Sister Monicah Mugure Ng'ang'a

Everything in life has its beginning in God. I was born in Kenya and am the youngest of nine children. My family has strong roots in the Catholic faith. The gift of faith came to me through my parents, but especially from my mother with whom I spent most of my time as a young child. Her love for us, her prayerfulness in times of distress and difficulties and her devotion to Our Mother Mary planted in me the seed of love and appreciation for my Catholic faith.

When I was growing up, there was a group of Dimesse Sisters working in my parish. They were very kind and friendly, especially to the young children. What touched me most as a child was the way they were dressed. They had a white uniform that covered them from head to toe. So when they were together, they looked like a group of angels! I started saying to myself, "When I grow up, I would like to be a Sister."

As time went by, my desire to become a Religious started to fade away. By the time I was in high school, my focus shifted to married life.

After high school, I joined a college that was sponsored by the Consolata Missionaries. This is where my desire was rekindled in a fuller and more mature way. I met with young people who were searching for their vocation and I joined the club. After one year, I felt that I was called to give my life to God as a Religious Sister. One day I was in class reading the Seed Magazine. I saw an advertisement for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. I read the words of Bishop Dubuis: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the multitude of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands." I was struck in a very special way. For many years I have seen people suffer. It has never occurred to me that it is Christ who suffers in them! This became the turning point in my life. I felt this was a special call to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

I wrote to Sister Francesca Kearns who was the Vocation Promoter for the Sisters in Africa. This was the beginning of a relationship of discernment and prayer with the Congregation.

I entered the Postulancy in January 2004. After one year, I entered the Novitiate. During this time, I deepened my prayer life, learned more about the history of our Congregation and worked in many different apostolates. Throughout this journey, there have been challenges and hardships, as well as great moments of growth, happiness and joy. In all of this, my love for the Incarnate Word has grown.

December 9, 2006, the 25th Anniversary of our Congregation in Kenya, will always remain in my heart. As I stepped forward in the presence of God and His Church, I pronounced my First Profession of Vows with joy in my heart. I felt like a person who had been walking a long distance who has finally met a loved one. This was a special day for me.

Sr. Lillian Anne Healy, our Congregational Leader, received my vows. My heart was at peace for this was what I truly desired! The journey has just started. This was just another step in my discernment. I am now working at the Ukarimu Centre in Molo. I am happy in my ministry.

I am very grateful to my family members, my directors and all the Sisters for their continued support, love and prayers. I would like to thank Sr. Ignatia Driscoll, my prayer companion, in a very special way. Even though we have never met, she has stood with me in prayer ever since I became affiliated with the Congregation. I hope that we will meet and get to know each other. May our dear Lord bless each one of you. As my journey continues to unfold I count on your prayers.

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