He went on to caution BVM members against materialism and selfishness, saying, “Even if you are working at a place that has a lot of money, you need to know that money is not yours; that money must be rooted to the Congregation or the Diocese.”
The 69-year-old Bishop who has been at the helm of the Kenyan Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in July 1995 also cautioned the Catholic Sisters against pride, saying, “Christ came quietly; as Religious Sisters, you should detest pride; you are supposed to be humble so that when you pass somewhere, no one even notices you; but God does.”
“When you are so poor, the only person you are left with is God.” Bishop Mairura emphasized in his January 13 homily.
On the vow of obedience, the Kenyan Catholic Church leader said that the vow is rooted in the will of God and modeled after the person of Jesus Christ.
“God wants you to be obedient because obedience will bring you closer to Christ who obeyed to the end,” he said.
Together with the vow of chastity, the vows of poverty and obedience contribute to the perfect life that women and men Religious are called to, Bishop Mairura said, and added, “If we are not perfect as Religious people, then there is something wrong.”
He went on to urge members of the Congregation that was founded in Italy in 1610 to nurture a life of prayer, which he said needs to be accompanied by the virtue of patience.
“Without prayers, you are not Sisters, so let your life be mapped with prayer,” Bishop Mairura said, and continued, “In prayer, you must be patient with many people; some may even be jealous of the work you are doing.”
In his January 13 homily, the Local Ordinary of Kisii Diocese reminded BVM members that their vocation to Religious Life is a gift from God. “He gave it to you even before you were born because He knew you,” he said.
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.
