Wednesday 9th January was an evening of great celebration for two young volunteers who are preparing to go to Kenya to engage in voluntary work for six months. A sending-on mission ceremony was organised by Sr. Goretti Butler DC who co-ordinates the Volunteer Programme for the Daughters of Charity in Ireland.

As well as Leone McCool and Colette O’Loughlin, many past volunteers and friends were present to wish the girls well and send them on their way.

The evening began with a simple but tasty bite to eat and after much chat and socialising the group gathered to spend some quiet time in prayer. Marie Gribben DC who works as chaplain in St. Francis Hospice prepared the liturgy for this very special occasion. The theme was ‘Footsteps on the Journey of Life’. Through a combination of prayer, reflection, poetry and music she led us in a very thought-provoking ritual. A central part of the ceremony was the blessing for the two girls, during which each of them received a small wooden cross made of olive wood. The cross symbolises the centre of our Christian faith and the call to each one of us to give ourselves generously to help our neighbours, particularly those in need.

The week has been a difficult one for both Leone and Colette, and for Sr. Goretti who is responsible for the volunteer programme. With the unstable situation in Kenya the decision about going had to be reviewed and yesterday news arrived from our sisters in Kenya to say that the sisters looked forward very much to welcoming there this week.

Their going to Kenya coincides with the official opening of a new house of formation for seminary sisters in Kenya, an event at which the Mother General Sr. Evelyne Franc D.C. will be present. May the Lord bless Colette and Leone on this new and exciting venture. Visit our homepage to find out how they are getting on.