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Let’s “adapt strategies” to Realize Sustainable Evangelization: Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya Official

Credit: Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK)

Members of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) have been challenged to be strategic in their evangelization mission going forward.

In her opening remarks at the AOSK 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Chairperson, Sr. Josephine Kangogo Keino, encouraged those at the helm of female Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) in Kenya to spearhead the reimagination of evangelization approaches to ensure sustainability and positive impact.

“To build a sustainable future for evangelization, we must adapt strategies that address these challenges and leverage these opportunities,” said the AOSK Chairperson in the remarks delivered on her behalf by the association’s Executive Secretary, Sr. Josephine Atswele of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK) on Tuesday, July 8.

To be able to adapt and eventually adopt the strategies, Sr. Kagongo called upon AOSK members to “walk together, listening to one another, designing together, and courageously responding to the signs of the time in a spirit of hope, shared practice, and Synodality."

“As we face the social, economic, and environmental challenges of our era, our commitment to resilience reminds us that no obstacle is unsurmountable when we stand in solidarity and faith,” she said in her remarks at the opening of the five-day event organized under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope in Mission: AOSK Walks Steadfast Towards a Future of Resilience, Self-Reliance, and Sustainability.”

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The Kenyan member of the Religious Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart (DSH), where she serves as the Provincial Superior of the Eastern Africa Province highlighted some of the strategies that ICLSAL members could take to enhance their capacity for sustainable, meaningful and impactful evangelization.

She emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships with other ICLSAL, lay movements, and the civil society, noting that “collaborative initiatives can amplify our efforts in areas such as social justice, health care, education, and ecological conservation.”

Ongoing holistic formation and education of the women Religious, she told AOSK members, “is crucial” for growing the capacity of their respective members, who would be “better equipped to respond creatively and effectively to the needs of our time.”

The AOSK Chairperson called upon those at the helm of ICLSAL to spearhead the fostering of “strong relationships with local communities, participate in and support local initiatives that promote social welfare.”

“Educate our members and the wider community about sustainability issues,” she told participants at the AOSK 2025 AGM, urging them to advocate for “policies that protect the environment and promote social justice and diversity.”

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The Kenyan DSH member urged AOSK members to ensure that “practices and policies are inclusive” and respectful of the diversity of their respective ICLSAL and communities they serve.

For economic sustainability, she underscored the need for prudent allocation of resources and regular review of projects and programs to ensure that they align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interlinked goals designed to that the United Nations (UN) adopted in 2025 “as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.”

“As leaders, you should inspire and guide others toward a sustainable lifestyle,” she said, and added, “Dedicate time for prayer and reflection using our faith traditions to inspire and sustain efforts.”

Sr. Kangogo described the theme of the AOSK 2025 AGM realized in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN) as an invitation to women Religious in the country to reflect deeply on their vocation.

“We are big dreams, joining together, trusting in God's providence, and bringing hope to a world that longs for healing and transformation,” she said in her opening remarks.

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She noted that the theme “speaks so powerfully” to the identity of women Religious and calls them “in this moment” and anchored on their mission “to foster mutual support and promote holistic formation of women Religious for authentic witness.”

The AOSK leader recognized with appreciation women Religious serving in Kenya for the “steadfast faith, courage, and creativity” with which they carry “hope into families, schools, hospitals, parishes, and communities that thirst for Christ's love.”

“Through our ministries, we have seen how empowering our communities, fostering self-reliance, and embracing sustainable practices can truly uplift the lives entrusted to our care, especially the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the poor,” she said.

The Nairobi-based DSH Provincial Superior emphasized the need to foster resilience, self-reliance, and sustainability amid challenges.

“Our missionary journey calls us to resilience in the face of trials, to nurture self-reliance in our communities, and to steward creation responsibly so that our future and that of generations to come is sustainable,” Sr. Kangogo said.

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Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.