By Sr Celline Awino, Kenya (Eastern Central Africa Province – ECAP)

Accompanying women in search of discerning their vocation to religious life is a ministry that requires special preparation and training. This work of identifying a genuine vocation and helping to nurture it is of great value to the Congregation – if we are to remain stable and authentic.

At present, in Kenya, Eastern Central Africa Province, we have a shortage of sisters with the level of quality formation required to carry out this specific ministry to the many young women who come knocking at our doors.

To respond to this need, I traveled to Rome at the beginning of 2024 to commence the six-month Programme for the Preparation of Formators course delivered by the Union of International Superior General (UISG).

I was apprehensive to leave behind what was familiar to me and venture into the unknown. In my new surroundings with different weather, culture, and language I had to learn to let go and embrace my vulnerability – something made all the more easy by the wonderful welcome I received from the moment I arrived.

During the course, I embraced the importance of adopting a holistic approach to formation. When working with groups of sisters, it is vital to offer personalized formation, focusing on the human aspect – to enhance their spiritual dimension.

I came to further value how formation is the work of the Holy Spirit, and more deeply understand that I must allow myself to be an instrument in the process of each woman’s discernment – towards our apostolic or contemplative lifestyle.

Each stage of this process, from beginning to end and every step in between, is of immense value to each new sister and must be incorporated with care into her formation program. This movement from being to doing is gradual and does not always move in a predictable way or in a straight line.

Having successfully graduated from the course on July 5, I feel deeply grateful to my peers, my mentor, spiritual director, the programme coordinators, and all the UISG staff. It was such a transformative course during which I became more aware of myself, and deepened my faith and relationship with God.

I leave the course, having acquired knowledge, built meaningful relationships and connections, learnt new skills and tools, and broadened my understanding of the religious context in today’s ever-evolving world.

As I return to Kenya, I look forward to my new role as formation directress which is due to begin at the end of July when a group of seven women from Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan arrive to begin their novitiate.

I look forward to supporting these women to develop healthy dynamics within an intercultural and intergenerational community, giving value to the gifts they bring; nourishing them and being nourished by them as I too learn and grow.

However, I am also acutely aware of the challenges that may lie on the horizon as these women align their dreams and vision for their future with the reality of life as a religious sister.

One of the most important aspects I bring with me from my training is that formation is not the work of the formator alone: it is a responsibility shared by the leadership team, formation team, community members, individual sisters, partners-in-mission, and – most importantly – the woman in formation herself. I need to be able to reach out and seek collaboration along the formative journey, constantly networking with others.

For my part, I shall constantly seek to be a graced companion to these new sisters as Jesus was with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, listening attentively, guiding their integration, challenging them to grow, and encouraging their zeal for mission! I look forward to giving my best to them, guided by the Holy Spirit and supported by my fellow sisters and partners-in-mission.