated the service we are engaged
ry on Saturday, 23rd Jan, 2021. The launch which was in. He said; “I commend the Loreto sisters for a
held at Loreto Mary Ward Centre was honoured by the century of incredible Christian ministry, educa-
President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency, tion in our country and also to the social ministry
President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Most. Rev. Philip Any- and other works of mercy they have conducted for
olo, then the Archbishop of Kisumu, Professor George the last 100 years”. He was glad to recount that
Albert Magoha - the Cabinet Secretary of Education, he had spent 2 years in one of the Loreto insti-
men and women religious and many other guests. This tutions (Loreto Convent Valley Road) during the
marked the beginning of a whole year’s celebration early years of his life. Further, he pledged to sup-
of the legacy left by the six founding – Eastern Afri- port the realisation of the centenary project which
ca province, sisters (Mother Borgia O’Shaughnessy, was to respond to the educational and social needs
Mother Catherine Beauvais, Mother Raphael Gordon, of the people of Kilifi. Equally, this was to be a
Mother Francis Teresa Murphy, Mother Dolores Staf- special and unique mark of the celebration of 100
ford and sister Sixtus Naughton) who started the mis- years of God’s faithfulness.
sion way back in 1921. Mini-celebrations were organ-
ised locally in our various institutions as the province
continued looking forward to the main celebration in
January 2022.

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

Sr Noelle, the General leader in a next 100 years. She underscored
message read on her behalf by Sr. the fact that Loreto sisters are in-
Judy Nekesa, congratulated the sis- vited by God, by the Church and
ters in the Eastern Africa Province by the needs of the world to enter
for preparing the centennial cele- into a deeper reflection, deeper lis-
bration in memory of the six found- tening and deeper discernment on
resses who selflessly and gener- how best to continue engaging and
ously gave their all to the founding making the charism alive and rele-
of the province. She pointed out vant in Africa and in the world.
that the call and charism of Mary It was a double blessing to cele-
Ward was embraced in all its full- brate the Province centenary while
ness by the commitment and gen- at the same time celebrating the
erosity of these giants. She also re- bi-centenary of Teresa Ball, whose
minded the sisters that going out to zeal for the mission inspired her to
spread the Gospel is what defines send missionaries to Kenya with
us, and thus it was fitting to cele- the words, ‘Go, set the world on
brate those on whose shoulders we fire with God’s love’.
stand, the many women who have We are grateful to God for the past
followed these footsteps for the 100 years and we live in hope and
last 100 years. trust as we continue this journey of
The Province leader, Sr. Lucy God’s faithfulness for the next 100
Nderi, in her message on this great years to come, “Jesus say, Amen’.
occasion stated that on that day, the
province closes the centennial year
and marks the beginning of the

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Mary Ward Reborn in our Century

Did you know that
Mary Ward would
be reborn after
100 years since
the foundation of
the Eastern Africa
Province?

The bouncing baby girl named God had blessed us with Alinda Is there any other reason that
after the foundress was born to and Norbert and I had wanted to moved you to give her the name
Mr. and Mrs. Sunday, a couple that stop on those two considering the Mary Ward?
works at Loreto Girls high school, birth complications which Mama (Madam Proscovia) Yes
Nyakato, Mwanza (Tanzania). Alinda went through on the two (Mr. Sunday) We have given her
occasions. Courageous as she is, the name in appreciation for all
The happy couple responded to she assured me that we shall get the achievements we have attained
a short conversation which was another child and her name shall through Loreto Institution.
done via Whatsapp. They shared be “Mary Ward”.
briefly what moved them to name What would you like to say to the
their child “Mary Ward” When was Mary Ward born? Loreto sisters?
(Madam Proscovia) Our daughter (Mr. Sunday) Dear sisters, thank
The happy couple responded to was born on 21st May 2021, two you so much for the love and care
a short conversation which was days to Pentecost you have shown to my family. We
done via Whatsapp. They shared love you so much and may God
briefly what moved them to name How long have you worked at Lo- keep on blessing you.
their child “Mary Ward” reto Nyakato?
(Mr. Sunday) We have been at The spirit of Mary Ward is with
What moved you to call the child Loreto for 15 years now.w us. It is lived and revealed among
Mary Ward? the members, collaborators and all
(Mr. Sunday) You know what? who go through our institutions.

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

Nakupenda Kenya

The experience of Sr. Shova – all the
way from Bangladesh to Kenya for her
novitiate formation.

for shopping.

When I went out for apostolate to This was a great shock because

the children with special needs, the as the body awaits the buri-

first few hours were difficult for al ceremony, the relative and

them because I looked different friends are busy with funeral

which made them scared of me. arrangements, some carrying

Shortly after, they perceived that on with their work.

I was harmless. They became free All in all, Kenyan people are

with me and they started open minded, hospitable and

playing with my hair. These live very simple lifestyles.

My formation journey in Kenya children taught me the first word Many of them are understand-
began on 22nd January 2020, un- in Kiswahili which was “angalia” ing and also generous. The
til December 2021, almost two years. (which means ‘look’) then I came country is rich in cultural
I have experienced the foreignness of to learn more words. I also started diversity with more than 40
everything from the foreign land to creating some sentences. ethnic communities. Although
foreign food, foreign people, foreign I had many experiences of culture I didn’t encounter them all,
dressing, foreign weather, foreign shock. I reached a point and I enjoyed the rich culture of the
languages, foreign cultures and appreciated that I was in a totally few citizens whom I interacted
traditions... All these helped me to different culture and this enabled with. I enjoyed the tradition-
open my mind and heart to embrace me to develop shock-absorbers. al dances and singing of the
everything. This in turn made me so I will point out two of them Gikũyũ, Akamba, Kalenjin and
free. The funniest moment was the first because of their impact on me. Kisii ethnic communities.
experience of eating ‘ugali’ with That anyone has freedom to do any The rich experience I have had
vegetables! With time, I tasted kind of work, irrespective of the in Kenya has made me a better
several meals and vegetables. Of course differences in gender. person. The learnings will sure-
the first few weeks were a struggle but For example, women working as ly remain with me
as time went by, I got used to it and security officers, and conductors forever. From my innermost
even started enjoying the meals. in public transport. This taught me being I would like to say,
The weather was good for me, I also the goodness in being open and “nakupenda Kenya” - I love
saw various animals and birds which I flexible to the job opportunities you Kenya.
had never seen before. available.
The other exciting experience was the When a loved one passes on, some Sr. Shova Christina Costa,
East African way of worship. At first I families stay for up to two weeks IBVM
thought it was vigorous, later I came to or even more before laying their South Asian Province
learn that it was from lively and joyful loved one to rest!

hearts.

The funniest of all was the title

“mzungu” which I won for myself just

because of my skin colour.

The mentality that wazungu are very

rich always denied me a chance to

enjoy the free or relatively cheaper

services in the country, when I went out

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Formation for Mission

LUMKO Experience, 2021

Learning about a modern parish and all its activities was of great im-
portance. We were privileged to have two experienced facilitators
i.e. Sr. Ephigenia Gachiri and Mr. Joseph Waswa, the pioneers of LUM-
KO in East Africa. Both have over 30 years of experience in this service.
The attendees were postulants and novices from Loreto, the Emmanu-
el sisters, 2 deacons from Isiolo, and the community that hosted us, in
total, altogether about 20 members. We interacted, socialised and made
friends, despite the group’s small size. The program comprised of vari-
ous topics which were very important in our formation and a preparation
for the mission of evangelisation. We learnt about catechesis - its pro-
cedure and syllabus, pastoral programs in schools, ministry to the sick,
liturgy, Small Christian Communities and much more.. The experience
was very enriching.

Small Christian Communities Credit: Unsplash.com they serve, they serve Christ and
are smaller units of the church not the leaders and so they own
composed of a few families in part of worship. Hence, we appreci- the church and support its activi-
the same geographical loca- ated our cultures. ties fully and freely.
tion. Some of their activities We learnt that a church goes through v. Communion of communities
are to propagate faith among five stages of growth; where the church is fully devel-
members, through fellowships i. A church whose needs are catered oped, fully grown. With different
and Gospel sharing. The steps for by the church leaders e.g. the societies and groups established
of Gospel sharing are stipulat- parish priest or others such as Catholic Women Associ-
ed below; (these can be used in ii. A church of helpers i.e. whereby ation, Catholic Men Association,
our Religious Communities and members feel that whatever activi- Youth groups among others, that
Small Christian Community or ties they are engaged in are only for are independent though connect-
other Christian Gatherings). helping the church leaders. ed to the parish.
1. Inviting God among the iii. Awakening church (power stage)
members in this stage of growth, Christians A viable parish must have good
2. Reading of the chosen text ask questions and they get enlight- leadership - the Parish Coun-
3. Echoing words from the text ened, thus growth in the church is cil, Pastoral Council, Develop-
randomly experienced. ment Council, leaders of various
4. Silence to allow God speak to iv. A church of disciples whereby groups. All must work hand in
us Christians now realise that when hand with the Christians to ensure
5. Sharing what God has com- an effective and smooth running
municated to us of the parish activities.
6. Discussing the activity or
word of the day from the text
7. Spontaneous prayers.

The facilitators took us through
the different aspects of liturgy
which was also very helpful.
Tradition and Christianity: our
eyes were opened to the aware-
ness that even some of our cul-
tural practices such as drum-
ming, dancing, singing are also

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

Our spiritual wellbeing was also catered for. We had We also learnt about Female Genital Mutilation
the Eucharist celebrated most of the days as long as (FGM) and its consequences on those who go
the priest was available. When the priest was not through it. Several young employees from different
available, one of the deacons conducted the Church Non-governmental Organisations came for a week-
service. We also met for communal morning prayers end to get enlightened on the termination of FGM.
which were organised by different groups. There was The personal stories told and the visual materials
a lot of learning from one another. By the end of the on FGM were really touching such that we all felt
program we felt confident and competent enough moved to join the fight against the inhuman practice.
to run a Small Christian Community, work at par- Thanks to the Institute for granting us an opportuni-
ish pastoral centres, conduct pastoral programs in ty to attend such a workshop. Equally, thanks to the
schools as well as prepare catechumens for the sac- Isinya community for hosting us, ensuring that we
raments. felt at home and enjoyed every bit of the program.
By Catherine (2nd year novice)

Stop this Blood Shed!!!

By Sr. Teresia Wamũyũ Wachira (IBVM)

In solidarity with our sisters and all the people in Sr. Wamũyũ, also a peace and justice advocate
Ukraine, Co-president of Pax Christi Internation- made a passionate call for peace in the world. She
al, Sr. Teresia Wamũyũ Wachira (IBVM) added her called for an end to the wars in Ukraine, Tigray-
voice to those others that are speaking against the Ethiopia, Ituri in the Democratic Republic of
current war in Ukraine and other parts of our world, Congo, and many other senseless wars going on
wars that lead to so much suffering and widespread in Africa and many parts of the world.
forced migration of people. She invited world leaders and governments in
Africa to reduce their investment in arms and
weapons of mass destruction, and invest in the
education of their citizens, health, food produc-
tion, environmental protection, and promotion of
democracy, dialogue, and civic engagement.
She invited us to embrace non-violence as the
best approach to conflict resolution because vio-
lence and wars do not solve any problems.

(extracted from African Catholic Voices on March
09, 2022)

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Empowerment in Active Non-violence and
Peacebuilding

Training of Trainers (TOT)

by Pax Christi International

Pax Christi International is a non-governmental empowering them to be advocates and agents of
Catholic peace movement working worldwide peace. As we near the election period in Kenya,
to establish peace and respect for human rights, their knowledge and skills is hoped to create a more
justice and reconciliation. As a means of empower- peaceful Kenya.
ing religious sisters in active nonviolence and peace Some of the topics covered during the training;
building, Pax Christi International partnered with 1. Conflict and violence which include Conflict
AOSK to organize for a training in active nonvio- prevention and management.
lence and peacebuilding for 16 religious sisters from 2. Nonviolence
different Congregations in Nairobi – Kenya and our 3. Nonviolent communication
sister Maureen Wanyora was one of those that were 4. Trauma healing, resilience, reconciliation and
trained. The training was held at Mary Ward Centre social cohesion.
from 17th– 22nd Nov 2021. A similar training is 5. Transformational leadership.
scheduled for another 16 sisters at the Coast region. The trained trainers are facilitated by Pax Christi
The training was aimed at equipping sisters with International with assistance of AOSK to train
tools and skills to become trainers and agents of young people for a period of 7 months.
peace. These Sisters are trained to reach out to
the youth and members of religious communities

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

MARY WARD: Her Time Is Now

Get yourself a copy of this book which is
re-telling, in the 21st Century the story of the
foundress by the African Younger Members of
the Institute. This book is a joint effort of both
CJ and IBVM members and each chapter, from

the author’s perspective, covers an aspect of
Mary Ward’s life and charism which is related

to a reality of the world today.

Praise, Worship, Adore: Loreto Sisters Vol. 3

(Evangelization through music) by Victorine Nyang’or IBVM
The third album of the Loreto musicians is out for sale!
This third album contains 12 original songs in three languages;
English, French and Suba which were composed and sung by
Loreto Sisters and friends.
Get yourself a copy for multiple benefits; food for the soul;
uplifts the spirit, evangelises, relaxes and inspires the listener.
Thank you for supporting this noble project.

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Flashbacks in 2021

Silver Jubilee celebration of Sr Margaret Sewe, Perpetual Profession: Sr. Justa Fidel IBVM - 6th
IBVM -28th August 2021 November 2021

First vows: Srs. Delphine, Belinda, Julia and Reception to the Novitiate: Teresiah, Winifred
Jennifer - 18th December 2021 and Calcine - 6th January 2022

Reception to Postulancy: Monica, Irene, Edna,
Damaris, Clementina and Rose -20th January 2022

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Centennial Celebration at its Peak

Masista Hongera – Well done Sisters

Poem: by a candidate

MYWSMaMMiASaMaTnKaruMaMoSauKsagMwlKiMoiwIaaYwosnMwuhSsuawMmiSaaatnsaegsiaaimnaiaTkantssfnmgblismauisiaifataAsgwiehyisuaiknalhstelepuhmsaoajntaearditiaoHahnodzaatwmizkzwitihnosisgiaOpsaiaemkhtahuhnnohgeokailyaiyNwnorjiavaageeairmneaaynrpegaeh,imkGolacuafkn,erbgieMtaaa,hEmacualo,yurienmneknohe,aeRt,y,ranuwnkgolinyuiae,ygkas,Ale,i,uaanaeukao,yih,cemwnv,etuuksy,hantMmukuinwauieuaam,efyakoan,luovmkia,imsaaklztbMu,nuiywaM,oakistzeohalgometumalakiazykaaifnliewmauaitzanyasuiwiupilamsaiznpymasyisiiiamoaikettpysiankdbaaiesinmpiaepyaumgaiesakiiknaedsphlkmimoafiehineaeadpeoduapponayekdzmwnemaiminanauedziaehayucempaaabdz.meaahsmouuafzn.ceaamibpahzk.kbzrukiaaak.ieaaluakloi.neelsaai WELL-DONE SISTERS

eYTWdooeulylGlwoddoor,nkyeozuesiashtlaeoruvsesflroyerasptnhodendjwoehbdowlteeohllSeedarorvtne-e
dWwsPtFcTteoooIimreToehfMeraIlnnudoaPlsaePrIlyuaynFlaararrertagaynordocsoerc,edarfnapeaiutcauceahfrsytlphooytaihpyyhmgelryrinrrinnljetionsainruonieaocnbdttnaieyntoecipgoaatgsrrugingtthdhstayspeenrlihkiabriaoliouerayidrbasteeyeonlsauaoftnhtcidmyfotateyglmyouuyateahuirtaoiboiarnrtthstalcoacrueeulyib,lhiairolGnolgf.tnrosrvftrwotntloconaiieyeoeevtupnhmafdrvrsonrcnvoirsgessoysr,hetaeicdeitnshsmhomtlrcytasien,shytl.e,steoir,t.srmadonmepvui,efjrororerevmgat,yaoainbeduGsisimayrrdriunrwoyeyeslinudoctsernpfmne,atula’rGisrylfotersioos,opitt-rmyotdoyehploonoottrefehuhuuipfnt--rlelte

The Lord has kept us safe and carried us through the pandemic times.
God has carried us on eagles’ wings. May God’s name be blessed forever.

Happy and grace-filled Lenten season.

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