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Postulants in the convent square heading the line-up for the procession
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The inauguration of the Vice-Province of Our Lady Mother of Africa took place in Embu, Kenya, on November 21.
Preparation for that auspicious occasion took a lot of time, effort, and sacrifice on the part of the general, provincial, and delegation levels.
Minister general S Danat Marie Brysch and general councilor SM Franciszka Stępniewska held meeting after meeting with the appointed Kenyan leadership team while the rest of the sisters, from the youngest postulant to the eldest sister, worked day and night preparing rooms for visitors, cleaning, cooking, decorating, arranging programs, gifts, and booklets.
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Cardinal Njue, center, and bishops with SM Marta Zielinski, SM Franciszka, Stepniewska S Danat Marie Brysch, SM Christella Skwarek, SM Anne,
SM Clare, SM Virginia, SM Harriet, andSM Anisia
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With great joy, the Kenyan Felicians acknowledged not only the presence of the minister general and general councilor, but also the provincial minister of the Warsaw province, SM Christella Skwarek; her vicar, SM Marta Zielińska; former provincial S Magdalena Maria Trzcińska; and two pioneer sisters who also traveled from Poland, SM Donata Marszałek and S Anna Maria Zabieglik.
The celebration was also graced with the presence of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue of Nairobi, five bishops, numerous priests, religious of other congregations, sisters’ parents and many friends.
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S Danat Marie Brysch proclaiming the establishment of the vice-province
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A joyful procession began in the courtyard of Blessed Mary Angela Convent and continued to the flower- bedecked celebratory pavilion.
Immediately before the Mass, Sister Danat Marie proclaimed the Decree of the Establishment of the Vice Province of Our Lady Mother of Africa. The joy of the sisters was expressed in the traditional African way, by a jubilant ululation repeated four times, which traditionally announces the birth of a baby girl.
The solemn inauguration Mass was presided over by John Cardinal Njue, with other bishops and priests concelebrating. After the Gospel, the minister general called forth SM Virginia Wanja Njiru, the appointed vice-provincial minister, and her councilors, SM Anne Nanjala Tangati, SM Harriet Kathomi Nyamu, SM Clare Kabutia Mungania, as well as the appointed vice-provincial treasurer, SM Anisia Kaimuri David to accept the responsibility of leadership for the vice-province. The sisters expressed their readiness to participate in the ministry of service to their vice-province. The prayers of blessing for the new vice-provincial administration followed.
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Youngsters in traditional attire presenting poem and singing
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After the blessing, the vice-provincial minister, councilors, and treasurer approached Sister Danat Marie for her blessing and proceeded to Sister Franciszka to venerate the relics of Blessed Mary Angela as a sign of loyalty to the patrimony and legacy of the congregation.
The newly-installed leaders received symbols of congregational leadership. The provincial minister of Our Lady Queen of Poland handed over to the minister general a lit candle as an indication of handing over the service of authority from the mother province. The vice-provincial minister then received the lit candle as a commitment to defend, preserve, enrich, and transmit the Felician charism to the next generation.
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Vice-provincial administration with symbols of leadership; L-R SM Virginia,
SM Anne, SM Harriet, SM Clare, SM Anisia
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The symbols entrusted to the other members of the administration were:
- The Word of God that would guide them in their task of nurturing the sisters
- The Cross of San Damiano, a constant reminder that the sisters are to commit themselves to the spiritual renewal of the world
- The Franciscan Rule of Life with the Felician Constitutions as a sign of commitment to preserve the identity of the Congregation
- A basket of fruit, as a sign that they will work towards unity in diversity and assist all the sisters in bearing fruit worthy of their vocation as Felicians
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Bishop Paul Kariuki of the Diocese of Embu delivers the homily
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The Mass continued with the accompaniment of beautiful songs sung by the church choir amidst numerous, colourful, spirited dances by various groups of children, youth, sisters and elders.
In a little side occurrence, during the homily, a small commotion was noticed in the section where the sisters were seated under a tent. Later on, after the celebration, the sisters learned that some snakes that looked like green mambas were moving between the chairs. The young sisters, who usually scream and scramble away, instead moved quietly and gingerly away, giving the uninvited visitors room to pass without incident.
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The four pioneers: L-R SM Rut Stawska, SM Donata Marszalek,
SM Noemi Centek, and SM Anna Maria Zabieglik
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In the addresses that followed the Mass, the history of the humble beginnings was cited by different speakers. The pioneer sisters and other sisters who came to serve through the years were remembered; among them, SM Elvine Dymnicka of Lodi, NJ, and SM Marcia Rydzewski of Coraopolis, PA. They contributed greatly to the growth of the Kenyan foundation.
After the Mass, children dressed in traditional garb recited a poem about Blessed Mary Angela and the birth of the Congregation. Then followed expressions of thanks with the presentation of gifts.
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Cardinal Njue officiating at the cake cutting assisted by S Danat Marie Brysch,
SM Christella Skwarek, and SM Virginia
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A photo session and the official cutting of the cake followed. After the five-hour liturgical celebration and a lunch, the festivities continued until dark. This was indeed a happy day for everybody, especially for the minister general, who had the privilege to proclaim the new vice-province.
The Felician Sisters of Our Lady Mother of Africa Vice-Province, based in the beautiful country of Kenya, are grateful that they have inherited a precious legacy which they will continue to defend, preserve, enrich, and transmit to the next generation.
They are especially grateful to all the benefactors in our Lady of Hope Province in North America for their contribution to the growth and finally, the establishment of the new vice-province.
