Companions from Maria House Complete Their Apostolic Experiments
By Kavishe Waweru, SJ
Over the past two months, the Maria House community at Kwanja cha Ndage Parish has been blessed with the presence and generous service of four of our novice companions; Abebe, Jonmark, Elpidio, and Morara, who have now joyfully concluded their apostolic experiments and returned to the novitiate on 24th November.
Serving with Joy and Humility at Cheshire Children’s Home
Companions Abebe and Jonmark immersed themselves fully in the life and rhythm of Cheshire Children’s Home. Guided by the spirit of magis and availability, they offered their hands and hearts in service:
- cleaning the compound,
- accompanying children who are differently abled,
- assisting in the animal units with cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits, and geese,
- supporting teachers in the classrooms, and
- spending time playing, listening, and simply being present to the children.
From Monday to Friday, they lived the grace of being with and for others, discovering God in the laughter, struggles, and quiet resilience of the young ones entrusted to their care.
Encountering the Fragility of Life at St. Gemma Hospital
Meanwhile, companions Elpidio and Morara were placed at St. Gemma Hospital, where their service became an encounter with the fragility and sacredness of human life. Their daily work included cleaning and assisting nurses and technicians but much more profoundly, it meant standing at the bedside of the suffering, the anxious, and the vulnerable.
Here, they lived the Ignatian invitation to “find God in all things,” encountering Him in the wounds of humanity, in the tears of families, and in the quiet courage of patients. They became a source of consolation, tender presence, and support both to the patients and the hardworking medical staff.
Their weekdays were filled with the humble tasks of service; their weekends, with pastoral engagement.
Weekend Apostolate and Life in an Apostolic Community
On Saturdays, the two companions from Cheshire returned to Maria House, joining Fr. Mutambo, Fr. Sammy, Fr. Africanus, and Scholastic Kavishe, as well as their fellow novices who reside there. Saturdays and Sundays brought new graces as they assisted the parish pastoral team with:
- Jumuia and kanda Masses,
- catechism,
- liturgical service, and
- accompaniment of parishioners.
The companions were easily immersed into the rhythm of a busy apostolic community, learning from the example of men who give themselves daily to the mission. Their active contribution added life, energy, and youthful joy to the parish’s various ministries.
Sharing the Journey: Sunday Socials
Each Sunday evening, the community gathered for a warm and reflective Sunday Social. These moments became spaces of sharing consolations, desolations, challenges, and hopes for the week ahead. The sincerity and depth of these conversations strengthened the bond between the companions and the community, reminding us of the beauty of being pilgrims together on mission.
A Heartfelt Sending Forth
As their two-month experiment came to a close, the community and the various apostolates expressed deep gratitude for the gentle, hardworking, and generous spirit of these four companions. They served wholeheartedly, shared their lives simply, and left a mark of kindness everywhere they went.
On 24th November, they travelled back to the novitiate to begin their final six months of formation. We send them with blessings, affection, and the assurance of our prayers.
May the experiences, friendships, tears, and joys of this apostolic experiment remain treasures in their hearts. And as they continue their journey of discernment, may they grow into worthy shepherds and faithful companions in the vineyard of the Lord, grounded in Ignatian generosity and the desire to serve ad majorem Dei gloriam.
We thank God for them, pray for them, and rejoice in the seeds of hope they have planted among us.
