Sister Angeline Obonyo Mecha

I was born in a Catholic family of seven children in Kenya. My mother was very devoted to our Blessed Virgin Mary and I often heard her praying the rosary. Mary was her refuge. My mother taught me many Marian songs. Margaret, my sister, is also a mentor in my spiritual journey. She encouraged me to be involved in church activities and introduced me to the Youth and Charismatic groups.

When I recall the beginning of my call, I remember the words that were said to me during my cousin's Profession. I met a Sister who said, "What is your name?" I said, "Angeline." She said, "Mine is Angeline, too, and I would like you to be a Sister." Whether she was serious, only God knows. I was 8 years old and her words had little impact on me. However, I was sure of one thing, that there were many people rejoicing and celebrating at the Profession.

During primary school, I was taught by Sister Rose Anton a School Sister of Notre Dame (SSND). I liked her very much because she was nice and never punished us when we made a mistake. She also visited us at home.

Fortunately, after my primary education, I attended an SSND secondary school. I enjoyed being taught by them. They were very kind. I admired their lifestyle and began to think about joining their Order in the future. God knew what He had in mind for me.

I stayed in the SSND School for almost two years and then we moved to a town school. After being in the town school for three years, I don't remember seeing a Sister. I enjoyed living in town and I considered raising my family there some day. After finishing school, God was very good to me and blessed me with a well paying job. This strengthened my love for God and I became more devoted to Him. I prayed to Him for enlightenment. Whenever I had to make a decision in my life, I always prayed to God.

As my relationship with God deepened, I was reminded of my desire as a young girl to become a Religious. I was shocked by God's reminder, but I acted like I didn't feel anything within me. God is patient and kept calling me gently. I kept resisting thinking that God would change His mind, but I was wrong. It was a tug of war. I didn't have any reason for resisting, but my current situation wouldn't allow me to say yes at that time.

Days turned into months and months turned to years, but I was looking for ways to justify myself.

I prayed to God to give me more time. God never refused my plea.

Later, I realized that I needed to talk to others about what was going on in my life. I told my family. They knew I was feeling this way, and they encouraged me as did others.

I was introduced to Sister Francesca Kearns, the Vocation Director for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Her welcome touched my heart, and I saw a true Christian. She was a humble and loving Sister. I remember that this was what I admired in the SSND's. Sister Francesca invited me to attend a seminar called "Vocation Discernment and Behavior Change." I enjoyed the topics that were presented at the seminar. I met many young people that had the same desire. We exchanged ideas and became friends. The environment was prayerful. This was something that I really liked.

In 2002, I attended a secretarial college for one and a half years and received a certificate. Later, I took a catechetical course for six months.

In 2004, I became a Postulant with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. I devoted myself to God who was calling me. During this year, I came to know Him better and grew in accepting the diversity of the group. I learned more about prayer and continued to deepen my relationship with God.

The following year I entered the Novitiate, where I continued to deepen my relationship with God through days of prayer. I also grew mentally, socially and physically. I also learned more about Religious Life, the Vows and the Congregation's Constitutions. I tried to balance my ministry with prayer life and community with the help of God.

On December 9th, I consecrated myself to God through the First Profession of Vows in the Congregation. I was very excited by the beautiful celebration, which was incorporated into the Silver Jubilee celebration of the presence of the Sisters in Kenya. During the Profession, I was touched by words spoken by Sister Lillian Anne Healy, Congregational Leader, as she put the emblem of the Congregation, around my neck. Sr. Lillian Anne said: "Sr. Angeline, receive this emblem of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, which represents the suffering and death of the Word made Flesh. Wear Jesus' name upon your heart that He may dwell there and become your only love."

Today I enjoy living in the Baraka Community and working at Bishop Ndingi Primary School. I am very grateful to all the Sisters especially those who worked in Kenya.

I am privileged to be one called to answer our founder's words: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the multitude of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands."

<  Sister Stories

Sister Stories