Posted on: 30 December 2020

Author:Sister AnnJentrix

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On 30th November 2020, Sr. Margaret Nyabongoye a member of the General Leadership Team represented Sr. Maureen Murphy Congregational Leader, Sr. Margaret Bradbury and the Regional Leadership Team as we joined Sr. Vincent a Sister of Mercy & Administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Mission Hospital in Muhoroni and Sr. Margaret Tambasi fmsj for the handover ceremony. The ceremony began with a simple but beautiful mass presided by His Grace Phillip Anyolo Archbishop of Kisumu Diocese.
We thank Sr. Bernadette for the friendship she developed with Sr. Vincent over some years and as a result Sr. Vincent identified the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph to take over the hospital. We thank Sr. Tecla & the Regional Leadership Team for the time and energy they invested to ensure the handover of St. Vincent de Paul’ Mission Hospital & Convent became a reality. Sr. Margaret Tambasi worked closely with Sr. Vincent this past year resulting in the smooth transition that took place.
Sr. Maureen Murphy fmsj Congregational Leader gave an inspiring message to all present which was read by Sr. Margaret Nyabongoye and quoting Pope Francis who called on Religious Congregations to collaborate in various ministries they undertake and to work together to spread the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. She stressed that being invited by Sr. Vincent and the Leaders of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy to take over the hospital is an honour and as Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph we will strive to maintain the exceptionally high standards that Sr. Vincent had in St. Vincent de Paul’ Mission Hospital.
Sr. Mary Killeen Sr. Barbara both Sisters of Mercy came from Nairobi to support Sr. Vincent and to represent Sr. Colette & her Leadership Team of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy Institute. Sr. Mary gave a brief of the work carried out by the Sisters over a span of 30 years including exceptional work of Sr. Vincent and that involved medical, teaching, social work & counselling. The resources in the places where the Sisters worked were minimal and they built Medical Centers/Hospitals; Primary & Secondary schools which they proudly handed over to Local Congregations.
Sr. Barbara read a letter from Sr. Colette addressed to His Grace Archbishop Anyolo, Priests, Sisters & friends. She gave thanks to God for the services Sr. Vincent gave in Kenya spanning 30 years dedication and proof of this excellent work was St. Vincent de Paul’ Mission Hospital and its facilities which are a great tribute to Sr. Vincent. She thank Sr. Maureen Murphy fmsj and her Leadership Team for agreeing to take over St. Vincent de Paul’ Mission Hospital.
Sr. Vincent in her brief stated that she was grateful to the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph for accepting to take over the hospital and provide the necessary services to the Community of Muhoroni and she stated she has great confidence in fmsj’.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo appreciated the magnitude of work Sr. Vincent has done since she began her apostolate in Muhoroni which is evidenced by the beautiful hospital she worked hard to build. He thanked the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph for accepting to take up the challenge and he assured the congregation of his support.
Archbishop Anyolo blest and officially opened the Information Technology Centre, Catherine McCauley’s Block, the Hospice and Palliative Care Centre. The detachment of Sr. Vincent was very evident as it was noted that the name of the convent inscribed on the gate was changed to the Franciscan Missionaries of St. Joseph.