Kenya: centenary celebrations for MSOLA congregation

Ululations, accompanied by African drums reigned Nairobi's Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on Saturday, as the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa congregation marked its 100 years of evangelization work in Kenya. The Mass to mark the colorful occasion, which was climaxed by the cutting of the cake was presided over by the head of the metropolitan archdiocese of Nairobi, His Grace Ndingi Mwana 'Anzeki, assisted by scores of priests, mainly from the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers). In his homily, Archbishop Ndingi praised the sisters for their commitment to evangelization and their work in education, with women and pastoral work. He said that as they marked the 100th anniversary of the congregation the fruits of their work could be seen in the many thousands of women who passed through their schools and are now professionals, wives with families or religious sisters themselves. The current Mother General of the Congregation, the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi, Therese Gachambi paid a glowing tribute to the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady for Africa for their participation in founding her congregation. "They were our midwives and they continue to assist us till now", she stressed. In a message, which was read out by the superior general of the Missionary of Our Lady of Africa in Africa, the congregation's general superior, Sister Piluca Benavente, based in Rome said: "we are grateful for the life of our sisters. We can say that these past hundred years lived among you have fashioned us in many ways. We are also happy to recognize the action of the Holy Spirit who has called numerous missionary vocations among the sons and daughters of this country". "Indeed there are plenty of reasons for our giving thanks to God, and on the occasion of this centenary year, we express our determination to continue with you, the mission of Christ in Kenya".