The canonical visit is a very important event in all the Provinces of the Religious of the Assumption all over the world. It is a time when the Superior General and her Council visit the sisters in their respective Provinces and communities. They listen to the experiences of each sister and the mission of the community in collaboration with the local Church. It is a time to re-unite with the General Community and experience our family spirit.
The canonical visit is announced ahead of time by the Superior General to the Province concerned. Every community in the Province waits for the visit in preparation and prayer; mentally, physically and spiritually. It is a time as an individuals and communities review the past and the present for a better future in our mission. It is a time of evaluating in depth our community project which is a guide to our life. The visit is therefore a moment of grace and provides special opportunity for reflection, renewal, sharing, dialogue, meetings, communal discernment and deep listening.
What a blessing it was to have the canonical visit in the East Africa Province (Kenya and Tanzania) from 1st-26th May 2026. The General Councilors, Sr. Lerma and Sandra landed in Nairobi –Kenya and visited the two communities; Kawangware and Kangundo. After the visit of the communities in Kenya, they crossed the border to Tanzania and visited Bagamoyo community, then travelled back to communities in Moshi Diocese, Singa Chini – the Novitiate and Elderly Sisters' House, Sangiti and Chekereni. Each community had at least two days of visit. Sr. Marthe and Sr. Francoise were received in Moshi- Tanzania and visited the Provincial House. Later they travelled to the communities in Singida Diocese, Singida Town, Kisaki, Iguguno and Maluga.
The welcoming of the sisters, students and Assumption Together, in each community was unique. The cultural dances were accompanied by some elements; the calabash or gourd filled with groundnuts or flour was a symbol of precious gift given to a dear person and contained the products from their land that are used by the society, the lit candle was a symbol of Jesus among his people and so did the General Councilors' presence among the people, the African print fabric was a sign of family bond and connection.
The General Councilors felt at home, comfortable accepted and valued. They listened with curiosity and even freely joined the cultural dances. They were not strangers but became part and parcel of the community and society surrounding them. This welcoming environment built trust broke down social barriers and fostered a strong sense of community and drew people into conversation. Language was no communication barrier to this encounter as smiles, eye contact, active listening, nodding the head, extended arms were expressed gestures of welcome. All were at home in a brand new environment and neighbourhood.
The General Superior, Sr. Rekha arrived in Nairobi on the 15th May and visited the Juniorate community where the junior sisters follow their formation classes at Tangaza University. It is a community of fifteen sisters with their four formators.She had the time to share with each sister as well as a community. Sr. Rekha also had the opportunity to visit the Tangaza University where the sisters study. The university provides all round education that prepares transformative leaders for tomorrow's Church and society. It equips our junior sisters with spiritual formation programs that prepares them for success in a rapidly evolving world as it practices and stresses on its motto of; "Teaching minds, Touching hearts and Transforming lives". Sr. Rekha had every reason to visit this university that equips students to honour God in their personal, professional and spiritual lives and whose goal goes hand in hand with our charism of transformative education.
On the 24th of May, the day we celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost, we gathered at Singa Chini for the Assembly, to conclude the canonical visit as a Province. The disciples of Jesus waited for the gift of the promised Holy Spirit, so were we to receive the report of the canonical visit as a God given gift. We entered the assembly hall in a procession with Sr. Rekha carrying the Easter candle,a sign of the victorious and Risen Lord among us.
Before the report, each community presented a symbols that expressed the experience of the visit in their respective community. This spiritual exercise was very moving and touching as the symbols of water in a jug, the heart, lit candle, cactus plant, three stones and a cooking pot, salt, a tree with branches, clay pot, an orange tree and a traditional cup and its holder were explained. We all listened to the presentations with respect and attention. The simplicity, humility, love, respect, understanding, faith, capacity to listen and unity shown by Sr. Rekha and her Council were mentioned in the presentations
The report of Sr. Rekha and her Council affirmed us, appreciated what we have already accomplished and encouraged us on how and where to make amendments by allowing the Holy Spirit to discern with us and lead us to the future in greater hope. At the end of the Assembly, Sr. Rekha and her Council, each planted a fruit tree.
We thank God for giving us such wonderful and God fearing sisters to lead t our Congregation, because the canonical visit was not just administrative but a moment of grace, renewal and deep listening to where the Spirit is leading us. We now go forward with enthusiasm and hope. Our religious life was revitalized because we were surrounded and lived with sisters who shared a passionate commitment in our common purpose as the Province of East Africa, we therefore go forward renewed for all is possible because God makes new pathways in the wilderness.
This was a unique experience of the Assumption family spirit and inter-nationality.
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