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STORY of Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK)

Fifty Years of dedicated service to Church and Society 1962 - 2012

Compiled by Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN

PREAMBLE

The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) is an ecclesiastical organization of Pontifical

right, which directly relates to the Holy See under the Congregation for Institutes of Religious

Life and Societies of Apostolic Life that oversees issues related to religious life worldwide.The

Association is also a recognized Statutory Body in the Republic of Kenya.

Celebrating Fifty years (half a century) is a great gift of God’s goodness for consecrated religious

women whose life of dedication is in service of the church and the whole of humanity.

This story of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) whose membership are

Congregations of Catholic Religious women serving in Kenya, is divided into five (5) periods:

1. 1962 - 1972 Beginnings

2. 1972 - 1982 Inter-Congregational solidarity

3. 1982 - 1992 Growing towards Maturity

4. 1992 – 2002 Challenges of Evangelization in a world of change

5. 2002 - 2012 Moving towards the Future with Hope

AOSK whose humble beginnings go back to 1960’s with a membership of 10 Congregations

celebrates fifty years with 150 Congregations whose members are engaged in a variety of

ministries throughout Kenya. Of the Four Ecclesiastical Provinces of Kenya: Nairobi, Kisumu,

Nyeri and Mombassa, there is an AOSK District Unit in each Diocese which brings together the

sisters serving in the Diocese. The decision makers are the Major Superiors of

Congregations/Institutes or their representatives through Annual General Meetings. The

Association has three main Centers: Tumaini, Imara JPC and Chemchemi Ya Uzima. The

Secretariat is situated in Tumaini Centre off Ngong Road, on Elgeyo Marakwet and Chemchemi

Ya Uzima is in Nairobi West, Bogani Road, Karen. AOSK Justice and Peace Commission is

situated in Westlands and will soon be re-located to Tumaini Centre. In addition to the centre

AOSK has 25 Diocesan Unit commonly referred to as District Unit.

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Aim of AOSK

The threefold aim of AOSK is

• Promote the spiritual welfare and development of Religious Women in Kenya

• Foster communication and co-operation among member institutes through meetings

and programmes with due regard for their autonomy and different charisms

• Promote collaboration among religious women as we work in collaboration with Kenya

Episcopal Conference (KEC) to respond to the needs of the people of Kenya.

Objectives

• Come together as a united group to improve and promote spiritual and apostolic

effectiveness

• address issues of concern within the member Congregation, the Church and country

• equip religious women with skills for ministry and leadership through programmes,

workshops and seminars

• encourage partnership of service between men and women within the Church

• be able to speak with a unified voice in responding to issues related to justice and peace

and integrity of creation.

Mission Statement

To respond to the needs of Religious women for solid holistic formation and education at all

levels for authentic witness whilst being aware of various needs in different countries as well as

proving catechetical training.

AOSK has evolved over the span of fifty years and we look back with gratitude to God for what

has been achieved within the five decades. Each period of our Association’s life has its own

story, characteristics that contribute to what we celebrate today.

1. FIRST DECADE 1962 – 1972: BEGINNINGS

The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) started in the 1960’s at the wish of the Holy See

and the felt need of the Women religious to find unity in strength through mutual

collaboration with one another.

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Kenya population at the time was 8,636,263 million with Roman Catholics being 1,754,627

(20%) (David B. Barrett (ed) 1973, Churches Handbook, p.181) Majority of the women religious

were missionaries engaged in the traditional apostolate of education, health care and pastoral

work: Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters), Missionary Sisters of the Precious

Blood Sisters, Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters), Consolata Missionary Sisters,

Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, Holy Rosary Missionary Sisters, Mercy Sisters and

others.

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June 1962 the first meeting was held at Loreto Msongari in Nairobi and ten (10)

Congregations were represented.

The Apostolic Delegate to Kenya, His Excellency Most Rev. Guido Mestri, chaired the meeting.

His Lordship Rt. Rev. John de Reeper who was Bishop of Kisumu, represented the Kenya

Episcopal Conference, which had been entrusted with the task of establishing the Association.

Bishop de Reeper became the adviser to the Association and Liaison between it and the Kenya

Episcopal Conference.

Majority of the Bishops were also missionaries and invited religious women to participate in the

work of evangelization. The metropolitan of Nairobi was headed by Archbishop John Joseph

McCarthy of the Holy Ghost Fathers, Nyeri Bishop Cavallera of Consolata Missionaries, Kisumu

Bishop John de ReeperMill Hill Missionaries, Mombasa Bishop Eugene Butler, Kitui Bishop

William Dunne St Patrick missionaries, Lodwar Rt Rev. Msgr John Mahon St Partrick

missionaries, Ngong Bishop Colin Davies.

On 16th

September 1962 our Association was officially launched with the election of office

bearers and the approval of tentative Statutes. Those elected were:

Sr. Regis FMA Franciscan Missionary of Africa-Chairperson

Sr. Gertrude CPS Congregation of the Precious Blood-Assistant

Sr.Stanislaus IBVM Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary -Secretary

The AOSK was greatly helped by the willing cooperation of the Loreto Sisters. Their Convent at

Msongari played host to the fledgling Association from the beginning as well as putting at its

disposal a little one-roomed house on its grounds to serve as the Association’s first Office.

The first three years were spent in making contacts with members, Registration, working on the

Statutes, correspondence with International Union of Superiors General in Rome.

One of the special events was the sending of a Delegate to Rome for the First International

Meeting of Superiors General held in Rome March 1967. At the time only two African Superiors

General in Kenya: Mother Celine of Sisters of Mary Immaculate Nyeri and Mother Consolata of

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Sisters of Mary Kakamega. Mother Consolata who had recently been elected as the first African

General Superior of the Sisters of Mary travelled with the Secretary of AOSK, Sr. Consolata

O’Keafe Mercy Sisters. On their arrival in Rome they were given royal treatment.

Setting up of AOSK District Units

From the beginning the early pioneers dream was to have all religious women own the

Association at the grass roots. A number of missionary Congregations came to Kenya in 1960’s

and Journeys “safaris” were made to visit them and introduce them to AOSK. As a result of

these safaris it became clear that besides the Major Superiors meeting at set times in Nairobi, it

was necessary to hold frequent meetings open to all the Sisters at suitable venues in the

various dioceses. Centres for such meetings were set up at Loreto Msongari (Nairobi) and at

Holy Family Convent Mangu(Thika). This proved so successful that soon afterwards it was

possible to set up a centre at Loreto Convent Eldoret. The Sisters met regularly on a Sunday

afternoon for a lecture given by a priest followed by tea and sharing.

Nairobi/Thika unit first meeting held September 1966 in Thika at Holy Family Mang’u with Four

(4) Congregations: Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters), Holy Rosary Sisters, Franciscan

Missionary Sisters of Africa (Mother Kevin) and Assumption Sisters of Nairobi.At this meeting

the main concern was social work for women and girls. Plans for existing and future work in

Mang’u and Thika town included literacy, sewing and other areas. Seminars for all Nursing

Sisters was felt as a need.

From September 1967 to June 1968 talks were given both in Nairobi and Thika which aimed “at

helping Sisters to become more aware of the challenge of renewal and adaptation of religious

life as laid down in Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life

(PerfectaeCaritatis, 28 October 1965) and Vatican II.” These series of lectures were based on

conferences given at the first U.I.S.G. Meeting in Rome, March 1967.

Eldoret Unit started mid-sixties organized and sustained by Loreto Sisters and later on by other

sisters - Holy Rosary Sisters, Franciscan Missionary Sisters (Mill Hill) who met every two or three

months to pray and share together on experiences in the apostolate.

Kitui Unit first meeting of the sisters took place at Rt. Rev. Bishop William Dunne’s house on 1st

October 1967 with four (4) Congregations:

• Franciscan Missionary Sisters (Muthale and Kimangao),

• Ursuline Sisters (Mutune and Mutito),

• Mercy Sisters(Mutomo)

• Assumption Sisters of Nairobi (KituiBoma).

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Reading through records we note that certain initiatives at various times sprang from

suggestions made at these sisters meetings.Formation was the major focus. One of the regular

activities of the Association at the time was the organizing of inter-congregationalretreats

during the month of August each year. These were well attended. During these spiritual

gathering members started to become more aware of the need to be more informed on how to

network with women religious of the church.

Years after Vatican II were a period of rapid change which called for a new understanding of the

religious life in the light of Vatican II. Following the directives of the Second Vatican Council,

Congregations embarked on renewal in keeping to the Gospel and their original charisms

bearing in mind “our life must be consecrated to the good of the whole Church” (LG 44). We

can say that AOSK developed (evolved) as a result of putting the directives of the

SecondVatican Council (1962-1965) into practice especially the Decree on Renewal of the

Religious Life (PerfectaeCaritatis).

1968 - 1970

During this time workshops were organized for Formation personnel, especially Novice

Mistresses. The Association responded to the needs expressed by the Sisters and offered many

opportunities for formative programmes. There was also a Vocation Week among the planned

activities to encourage vocations to religious life.

It was not an easy task to co-ordinate the Congregations whose members were struggling to

find their identity (understand their charism) and respond to the many challenges in their

apostolic involvement especially in the field of education as a result of the Kenya 1968

Education Act. Through the commitment of our AOSK pioneers, workshops for formation

personnel as well as training on Mathematics for some teachers struggling with new syllabus

were organized in 1968-1970.

The Instruction on the Renewal of the Religious Life(RenovationisCausam 1969) from Sacred

Congregation for Religious and for Secular Institutes (S C R S I), was used to help the Formators

in their formation work.

Mother Celine SMI who represented the East African Sisterhoods in 1969 and 1970 at the

U.I.S.G.states:”At these International meetings the main focus was the renewal of

Congregationsaccording to the mind of the Church” (1987 AOSK Booklet Unite We Stand p.

21).

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March 1969 the first Statutes of the Association were approved. This was a great a step in

solidifying the Governance structure of our Association and enabling it to have a legal

framework of operation. AOSK was registered as a Society in accordance with the Registration

of Societies Acts of Kenya and started to search for property to purchase for the ongoing

formation of the AOSK members hence the idea of Tumaini Centre.

1971 Sr.Claire Callahan Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur became a part time Secretary. She

was instrumental in ensuring that local Congregations were informed on documents pertaining

to the Church and religious life.Apostolic Exhortation On the Renewal of the Religious Life

According to the Teaching of the Second Vatican Council (EvangelicaTestificatio, 29 June

1971) of Pope Paul VI called religious to reflect upon the roots of religious life within the

Church.The religious are to combine contemplation with apostolic love and be faithful to the

spirit of their founders.

Formation was a major focus for AOSK membership and to respond to this

needTumainiproperty was purchased in 1972 with the help of donor friends particularly

MISSIO. Tumaini was established as a`Scholasticate’ Centre to provide Inter-congregational

programme of short courses. The formation of Formators was seen as an important factor from

the beginning and this Programme was held in Tumaini alternating with the Programme for

preparing sisters for Final Vows.

The years 1962 to 1972 were a challenge to AOSK of how to be who we are as religious women

in the Independent Kenya amidst economic and political forces. Kenya became independent in

1963. One of the instrument God uses when the life of world changes are religious and at every

major change the religious Congregations are there. There had been departures as according to

the statisticsin 1962 there were 1,012,000 Women religious and within a decade in 1972the

number reduced to 879,000 (within10 years 133,000 left).

One of the challenges for AOSK was how the local religious Congregations will run Church

institutions, schools, hospitals, formation Centres as they were few and not prepared in

management as all had been done by expatriate missionaries. There was real concern for

human and material resources as religious were leaving to join the world as a result of Vatican II

renewals.

On the other hand Missionary Congregations were coming to Kenya. For example the

Franciscan Elizabethan Sisters came in 1972 working in the Archdioceses of Nairobi and

Dioceses of Nyeri and Embu.

Vatican II had initiated a period of change- a movement into the world to be immersed among

the people and be a leaven as the religious respond to the “signs of the time, the joys and

hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people especially those who are poor or in any way

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afflicted” (GaudiumetSpes, 1). AOSK had to help the women religious in Kenya to play their

prophetic role, work/live together in harmony and co-operation, know each

Congregation/Institute and value the charism of the members. Communication was important

since there is no communion without communication.

Between 1962 and 1972 the few local major superiors started to realize that there was too

much dependence on expatriate leadership and faced the challenge of

Africanization/indigenization of AOSK leadership. The respective missionary Congregation

continued to assist- Sr. Claire Callahan worked as AOSK Secretary until 1979.

2.SECOND DECADE 1972 – 1982: INTER-CONGREGATION SOLIDARITY

International meetings of Superior Generals in Rome helped the local Congregations to become

aware of being a part of the wider Church and the challenges of our world regarding

evangelization, formation of members, education and so forth. The Chairperson of AOSK Sr.

Francis Therese Okondo SOM accompanied by the Secretary Sr. Claire Callahan SND

represented AOSK at the International Meeting in of Superior General in Rome.

The challenges facing the religious women in Kenya gave rise to formation programmes

targeting candidates and young religious. Through formation/ education a person learns to live

and work with others to create a hope-filled future.

1973 Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN was elected thefirst KenyaSuperior General of the

Assumption Sisters of Nairobi for a term of six years (1973-1979) and elected Chairperson of

AOSK for a term of three years(1973-1976) and she was re-elected in her Congregation for

another term of six year (1979-1985).

1974 Sr. Mary Stephen Nkoitoi FSSJ was elected the first Superior General of the Franciscan

Sisters of St Joseph for a term of five years (1974-1979) and re-elected for another term (1980-

1984). As the first Kenyan religious woman with theological studies from the famous

Gregorian University, Rome, she contributed much to AOSK.

Sr. Stephen and Sr. Gacambi who had educational experience put their talents at the service of

the Church and society at large.

During this time AOSK started to be involved in the deepening and fostering of religious life in

Kenya and AMECEA region. Many factors contributed to this move. The Bishops from AMECEA

gathered in Nairobi at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in 1973 had invited the Sisters to attend

their Study Conference on “Planning for the Church in Eastern Africa in the 1980s”.

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1974AOSK was registered as an incorporated Body which meant that it was now a recognized

legal entity in Kenya.

In 1974 AOSK was instrumental in organizing the first Study Conference for religious women of

the AMECEA countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia.From8-13 September

1974this First AMECEA Sisters Study Conferencewas held in Nairobi, Kenya on “The Role of

Religious Woman in Evangelisation.”As a follow up of this Conference AOSK

• Organized a three-day workshop for Formation personnel of all Congregations in Kenya

• Began a Mobile Team for Formation which was to aid Congregations who desire its help

• Planned programmes at TumainiScholasticate for renewal courses of older sisters, for

Major Superiors and Formation personnel

• Dialogue of sisters with Bishops was initiated and the Kenya Episcopal Conference

established a Liaison Committee consisting of two bishops representing Episcopal

Conference, a representative of Diocesan Clergy, two representatives for RSK and three

for AOSK.

21-30 August 1975 AOSK hosted the Second Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference

(SEASC) held in Nairobi at Riverside Drive. Sr. Dorothy Akoth FSSJ and Mrs Augusta Karanja,

a lay woman representing Kenya Catholic Women Association (CWA) to addressed the

gathering on “Problems of Women Today”.

25-29 October 1976 the Third Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference (SEASC)was

hosted by AOSK.

The main position paper on The Fundamental Principles of Formation Drawn from a

ScripturalUnderstanding of the Religious Life was delivered by Rev. Paul Molinari, S.J. This

meeting of major Superiors was significant in the sense that it was graced by a high

powered Vaticanrepresentatives:

His Excellency MsgrAgostino Mayer, Secretary General of the Sacred

Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes.

Rev. ElioGambari, Under Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular

Institutes.

Rev. Fabio Rizzoli, Under Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples

(also known as) the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.

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His Excellence the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio of Kenya Msgr. AgostinoCacciavillan was in

attendance as well as Bishop Raphael NdingiMwanaa’Nzeki representing the Kenya

Episcopal Conference. Building Small Christian Communities was a Pastoral Priority in

Eastern Africa and sisters expressed challenges of living religious life in an African setting.

1976 AOSK Nakuru District Unit started with members from seventeen Congregationsto

share the history of their congregation in order to know one another. Meetings take place

at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre and speakers on different topics are invited for the morning

session. In the afternoon sisters have a business/social gathering which has bonded the

sisters.

22- 30 August 1978 the Fourth Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference was again hosted

by AOSK whose members were among those who gave inputs to the Conference: Mother

Stephen Nkoitoi FSSJ on Journeying in Faith, Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, on The

Community’s Formative Influence. Rev. ElioGambari (Under Secretary SCRSI) explained the

1978 Document “MutuaeRelationnes” (Mutual Relations) that focuses mainly on the

relationship between bishops and religiousstressing that Religious are not simply workers

in a diocese but they are “the expression of the diocese in its relation to God” (p.27).

1978 was a unique year that saw the death of Pope Paul VI and Election of Pope John PaulII

who visited Kenya in 1980.At the Holy Family Cathedral AOSK chairperson “thanked the

Holy Father, for coming to us to inspire us onwards in our service of faith as

religiouswomen in the Church of Kenya”(KCSBooklet1980, John Paul II in Kenya p.23).

The Holy Father also visited the Carmel, Msongari and addressed the Carmelite sisters and

other cloistered contemplative nuns of Kenya.

AOSK was well represented at the 8-18 August 1980 SEASC Meeting held in Lusaka Zambia

with the theme Building Christian Communities. Once again AOSK members were among

the resource persons giving input: Mother Stephen on Liturgy and Life and Sr. Gacambi on

Eucharist Centre of Religious Community.

3. THIRD DECADE 1982 - 1992: GROWING TOWARDS MATURITY

During this decade AOSK celebrated Twenty five years of its growth towards maturity with

thetheme “Strength Lies in Union” in 1987. By this time the Association that began with a

handful of members had grown to a membership of85 Congregationswith established

District Units in various Dioceses. The Association was able to reach out to the wider Church

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in contribution and hospitality:

8-22 August 1983AOSK hosted SEASC meeting in Nairobi. The theme of the meeting was

“Religious Apostolic Spirituality and Christian Formation in our Constantly Changing

Society of Africa” which offered much challenges to the sisters in the evangelizing mission.

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December 1984 AOSK Murang’a District Unit was startedthrough the initiative of

Bishop Peter Kairo. Seventeen Sisters attended this first meeting. Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali

ASN AOSK Secretary and Sr. EfremMassano, member of the Executive helped the sisters to

plan. The main activities were:

• The pastoral Programme of Instructions for both Primary and Secondary schools

• Vocation promoting and family life Education

• Social work and other activities in the pastoral field.

The Bishop contributed very much to the success of this District Unit.

In 1985 two great world events were held in Nairobi, Kenya International Eucharistic

Congress and International Women’s Year and the members of AOSK were very much

involved in the various committees. Their contribution was acknowledged.

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June 1986 AOSK MombasaDistrict Unitwas started. Twenty sisters gathered at the

Cathedral Hall. Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali ASN AOSK Secretary and Sr. EfremMassanoCM

member of Executive briefed the sisters on the nature, purpose, and activities of the

AOSK. The Unit office–bearers were elected. Subsequent meetings were planned and

effectively carried out. Meeting on 20th

September with input by Fr. Alan Smidlein M.M. on

Encyclical of Pope John Paul II on the Holy Spirit

Initiation of Catechetical Programme

The idea of starting a Catechetical Course was initiated by AOSK in 1986. The Executive

members met Rt. Rev. Bishop Colin Davis, the Ordinary of Ng’ong Diocese and the

Chairman of Lay Apostolate and Pastoral Commission of Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC).

1988 The first group of 21 student Sisters was admitted at WatakatifuWote Centre in

Ngong Diocese. Sr. AncillaKupalo SOM was the Coordinator.

The second group was accommodated at theSubiaco Centre Missionary Benedictines in

Karen. The Coordinator was Sr. Catherine Khasoha. The group then moved to JJMcCarthy

Centre at Riverside Drive and then to Tumaini Centre at ElgeyoMarakwet.

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1990 AOSK was interested in the Document on Directives On Formation In Religious

Institutes February 2, 1990 that explains purpose of Religious Formation, Aspects Common

to all Stages of Formation and Stages of Religious Formation. Similarly the Encyclical

Church’s Missionary Mandate (RedemptorisMissio (1990) that demands everyone to take

the responsibility of “incarnating the Christian faith where Christ and his Gospel are not

known” (RM,33).

1990 The Major Superiors from Kenya attended the International Meeting of Women

religious in Rome whose theme was “Apostolic Women Religious and Evangelization:

Challenges for Evangelization of a World in Process of Change”

26-27 October 1991 AOSK General Assembly held at Jesuit Hekima College stressed that all

Congregations should respond to the AOSK District Unit meeting held 3-4 times a year in

each diocese. District Unit meetings offer a good opportunity for Congregations to meet,

pray, and exchange ideas.

28 September 1992 One year Junior Professed Sisters Course at Hekima College began

AOSK Justice and Peace Commission

The Justice and Peace Commission (JPC)wasestablished in 1991 to address issues of

injustice, especially those related to women and the growing marginalization of the poor.

It was born out of realization that, as sisters we could no longer remain ignorant about

socio-economic problems and inactive when human rights are violated. The task of the

Commission is one of continuing to raise awareness of the need of active involvement in

justice and peace issues and to encourage justice and peace programmes at all levels of

formation.

AOSK/JPC manner of operation of includes research, surveys, social analysis, seminars,

workshops, campaigns, networking, publications, lobbying, advocacy and prayer.

4. FOURTH DECADE 1992 – 2002: GROWING TOWARDS MATURITY

The Catholic Church was steadily growing having 19 Dioceses. According to statistics Kenya

population was 28,873,350 with Catholics being 5,560,139 (19.00%) and Sisters 2,784(cf.

NEW PEOPLE no.38 September – October1993 p.11).

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AOSK member Congregations were preparing sisters to be more involved catechetical

ministry. The 23 sisters who graduated for the Sisters’ Catechetical Course 1992-1994 at JJ

McCarthy Centre, Riverside Drive, Lavington,on 6th

August 1994were distributed as follows:

13 Kenya, 6 Tanzania, 2 Uganda, 1 Ethiopia and 1 Sudan. 13 Congregations in Kenya had

sent sisters for the 2 years Catechists training Course (ASN, ASE, DS,ESM, FSJ, IHM, LSJ,

LSOF,OS,OSB, SSJ,SMI,SOM).

15 January 1994A day of workshop on Consecrated Life at the Service of Mission in Africa

Today at Loreto Convent Msongari on our contribution to the Synod on Consecrated life.

The interest of the topic that touched on our contribution to the Synod on Consecrated life

drew a large number of participants from Nairobi and other AOSK units. Rev. Fr. Pierli, a

Comboni Missionary was the facilitator and helped the sisters to see more clearly our

prophetic role as women religious.

1994 Synod of Bishops on “The Consecrated Life and Its Role in the Church and in the

World” offered a wonderful opportunity for AOSK members to study the

“InstrumentumLaboris” (Working document). The AOSK Chairperson Sr. Maria Felix

Mwikali, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi attended the meeting in Rome.

Members of AOSK continued to participate in in both international meetings and meetings

organized for sisters in AMECEA region and collaborated with Religious Superiors of Kenya

(RSK) and the Diocesan Clergy as well as the Local Ordinaries.

4-7 October 1995 a Workshop on Mutual Relations was held at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre

Nakuru for Bishops, clergy, men and women religious.

1998 negotiations began with Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) which led to the

affiliation of Institute of Catechetical and Pastoral Ministry (ICAPAMI) to CUEA. Two

hundred students have completed the programme and until now the programme has

commenced every second year.

In March 2001 the AOSK long waited building Chemchemi Centre at Langata, Karen was

opened bringing true joy of a successful struggle with determination.

ChemchemiyaUzima Centre

This is the venue for Programmes run by AOSK such as

TheInstitute of Catechetics and Pastoral Ministry (ICAPAMI): 2 yearswhose purpose is:

• to form pastoral agents who will handle catechesis at various levels

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• to prepare catechists as agents of evangelization who will be deeply embedded in

the Christian faith

• to offer opportunity for reflection and practice in the liturgical aspects of the life of

the Church

• to promote inculturation according to the teaching of the Catholic Church

• to provide upgrading for ICAPAMI graduates, CRE teachers or trained catechists to

advance their catechetical and pastoral knowledge.

FormatorsCourse : 9 months

Formation being a specialized ministry requires that Formators be given special

preparation andtraining for holistic personal development:

• -understanding of the formative process and of religious life

• -acquiring of skills of accompaniment and assessment

Short Courses

Organized short courseson Ongoing Formation Programmes of AOSK meet various

needs of the Association members: Preparation for final vows, Leadership

Managementtraining, Financial accountability, Enneagram, Sexuality, Spirituality, Prayer.

ChemchemiCentre hires its facilities to various groups, who share AOSK vision of working

for the spread of the Reign of God.

It is the venue for the Inter-congregational Novices’ Programme.

5.FIFTH DECADE 2002 – 2012: MOVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE WITH HOPE

St Anselm Sabbatical Programme

In a cooperative venture with PORTICUS AOSK was able to begin the Sabbatical Programme

in 2002. An agreement was made with St. Anselm Institute in Kent, England to train staff

for this Institute. Sisters who were funded by Porticus through AOSK would complete study

in St. Anselm and be members of staff for the programme in Kenya for a time equivalent to

the training time.

The Programme aims at enabling the sisters to achieve a greater self-awareness and

greater deepening of their relationship with self (that is, the integration of the whole

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personality), God and others. It is a holistic view of human development and growth,

inspired by the MOTTO “Come as you are.”

Initially it was decided to conduct the Sabbatical Programme for four months twice

annually.

19-30 August 2002 AOSK Major Superiorsheld their meeting at Chemchemi Institute.

27 November – 2nd

December 2002 AOSK hosted UISG Delegates Assembly at Chemchemi.

This was a historic event as it was first time that The International Meeting of Superiors

General was held in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. ASOK worked all the necessary logistics that

made the event a great success.

27 October 2003 Local Superiors course at AOSK ChemchemiYaUzima

2005 was another period of transition with the death of Pope John Paul II and election of

Pope Benedict XVI.

March 2005 The AOSK General Assembly re-articulatedthe Vision and Mission of AOSK.

VISION

Rooted in our identity as consecrated women in the globalized world of today, we are a

united body, who come together as an association for spiritual, moral and social support

and challenge, offering authentic and prophetic witness to the Gospel values and actively

involved in the transformation of the Church and society in Kenya.

MISSION

1. Through the Leaders of the Congregations to bring together and animate the

religious women for their prophetic role in the society, coordinating them and

representing them in regard to the Church, the government and the society at

large.

2. Provide skills, preparation, formation and the space to all members in order to

empower them in the prophetic services they give for the extension of the

kingdom, especially the issues of women, youth and children.

5-26 August 2005 13th

ACWECA meeting in Tanzania with the theme “Empowerment of

Women Religious in Light of Our Past Heritage, Our Present Reality and Future

Challenge”

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18-28 August 2008 the 14th

ACWECA meeting in Malawi with the theme “A Radical Call for

Religious Women To Live Prophetically the Gospel Values in the Third Millennium, AOSK

participated in a significant way with a good number of Major Superiors attending including

the Secretary Sr. MargaretMcInerney, Our Lady of the Missions.

16- 26 August 2011 15th

ACWECA General Assembly held in Kampala, Uganda with the

theme“Called to an Identity of Rootedness in the Person of Jesus Christ as Consecrated

Women: A Challenge for Mission and Formation Today” AOSK was well represented by

seven delegates: Sr. Michael Marie, Sr. Margaret Aringo FSSJA, Sr. Jacqueline Githire, Sr.

Mary Mwangi, Sr. Jacqueline Nanjara, Sr. Ann Nyangoma and our Executive Secretary Sr.

Agnes Wamuyu. Once again AOSK continued to offer leadership for the consecrated

women in AMECEA region as Sr. Margaret AringoFSSJAwas elected the chairperson of

ACWECA 2011-2014.The AOSK participants Action Plan was:

• Disseminate the Mission, Vision and Values of both ACWECA and AOSK at all levels

• Expand our programmes for better formation and to move towards sutainabiliy

• Preparation for AOSK Golden Jubilee focusing on our rootedness in Jesus Christ by

revisiting our origins as an an Association and writing our history

• Continue with programmes on political awareness campaigns in preparation Kenya

General Election in 2012.

It is worth to note that at the ACWECA Strategic Planning Workshop26-28th

August 2011

that followed the Assembly three pioneer members of AOSK: Sr. EdelBahati SOLC, Sr.

Dorothy AkothFSSJ, and Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN participated as Resource persons.

28 September 2011 ChemchemiYaUzima Centre celebrated 10th

Anniversary with a

Eucharist celebration presided by the His Excellency Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin,

Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya. Sr. Dorothy Akoth gave a brief history of the Centre and the day

was marked by rejoicing and cutting of the delicious CAKE baked in the form of the Word of

God.

For the Lenten Campaign 2012 “Towards a Transformed Kenya” our AOSK/JPC joined the

KEC Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in reminding ourselves that “we have a duty to

transform Kenya into a country where human dignity, human rights, equity, responsibility

and equality are the core values” (Lenten Campaign 2012, p.5).

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16March 2012 AOSK held a workshop on Strategic Planning as we celebrate half a

centuryof our existence and move towards the future. The planningaddressed aspects of

Leadership and Management, Strategies and Polices, Human Resource Management,

Partnership and Networking, Processes, Stakeholders (Relationships) with Beneficiaries.

May 27th

- June 2nd

2012 AOSK had a workshop sponsored by African Sisters Education

Collaborative (ASCEC) on keeping Congregation Archives.

Chairpersons of AOSK

1962 - 1965: Sr. Regis FMA, Franciscan Missionaries of Africa RIP

1965 – 1968: Sr. Mary Celine Wangare SMI, Sisters of Mary Immaculate RIP

1969 – 1973: Sr. Theresa Opondo SOM, Sisters of Mary Kakamega

1973 – 1976: Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

1977 – 1980: Sr. Stephen Nkoitoi FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph Asumbi RIP

1980 - 1983: Sr. Alma Mulwa SOM, Sisters of Mary Kakamega

1984 -1985: Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

1986 – 1987: Sr. EdelBahati OLC, Our Lady of Charity

1987 – 1990: Sr. Leah WambuiKimani ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

1990 -1996: Sr. Ancilla Kupal0 SOM, Sisters of Mary Kakamega

1996 – 1999: Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

1999 – 2002: Sr. Dorothy Akoth FSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

2003 – 2006: Sr. Mary Paul Wamatu CP, Precious Blood

2005 - 2008: Sr. Mary GitauIBVM, Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters)

2008 -2009: Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

2009 2010 : Sr. Brenda Luggatso MM Medical Mission Sisters

2010- to-date: Sr. Margaret Aringo FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (Asumbi)

Executive Secretary of AOSK

1962 – 1965: Sr. Francis Stanslaus IBVM, Institute of the Virgin Mary (Loreto)

1966 – 1969: Sr. ConsolataO’Keefee RSM, Mercy Ssisters

1970 – 1973: Sr. Christina Middleholf MSOLA, Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa

1973 – 1978: Sr. Claire Callahan SND, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

1979- 1983: Sr. Dorothy Akoth FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (Asumbi)

1984 – 1988: Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi

1988 – 1992: Sr. Jennifer Wandia SMI, Sisters of Mary Immaculate

1992 – 1995: Sr. Margaret Karimi SMI, Sisters of Mary Immaculate

1995 – 1996: Sr. Esther Wanjiru LSJ, Little Sisters of St Joseph

1996 – 2002: Sr. May EverlyneOgutu FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

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2002 - : Sr. Clare UrsulaTobin OS. Ursuline Sisters

: Sr. Marcella Mbuthu SN, Sisters of Nazareth

2008 : Sr. Monica Mwandama SSJ, Sisters of St Joseph (Mombasa)

2008 : Sr. Margaret McInerney , Our Lady of the Missions

2010 -to-date: Sr. Agnes Wamuyu ES, Elisabethan Sisters