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“Don’t be a complainer”: Catholic Bishop in Kenya to Women Religious at Profession

Nicholas Waigwa

By Nicholas Waigwa

Nairobi, 09 October, 2025 / 4:42 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a Gachihi of Kenya’s Military Ordinariate has urged the four Sisters of the Religious Institute of the Little Sisters of St. Joseph (LSSJ), who made their final vows on Thursday, October 9, to remain steadfast in their vocation by enduring challenges with patience and forbearance.

In his homily during the Perpetual Profession of Srs. Beatrice Kimario, Mary Man’geli, Martina Kavuli, and Monica Thiguku, Bishop Wallace noted that Consecrated Life has “its own challenges.”

“Don’t be a complainer. Do the best you can. Even when some people fail to appreciate what you are doing, know that it is only God who will reward you,” he said during the event at which Sr. Margaret Mocheche marked her Silver Jubilee and Srs. Graciana Lucas and Agnes Bosire celebrated their Golden Jubilee.

He added, “Never find yourself overworked when you do the will of God. Always remember that you are called to serve Him even in the toughest moments.”

“Our life is not a life of bread and butter. It has its own challenges,” said the Kenyan Catholic Bishop, who began his Episcopal Ministry in April 2024 as one of the three Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN).

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He continued, “People outside may imagine that convent life is all hallelujahs and peace, but you know the reality. Even within community life, there are struggles. Yet through it all, remember that He who called you has a purpose for you.”

In his October 9 homily, Bishop Wallace called upon the four Sisters who were taking their final vows to always have their priorities and intentions right in their service to the people of God.

“More than ever, the Church needs men and women who are ready to serve. But as we serve, our priorities and intentions must be right and clear,” he said.

He added, “Over the years, you have experienced both the joys and challenges of religious life. You have received a strong foundation in your calling, and you are who you are today because of that formation.”

He urged them to keep the same zeal they had when they made their first profession, saying, “It is not by chance that you are here today. You were found worthy after years of discernment. May the grace that brought you to this day continue throughout your life of service.”

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“We are reminded, especially as religious men and women, of our vows—chastity, poverty, and obedience, which are at the heart of our calling,” said the Kenyan Catholic Church leader.

He added, “As you make your perpetual vows, remember: this is not the end; it is the beginning. Do not say, ‘At last, I have finished.’ No, this is a new beginning, a new chapter of maturity and deeper commitment.”

“May this profession strengthen your faith and character. May it help you grow in the spirit of your congregation and in the charism of St. Joseph. May St. Joseph, the protector and provider of the Holy Family, always watch over you,” he implored.

Bishop Wallace hailed the three LSSJ members marking their Jubilee celebrations for remaining faithful to their calling and urged them to take the occasion as a moment of reflection and renewal.

“This is a moment for reflection and renewal. Look back on your spiritual journey, how you have served, how you have lived your vows, and how you have related with others,” he said, and added, “May this anniversary renew your zeal and give you the strength to continue inspiring the younger Sisters who look up to you.”

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He called upon those in formation to draw inspiration from the Jubilarians, particularly the two LSSJ members marking 50 years in religious life, describing them as a sign of perseverance and hope.

“Look at these Sisters and see that religious life and priesthood are sources of true happiness. Their faces still shine with joy after fifty years of service. May God help you to draw inspiration from their lives,” said Bishop Wallace in his October 9 homily.

Nicholas Waigwa

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.