In 1957 the Irish Ursulines took a bold and brave step by moving from the security of a monastic lifestyle to undertake a new mission to Kitui, Kenya. This year we remember with thanksgiving and celebrate that event. Happily, it also coincides with the 200th anniversary of the canonisation of St Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline congregation.
The Mau-Mau uprising had just come to an end and Kenyans were preparing for independence, which would come about in 1963. What were the dreams and hopes of those first four missionary sisters? Had they heard the call of the Wild Goose - symbol of the Holy Spirit - inviting them to go to a far place to bring Good News, indeed, to be good news?
Did they know that the work they were about to start would have far-reaching effects for the people to whom they were sent? It is not always easy to see the results of what we set out to do for the kingdom of God. But now, as we look back over 50 years, we realise how much the Ursulines contributed to the education and development of women and young girls and to the health of the local people.
The sisters were quickly involved in primary and secondary education and in teacher-training colleges, as well as being pioneers in the adult education of women in particular. And although Ursulines are not traditionally known for healthcare, a whole new field of service to the sick opened up in response to the needs of the people. Today, many of the young Kenyan Ursulines are trained nurses and clinical officers who serve the people of Kitui and Turkana, semi-desert and desert areas.
Every missionary knows that life in a developing country is not always easy. One had to learn how to cope with water shortages in times of drought; with floods and road hazards in times of torrential rain; with the ever menacing mosquito.
Our courage was tested when our houses were broken into in the middle of the night and our hearts broken when one Kenyan sister was needlessly killed. But on the other hand we learned to know and love a new people from whom we learned far more than we could ever have imagined. Kenyans are well known for their spirit of hospitality - you never left a house without receiving some form of gift, no matter how poor the family might be.
You learned the importance of greeting each other with respect, of being patient and waiting for the right time - people first, business later! Many of the sisters who have shared their memories of time spent in Kenya recall their surprise at how eager their students were to learn.
I remember a time when a few of us were prevented by rain from continuing our journey. We just pulled over to the side of the road, planning to spend the night there and hoping to proceed in the morning. Towards midnight a man came along and insisted we go to his home nearby, even though his family was already asleep. Very soon a charcoal fire was lit, the kettle boiled and tea made. Then we were made comfortable for the rest of the night. This was the norm, not the exception.
When I think about it now and look at all the new Irish we have in Ireland, I wonder if I would be ready to offer the same kind of hospitality I received on many similar occasions. Are we in Ireland truly the "Fáilte People" we so proudly proclaim ourselves to be?
The 1960s, after Vatican II, was a good time for us to be on mission. It was exciting to see a young church take root in the spirit of openness and collaboration of priests, bishops and people. We had the strong support of the bishops and the priests of St Patrick's Society, Kiltegan.
More than 40 years after independence, Kenya has come a long way. Great efforts have been made to develop the country's potential, politically, socially and economically. What is striking, perhaps, is the very high standard of education. Many people are keenly aware of their right to live in a fair and just society.
But despite the progress there has been a lot of corruption and neglect of the more disadvantaged people and places. The enthusiasm and great hope that was kindled in 1963 has dimmed. There is still a lot to be done.
This is the society in which our Kenyan sisters are now immersed. It is the aim of all missionaries to plant the seed, nurture its growth and then pass the responsibility for the future to the people themselves. It is significant for us that this year of jubilee is marked by the Kenyan sisters taking over full responsibility for the running of the region.
We believe they are steeped in the spirit of Angela Merici - who, even though she lived 500 years ago, was in many ways a woman for our times. She emphasised that the uniqueness of each individual should have a bearing on our attitude to all who come across our path: "Have each one deeply fixed in your hearts and minds, not just their names, but their background and character and everything concerning them."
The Kenyan sisters are challenged to unite the Ursuline heritage with their own unique culture so that they may more perfectly carry on the work begun by a faith community 50 years ago.
To them we now say: "Find your roots and fly."