Vocation Stories

“If I had a hundred lives, o Lord I would give all to you” says our Co-foundress Sr Thecla Merlo. The Content of this sentence is key in the present moment of my life, and has been fundamental in my journey. With this deep desire and wish, I would like to begin this thanksgiving for my 25 years of religious consecration for the grace of perseverance. On 30th June 1999 I responded with a strong YES” to Jesus Divine Master during my first profession at our convent in the Divine Master Hall Westlands. Looking back at the last 25 years of consecrated life it has been a journey of faith, discovery and wonder at God’s merciful love and unwavering fidelity to me.   I give thanks to God for the gift of call to religious life; that experience of feeling being looked at and invited to follow Jesus and give myself to my brethren, to be the expression of God’s love for humanity is an immense experience. I thank the Lord, because from that day, from that first invitation to his fidelity, his love, his care, and tender gestures through persons that have accompanied my journey has never failed me. I thank him, because side by side with his fidelity there was the trust that he put in me, Jesus trusted me in spite of my frailties and I remain ever grateful that he counted on me. The centrality of any jubilee celebration is not the individual’s achievement but rather a grateful celebration of God’s gratuitous call and His constant accompaniment in one’s life.  This 25th anniversary isn’t so much about me…my vocation, my call, my life of service. Certainly this is a part of it, but not the main part. What we are celebrating is Him the Master, His call, His faithfulness, His mercy, which from my experience has been the anchor of my religious life and the magnet that has kept me closely attached to God. I can only pray in the silence of my soul, “To You, Lord, be the honor and glory forever and ever.”  Recalling God’s wonder is not an easy task. One needs a disposition to open up for the graces of God. Yes… as St. Paul says ” My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor12:9) these years have been like a flash of light, a stunning moment of grace in time for which I am grateful. My journey with Christ has been constant and I pray that my relationship with him continues to grows deeper and wider. My pauline vocation constantly reminds me of the purpose for which I am called. For the past 24 years, I have been a missionary outside my country Kenya. During these years I encountered numerous people along the way who have shared God’s merciful love and led me to his altar to complete 25 years of fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord. I treasure all those people who have touched my life with their faith and love and allowed me to do the same. It’s a joy to remember fondly with gratitude my formators, superiors and sisters in various communities with whom I lived and shared life and mission. I am grateful for the faith amid the challenges and chaos which enabled me to look forward, strengthened by the words of the prophet Jeremiah in (Jer 29:11) “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope”. I can never thank enough the precious people he has placed in my life, my parents, sisters, brother, friends and parishioners who have made a difference and helped me grow and remain in God’s Love. I am grateful to our Institute the Daughters of St. Paul, through which the Lord called me and in which I continue to serve him. I thank those who, even without knowing, have challenged me positively. I cannot forget to thank those who trusted me and commended me tasks that I felt were more than my capacities and even my strengths, because it was there that I experienced concretely the words of the apostle Paul, “there is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). I wind up my gratitude convinced that the words of St Paul to the Romans (Rom 8:35)”What will separate us from the love of Christ”, remain alive in me as I once again renew my consecration to Jesus the Divine Master, through the intercession of Mary Queen of the Apostles and of St. Paul the Apostle. Thank you all for journeying with me.

To live a life where God may use me, at anytime and anywhere. This is one of the principle motives that attracted me to a missionary Congregation. Who installed this idea in me? When I was about six  years old, I used to admire the ‘white’ (Europeans) sisters and priests in my parish.. I was fascinated by their capacity to speak my mother tongue . I wondered how they coped and served people did not know. I thought it felt good to be far from my home country and to serve a people whom I did not know. One day I asked my mum why the missionaries were working so much; dedicating all their energy in serving people who are not their own.  Mum told me that it was because they loved God. I also admired the white complexion of the sisters. I actually thought I would turn into a ‘Muzungu’ (European) if I became a sister. When my elder brother heard about it he laughed and teased me mercilessly. He told me that even if I became a sister I would still remain ‘black’ (African). He went on to say that there were also ‘black’ sisters. I cannot tell where he got that idea from since we had not seen any African sister by then. In spite of my brother’s teasing, my admiration for the sisters did not fade out. I started also to admire their veils.  I was amused at how they wore it and covered their ears without making a knot on it. One day, I asked my Mother why the sisters always covered their ears. “so that they will not hear the evil things we speak. Sisters are holy people and they live a holy life. They work for God”, she responded. Definitely that boosted my admiration for the sisters and the desire to live a holy life where God would use me at anytime, anywhere and with anybody. When I was in Primary six, our Parish priest organized a day’s seminar for those who wanted to join religious life. I attended the seminar but more attention was granted to those who were going to high school. After class eight I joined a protestant school. My challenge during the high school education was to keep my catholic faith. The school was strictly protestant and for the few catholic to practice our faith fully was difficult. We had to join protestant service and even if a priest  came for Mass once in the blue moon , we had first to follow the school regulation of attending protestant prayers service. During my high school education, I rarely thought about joining sisterhood. Much of my energy was spent in defending my Catholic faith.  My pride was the Apostles Creed especially the words, “I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church”. With the Apostles Creed and the Rosary, I always kept my stand whenever my friends tried to convert me. And when they testified to me that Jesus was their personal savior and that they had left everything to follow him, the thought of leaving everything and serving God in a place far from my home would flush in my mind. Actually in the silence of my mind I would say I wish they knew that my desire is not even to marry and have my own children but to give my whole life to Christ. Despite the struggles with my protestant friends and limited Catholic teaching in the boarding school, I did not pursue less the  idea of joining religious life. The decisive moment knocked at my door one day after form four. A friend asked me what I was thinking about my future and why I appeared calm while they were trekking everywhere and attending many interviews in search of job opportunities. I told him that I wanted to become a sister. Being a youth leader in his parish he was happy with the idea. He promised to help me find a congregation. He brought me many vocational pamphlets but most of them were on priesthood and brotherhood. Then one day the same youth leader brought me a vocational leaflet of the Daughters of St Paul. On reading it and realizing that they were missionaries working in the field of social communications. I was immediately attracted to the institute. I told myself that I loved writing and so would feel at home there. So I began to correspond with the vocational promoter though I had not seen a Daughter of St Paul till I attended a three day retreat in their convent in Nairobi. I was thrilled by the joyful welcome accorded to us and the fact that the formators who were all ‘whites’ at that time, worked, shared the same food and sat at the same table with us at meals. The interaction was homely and encouraging.  It strengthened my desire to share the joy and the love of Christ to all in great and in small way. This is my twenty Fifth year as a Daughter of St Paul. I have served at various capacities in a number of counties, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan. As vocation animator, web-designer, Book Centre administrator, student, community superior, etc. Through it all I have found joy in being with the people of God and members from various nations and tribes. I have interacted with and journeyed with people of all age groups in the community; from aspirants, young professed, to middle aged and even a bit senior. My motto is to be a sign of joy and hope to all. May it be in the Book Center, online or on digital forum, in print media, in propaganda/book exhibitions, in the interpersonal relationship, etc. To Know, Live and Give Christ to all is my call and our call as Daughters of St Paul. Would you like to Join me in this ministry? The Lord is counting on you and me.

WISDOM AND QUOTES Religion The Governor on his travels stepped in to pay homage to the Master, “Affairs of state leave me no time for lengthy dissertation, “he said. “Could you put the essence of religion into a paragraph or two for a busy man like me? “I shall put it into a single word for the benefit of your Highness.” “Incredible, what is that unusual word?” “Silence.” “And what is the way to Silence?” “Meditation” “And what. May I ask, is meditation?” “Silence.” By Sr Theresia Swai, fsp On the Badge Wisdom Quotes/ Jokes February 18, 2023 Leave a comment “My 85-year-old grandfather was rushed to the hospital with a possible concussion. The doctor asked him a series of questions: “Do you know where you are?” “I’m at Rex Hospital.” “What city are you in?” “Raleigh.” “Do you know who I am?” “Dr. Hamilton.” My grandfather then turned to the nurse and said, “I hope he doesn’t ask me any more questions.” “Why?” she asked. “Because all of those answers were on his badge.” Unknown Sr Theresia Swai, fsp He can do it by himself Wisdom Quotes/ Jokes February 18, 2023 Leave a comment It was my first night caring for an elderly patient. When he grew sleepy, I wheeled his chair as close to the bed as possible and, using the techniques I’d learned in school, grasped him in a bear hug to lift him onto the bed. But I couldn’t clear the top of the mattress. So I grabbed him again, summoned all my might, and hoisted him onto the bed. When the night shift nurse arrived, I recounted what had happened. “Funny,” she said, looking puzzled. “Usually, I just ask him to get in bed, and he does.” —Erin Dockery Sr Theresia Swai, fsp Sr Doris Khisa Wanyonyi, Fsp Vocation Stories February 18, 2023 Leave a comment Growing up as a little girl, I never dreamt of becoming a sister even though I interacted a lot with sisters since I studied in catholic schools run by them. My desire to become a sister was kindled when I attended a thanksgiving mass of a sister at our parish.  I went to church like any other ordinary Sunday, little did I know that it was going to be the turning point of my life. During the entrance procession to the altar, I was struck by the sight of the sister who was dressed in white habit and looked so angelic that I felt I wanted to become a sister like her. However, it was during the mass that I deeply felt the Lord was calling me to become a sister. The experience was so intense that I could not contain it and found myself crying. I immediately made up my mind that when I complete high school, I will definitely become a sister. From that time onwards, I was resolute on becoming a sister and all my thoughts and plans were focused on pursuing this noble goal. When I got home that evening, I shared my desire of becoming a sister with my mother who encouraged me but challenged me to work hard in school so as to qualify to join religious life. A year later, I completed my high school studies and excelled very well in my examination. I was very happy because I knew that I will now be able to join religious life. I applied to three different missionary congregations since I felt the desire to become a missionary sister. A week later, the vocation directress of the Daughters of St Paul replied to me. I was so excited and immediately made up my mind to follow this congregation because it was a sign for me that God wanted me to join this particular congregation. Moreover, I had studied in Christian religious education about St. Paul being a zealous missionary in evangelization of the word of God and I felt this would be a good congregation for me. Immediately I began my correspondence with the vocation promoter who helped me to know more about the life and mission of the Daughters of St. Paul in the church.  All this while, I had not yet informed my father about my desire to become a sister. Coincidentally the day that I finally gained courage to inform him of my plans was the same day he had come home with my university admission letter to pursue a course in banking and finance. After sharing with him my desire he seemed disappointed but he said if that was my heart’s desire, I can go ahead and pursue it. That was the happiest day of my life because I was granted permission to pursue my vocation in life. I continued with communication with the vocation directress and I had opportunities to attend retreats and come see program at the convent in Nairobi so as to reflect and discern better my vocation. A year later, on 09/09/2007 I was admitted to join the congregation. I began my initial formation which lasted for five years and ended with my first profession in 2012. After my first profession I worked as a missionary in Nigeria and Uganda for three years. Thereafter, I was sent to Kenya for my systematic studies in Spirituality and religious formation. After completing my studies, I was sent to Rome to prepare for my final vows and on 09/09/2018 exactly 11 years since I joined the congregation, I made my perpetual profession at my home parish, the same place where I received my calling during the thanksgiving mass. After my final profession, I worked in Nairobi Kenya for two years and later on I was sent to Zambia where I am currently working.  My experience as a Daughter of St. Paul has been wonderful because I have experienced the love and faithfulness of the Lord  throughout my vocational journey. I feel happy and fulfilled in living my Pauline vocation and mission. By carrying out our mission of evangelization  using the means of social communication we communicate the Gospel

The day a baby is born among the Ngoni of Mchinji in Malawi, is usually one of the most beautiful days where smiles, laughter, happy faces are seen, and stories are shared and heard all over, and the joy around the neighbourhood is simply contagious. We hear from all sides the drumming, ululation, gifts are brought for the baby and the parents, there is even singing and dancing which are the best part for me! But what is this whole celebration about? It is a celebration of life, it is an appreciation of the gift that the parents have received, together with the whole community and the society. Just imagine how mothers run to rescue a child from wandering off to the road or how they run to bring them back home when they are running away because they do not want to have a bath! I miss those childhood fun moments. They are to me a great reminder of how precious my life is, not just to myself but to others also. By making such memories, I gave my mum and siblings who would watch me run, a gift, of my presence and humour. I am trying to imagine when I began to play, sit, walk, talk even sing! These new steps brought great joy in the lives of the people around me. Their love and care in seeing that I am warm enough, dry, that the diaper has been changed, that we have eaten and showered, that I am happy and growing up healthy, are a sure sign of how dearly I have been loved, because I am a precious pearl, a gift to them, and they too to me. As we continue growing sometimes we meet challenges and life might not seem to look like a gift anymore. I know of a young man who had a happy childhood, but when he grew up he could not find a decent job, nor a young lady to marry him because he was jobless. Due to his frustration he decided to take his own life. The night before that fateful day when he was to take his own life, he had a mysterious dream. His whole life was shown to him like in a movie, all the joys he had experienced in life while growing up, and the sad times and how the beautiful moments had overshadowed them. When he woke up he looked at the materials he had prepared for his ‘last’ job, he wept and saw that there had been so much good that he had managed to do with his life already, taking his own life would hinder him from discovering what else he could do in life. When he left his room he met his neighbour who smiled at him and wished him a happy day. That moment was a gift which he needed, to reaffirm that his presence was a gift to others, and that of others to him. Not everyone gets to experience a childhood that is filled with happy memories but all of us are precious in the sight of God. Even our experiences no matter what they are should become stepping stones to a better life. Talking about stepping stones we may take the story of Joseph and his brothers in the Bible. Joseph was sold out of jealousy by his brothers. Life was very hard for him but despite all the difficulties he faced he still became the only saviour for his people in time of famine. Life may be difficult now but let us look into the future with hope that all will be better. Debbie’s tips Life is a gift, it is a precious pearl, and its preciousness can become fruitful if:

The name Dalitso means blessing from where I come from. Among my people a name is very significant because you have to live up to it. Everyone expects you to live as your name dictates. If you are called Dalisto then your life must be a blessing not a source of sadness for the people. If your name means hope, everyone will look up to you in hope. Your name defines your mission on earth. Someone said that we were given names so that we can be called out when we have gotten ourselves into trouble. Well, trouble making is part of growing up but with time we become more responsible and less trouble makers. There is a purpose or mission of life that is somehow hidden and connected to one’s name. There are those called Amari meaning one who possesses great strength, Bahati meaning lucky or fortunate, or Ekon meaning strong. This is just part of our self-discovery. Discovering our mission on this earth is always a quest that each person has to undertake. Our basic mission is to live life to the best of our capabilities and that includes making great use of our talents, gifts, inspirations and moments of learning. We learn about ourselves through what people tell us and also through what we discover about ourselves with time. However, each individual person has a specific mission to accomplish. Lulu was always trying to imitate other girls her age but she could not manage to be like them. One day her mum decided to help her understand that she too had a different mission to fulfill in this world. So she brought out a Jigsaw puzzle and kept one piece away from the others. Lulu began to put the pieces together because she really liked puzzles. In the end she discovered that the picture was incomplete because a piece was missing. Only then did she understand the importance of that piece, it had its mission too and without it the picture would remain like that, incomplete. What then is my purpose or mission on this planet earth? How do I discover it? Having discovered it, what will I do with that knowledge? And what do I need in order to accomplish it? Debbie’s Tips