Religious Profession of the FMA in AFE Province
August is planting and harvest time for the Salesian Sisters of AFE Province when it comes to the vineyard of the Lord. On the eve of the 14th August some of our “youngest” seedlings - 9 postulants - were admitted to the Novitiate as first year novices, joining the group of 8 second years already present. Among the new first years are two from Zambia who will make their novitiate in Kenya.
Then on 15th August Sr. Anastasia Kibe Waringa from Rochu Parish in Murang’a made her profession as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians in the Novitiate chapel at Mutuini Dagoretti. Fr. Gianni Rolandi, SDB Vice Provincial of the East African Province, was the main celebrant of the Eucharistic Celebration. Her own brother, Fr. Charles Njoroge, who is a priest from the Muran’ga Diocese was also among the clergy present. The chapel was filled to capacity with FMA, family members and well wishers who came to share in the joy of the newly professed. In his homily Fr. Gianni read an excerpt from the Chronicles of the first profession in 1872 when Mary Mazzarello and 14 other young women made their first profession. St. John Bosco told them that besides the great joy they experienced in giving their lives to the Lord, they could expect sufferings and sacrifices in following a crucified Lord. Sr. Anastasia has had a share in that suffering recently when her mother passed away unexpectedly in July. Fr. Gianni added that perhaps her mother is even closer to her now from heaven then if she were there physically.
After the Mass a delicious lunch was served to everyone followed by speeches and entertainment from the aspirants, novices, the sisters and well wishers. At the end of the days’ festivities it is a “tradition” to announce the community where the newly professed will go. Sr. Teresa Fernandes, the Provincial, revealed that Sr. Anastasia would join the FMA community of Embu. We thank the Lord for the harvest of a new young sister to our Province.
Final Profession
The second “big harvest” in the Province took place at St. Mary Mazzarello Youth Centre Embu on 22nd August 2009 Feast of the Queenship of Mary, with the final profession of three Sisters: Sr. Maria Goretti Ndwiga, Sr. Placida Nthia, and Sr. Caroline Kalondu Katoo. A beautiful banner with the Sisters’ symbol of the burning bush from the book of Exodus hung outside the Chapel door. The words “I am who I am….has sent me to you” were a reminder of how the Lord would always be with them as they work for the good of the young people. The newly installed bishop of the Embu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki, concelebrated the Mass with 14 Diocesan and Religious priests. The parents of the sisters accompanied them in the entrance procession led by girls from the Embu CHC (Children Helping Children). It was significant that the parents who had accompanied them in their journey of faith at Baptism were now giving them completely to the Lord. The choir was from the outstation of Majimbo -Embu Parish.
The Word of God was brought to the altar in an unique way. A copy of the readings attached to a real Biblical scroll were then placed inside a wooden hut and carried to the altar. As the readers read from the scroll, one couldn’t help but visualize Jesus in the synagogue proclaiming the Word.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Sr. Marie Dominique Mwema, one of the visiting councilors from Rome who comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She arrived the previous day to begin the canonical visit of the FMA Province for the next three months. As the delegate of the Superior General, she received the vows of each sister while Sr. Teresa Fernandes, Provincial, and Sr. Rosetta Guarnier, Animator of Siakago Community, looked on as witnesses.
The formula for the profession, written out in her own hand, was read indiviadually by each of the sisters professing. After reading the formula, the sister went to the centre of the altar, and said, “I have written this document myself and I am signing it here on the altar because my life in now joined forever to the sacrifice of Christ.” Then she put the sheet on the altar, signed it, and placing her hands on the altar said, “Receive me, O Lord, according to your word, for in you I shall find life.”
Bishop Paul Kariuki then extended his hands over the three sisters and prayed a solemn prayer of consecration over them. Sr. Maria Dominique concluded this part of the ritual welcoming them as full fledged members of the Institute. A wreath of pink roses was then placed on each of their heads as an external sign of the perfect union that Christ has established with them. Sr. Carol, Sr. Maria Goretti, and Sr. Placida joined by other sisters danced the Magnificat as an expression of joy and gratitude with the same sentiments of Mary.
Entertainment followed the Eucharistic celebration concluding with the cutting of three beautifully decorated cakes. Everyone was served a delicious lunch and had then the opportunity to offer their congratulations and gifts at three stations prepared for the sisters on the sports ground. Congratulations, Sr. Carol, Sr. Maria Goretti, and Sr. Placida for your YES forever to the Lord!
