The Central Leadership Team’s time with Sisters in Kenya was a privileged and sacred time of varied experiences. SCNs Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Jackulin Jesu, and Adeline Fehribach are currently experiencing the Africa Mission and had previously traveled to Botswana on Aug. 18. They arrived in Kenya on Aug. 28.
While in Kenya, the Sisters visited several interesting sites. In reflecting on their time away to a Jesuit Facility in Malindi for three days of sharing and planning, leadership said it was inspiring to listen to the four pioneers share their sacred stories of being in a new mission territory and the blessings and challenges that have shaped their life with the beautiful people of Marareni.
On Aug. 30, the Central Leadership and Vinaya Chalil, SCN, met with the Bishop of Malindi Diocese, The Most Rev. Willybard Kitogho Lagho. Bishop Lagho gifted the SCN leadership with a shawl (pictured at top) with the diocesan emblem expressing his appreciation and gratitude for the presence and commitment of the four SCNs in the diocese.
On Sept. 3, they traveled to the St. Francis Xavier Portuguese chapel in Malindi. This chapel was built by Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama and some of his sailors in 1498 while on their way to India. St. Francis Xavier later visited Malindi in 1542 and used the same chapel. It was a heartwarming experience to see this simple historic shrine visited by thousands of tourists and other believers, especially Catholics. On this same day, the Sisters also visited the historic Vasco Da Gama Pillar by the Indian Ocean in Malindi.
As the CLT continued their travels, they were invited on Sept. 6 to St. Francis Assisi Academy, Marareni, Kenya, where SCNs Cornelia Ekka and Helen Sathiya are in ministry. The students and teachers presented the Sisters with a simple and beautiful cultural program. After the program, leadership met with the teachers and a few members of the Parent Teacher Association.
Wrapping up their time in Kenya, the CLT is expected to return to Nazareth on Sept. 10. View more photos from Kenya here.
Good news that the trip was fruitful – connections to the Sisters in Ministry, Bishop, history, and most importantly the children and families.
Inspiring to read the stories of Kenya mission. I was surprised to read about the history of Christianity in Kenya from the time of St, Francis Xavier.
Thank you for sharing this very special journey with us.
The picture with precious Kenyan children is so heartwarming. How good that our Central leadership could visit our African mission!