From June 13–19, 2026, contemplative sisters and leaders from across the Region of Africa gathered at Donum Dei in Karen, Kenya, for a week of prayer, dialogue, and shared discernment focused on the contemplative dimension of Good Shepherd life, mission, and ministries.
The sessions arose from a request by the Contemplative Sisters of Kenya, who sought support from the Congregational Leadership Team as they continued their journey of personal and communal transformation. Sisters Sadhani and Edith led the in-person program on behalf of the CLT.
Originally intended for sisters from the three missionary contemplative communities in France, Portugal and the East Central Africa Province, the gathering was expanded at the contemplative sisters’ invitation to include Unit Leaders from across Africa. This wider participation created an opportunity not only to explore contemplative life, but also to deepen relationships between the contemplative and apostolic expressions of the Congregation’s one mission.
On June 14 and 15, the gathering opened further through two days of online participation. Apostolic sisters, sisters in initial formation, other sisters from throughout the Region of Africa and partners-in-mission joined the exchange, connecting participants across communities and countries. Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Lopez opened this part of the program with an address to the participants.
Exploring a shared contemplative calling
The sessions addressed reconciliation, a universal culture of justice, contemplative life and the contemplative dimension of mission, enclosure, spiritual leadership, partnership, and the practical integration required by the Congregation’s emerging governance structures.
These themes encouraged participants to consider contemplative life not as something separated from the wider mission, but as a source of spiritual depth for the whole mission. For four days, the Unit Leaders entered more deeply into the contemplative sisters’ way of life, strengthening their understanding of its richness and its contribution to the mission in Africa and throughout the Congregation.
The conversations also invited honest reflection on relationships, intercultural community life, vulnerability, forgiveness and the transformation required of each person. One participant reflected, “How important reconciliation and forgiveness are in our lives. God is good!” Another recognized that spiritual leadership is a shared responsibility, affirming simply: “Spiritual leadership belongs to all.”
The experience carried particular significance as the Region of Africa continues its process of regionalization. Rather than treating new structures as an administrative exercise, the participants explored how governance could be rooted in deeper communion, openness and shared responsibility.
“I hope that with regionalization we will reach our destination without fear,” one sister said. Another summarized the strength found in communion: “Together we are strong.”
Transformation grounded in reality
The participants’ feedback revealed that the sessions were experienced not only as a time of learning, but also as an invitation to personal conversion.
“I’ve dreamt of these sessions for a long time, and now they have come true,” one sister shared. Another described experiencing “a little Transfiguration,” while recognizing the responsibility to “come down the mountain” and carry what had been received into daily life.
The reflections acknowledged that transformation is rarely immediate or uncomplicated. “Transformation begins when we embrace reality,” one participant observed. Another spoke with equal honesty: “Transfiguration honestly did not happen. But I believe the process.”
Such responses reflected the atmosphere of the gathering: hopeful but realistic, rooted in faith while open to vulnerability, dialogue and continued growth. Participants identified communication, transparency and attentiveness to their deepest longings as essential elements of transformation. “Communication deepens our relationships,” one sister affirmed.
Encountering mission across Kenya
Following the sessions in Karen, the Unit Leaders traveled to Mombasa and Kitale, encountering different social, cultural and ministry realities within Kenya. The journey itself—by train, ferry and tuk-tuk—offered many participants a new perspective on the country and became part of their preparation for closer collaboration within the African Region.
In Mombasa, the leaders encountered the beauty and energy of the coastal city while also hearing more deeply the experiences of women and children affected by prostitution, child labor, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation and abuse. Their visit to Fort Jesus brought them face to face with the history of the slave trade and the wider African story of suffering, resilience and liberation.
In Kitale, they visited a community accompanying young people and women through agribusiness, computer training, garment making, catering and beauty-skills programs. These initiatives showed how practical formation and accompaniment can create pathways toward dignity, economic autonomy and hope.
The visit concluded with time at Nairobi National Park, where the participants contemplated the beauty and diversity of Creation—a reminder that care for people, relationships and the natural world all belong to the same sacred calling.
The days in Kenya strengthened bonds and new possibilities emerged through prayer, honest conversation and encounter. What began as a request from the Contemplative Sisters of Kenya became a wider pilgrimage of communion, affirming that the contemplative spirit remains alive at the heart of the Congregation—calling sisters and partners-in-mission toward reconciliation, justice, unity and renewed mission.
