In the Lord’s vineyard of AFE Province a rich harvest was reaped during the month of August 2011. Unknown to most of the world, yet so significantly important, the voices of six Sisters pierced the heavens to create a “global warming” that will emanate throughout time and eternity. Congratulations and blessings to our Sisters for their generous “Yes” to the Lord as witnessed in their First Profession, in Perpetuity and in the Renewal of 50 years of  Consecrated life!

 

First Profession
One day in mid-July the Second Year Novices waved “good bye” to their two companions Sr. Malama Christabel and Sr. Diriba Tsige who returned to their respective Provinces and made their First Profession there on the 5th August.  Then, after a good Retreat preached by Fr. Felice Molino they counted the days to their great and long expected day. And it finally came!  The 15th August!  Their parents and family members, the Sisters from all the communities of Kenya and the invited Priests arrived. The choir was ready; the procession with the dancers was formed outside the entrance door of the chapel and the four new FMA to be, accompanied by Sr. Chantal Mukase took their places between their parents. The celebration was presided over by Fr. Luis Neville, sdb who in his wonderful and inspiring homily challenged and encouraged not only the four Sisters but everyone present there. Fr. Neville based his homily on a few key words taken from the Rite of Profession: consecrated, follow, radically, vows, Constitutions, in communion with my Sister…   All felt renewed in their love for the Salesian vocation and in the enthusiasm to live it to the full.

After that the parents and relatives of the Sisters joined in the joyful listening to the voices of Srs. EusebiaMunene, Juliet Gitonga, Magdalene Mutisya and Mary Ouwoth as they committed themselves to the Salesian style of life as they made their First Profession. We all applauded when the Provincial,
Sr. Teresa Fernandes accepted them as professed Sisters with temporary vows to our great Family.
After the Mass, the newly professed Sisters were congratulated, photos were taken and everybody proceeded towards the compound of the Primary School for lunch. After lunch there was a short but well prepared entertainment with the items from the Aspirants, Novices and Sisters. An uncle of
Sr. Juliet spoke on behalf of the parents with  words of encouragement and best wishes.
The second most eagerly awaited moment came when Sr. Teresa announced the first “obediences” to the newly professed Sisters. More than the curiosity to know where they would go, there was the desire to have them in the community, but of course, only four communities could be the lucky ones. And so like the Apostles sent to spread the Good News Sr. Juliet was sent to Siakago, Sr. Mary to Hurlingham, Sr. Magdalene to Gisenyi and
Sr. Eusebia to Dar Es Salaam. We pray that they may be happy and fulfilled FMA, enthusiastic in following their motto: “COME, FOLLOW ME.”