Blessed James Alberione flashes a 'thumbs-up' from Heaven

By Muchiri Muchoki

I vow: New Daughters of St Paul

They were all there by her side; watching every movement of her lips as she made her first vows into sisterhood. Blessed James Alberione flashed a smile, Mother Theresa’s face illuminated, St John Paul the Second gave his thumbs up; and St Charles Lwanga was ululating, with his Buganda Engalabi drum tucked by his armpit, ready for an African celebratory jig.

And with her left hand resting on her chest and the right one holding the book from which she read her profession formula, committing for one year, to live chaste, poor and obedient life according to the constitution of the Daughters of St Paul, Sr. Mary Wangui Mutahi did not disappoint.

And so were the other four colleagues who were also having their red letter day, apart from Sr. Mary; Sr. Catherine Ocharo Boyani, Sr. Emmah Ekitoi Atwane, Sr. Jacklyne Monica Kitui and Sr. Mweu Victoria Wamui. This day, when close family members, friends and fellow Pauline family members gathered to witness their first religious profession, would surely be etched in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

This was the very first time - after a number of both postulancy and novitiate years - that this angelic quintet were now donning the white veil, a white shirt, a navy blue half coat and skirt, a fitting crucifix and a well seasoned spirit that would henceforth give them the identity of a congregation that is committed to social communication.

“From today henceforth, “Fr Martin Erapu told the Congregation that had gathered at the Daughters of St Paul little hall, you should call them Sisters, do not just use their first name.”

The celebrant priest noted that the 5 sisters had only started a journey that required them to commit more to the values and virtues that have been inculcated in them by the mother church over the years.

“Fear not, I am with you, from here I will enlighten you” The Priest echoed these words that are beautifully inscribed on the front chapel wall of the Nairobi’s Pauline Publications Africa home; and that resonate with the popular Isaiah 41: 10 scripture.

“As you live in a community, it will be important to note who amongst them is fearful. Because fear comes from the evil one,” Fr Erapu went on.

Amongst those who attended this colourful event was Sr. Mariuccia Pezzini, the Delegate Superior who also received the vows of these brand new entrants into the Pauline family’s fold.

  (Comment on this article: paradidedoorstep@gmail.com/muchirimuchoki@yahoo.com)