By Sr. Natividad Lucila, OSB

Sr. Natividad Lucila, a Filipina Benedictine, spent many years in Campus Ministry and vocation work in Batangas. But she has know been assigned to the novitiate in Nairobi, Kenya. Here she shares her first impressions....

I always had the impression as a child that the whole continent of Africa was a very hot place to live in.  But I was mistaken in thinking so.  For in some parts of Kenya , like Nairobi, the climate is cool, especially in Karen where our convent is situated. No wonder that a variety of flowers, plants and fruit trees abound. Had I the charism of St. Francis of Assisi I could have added an epilogue to his Canticle of Nature. Because Kenya’s virgin forest and green vegetation and less polluted environment, the country is favorable for maintaining wildlife, one of God’s beautiful creations.

Modern Farms

On my first exposure to our two-off mission stations north of the equator I was impressed by the vast lands that are utilized for modern farming, especially in Kerio Valley and the Rift Valley. However, in Chesongoch and Endo (Two Benedictine Mission Stations), only a little land is cultivated by the Pokots and Marakwets who are ethnic groups. They are still in the semi-agricultural stage, waiting for modern techniques in farming.

Solar Energy

I was also surprised that these idle lands were comparatively clean and had no tall grasses in spite of the absence of lawn mowers. The most practical and economical lawn mowers are the cows, sheep and goats that roam around freely in their territory. What edifies me in these places where the Missionary Benedictine Sisters and Fathers labor is their ingenuity in coping with their basic necessities of life by using the available natural resources in the area. For instance, in the absence of electric energy the missionaries are able to harness solar energy, and through a generator, electric energy and light is provided to the church, to the living quarters of the missionaries and for other appliances. A spring of water exists in one of the nearby mountains. It provides potable water which is stored in big tanks that serve as reservoirs in times of water shortage.

Respect for Cultures

The missionaries’ work is not confined to the proclamation of the Good News but they also share their expertise in technology, farming, health, craftsmanship and in discovering the gifts in nature. Mini-churches are built by utilizing local materials such as stones an wood of good quality. They are simple and liturgical in style. The background of the altar is a Biblical painting of Old Testament figures like Abraham and Isaac. The different ethnic groups of the place are identified by their mode of dressing and ornaments on their bodies. This is true with the Pokots and Marakwets. To work with them is a big challenge, a two-way inculturation and adaptation is needed for missionaries. The difficulties encountered in these developing areas are bad roads with big pot holes, rocks of different sizes lying on the road, stony rivers and rivulets, plenty of humps and bumps that can toss people up and down.

Our Priory

Nairobi, where our young priory is, is an international city. Our new building can be identified from the outside as a nun’s monastery made of stone with tiled roof. In our church no sound system is needed because everything is audible. So in recitation or singing at Mass or at divine office many things are noticeable, especially mistakes. The altar background is a painting of the burning bush; inside the big flame is the rectangular tabernacle whose door is a broken round bread which is an image of Christ, the living bread that is broken for love of us. The altar table is made of a special white stone and is supported by another kind of stone, wherein is a carving of a Pelican feeding its young ones with its own blood-symbolic of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who is our patron.

Flexible

We use English, Latin and Swahili in the liturgy of the Mass. But, English still prevails in the singing and reciting of the liturgy of the hours. Being an international congregation we have to be flexible in many things.

Pranic Healing

I discovered, too, that in Kenya there are crystal stones of different hues that contain much energy which are useful for pranic healing. In the absence of ordinary rock salt which is commonly used in pranic healing, the crystals stones are effective substitutes. I am speaking from experience I had with some of our sisters.

Come to Africa

Africa is an eye-opener for discovering the many natural resources and gifts God had showered on the people which would help their in raising their standard of living and total development as persons. Dear Readers, where do you want to spend some of the best years of your life? Come to Africa. It is never too late to share your faith, hope and love for others in spite of risks. United in our Ora et Labora, I remain.