SR. BIRGITTA GREMM (NAIROBI SOUTH B, KENYA)

SR. BIRGITTA GREMM (NAIROBI SOUTH B, KENYA)

As a MSOLA, how have you been a ‘woman apostle’ in the different places where you have been? 

Women Apostles – called by God. Right from the beginning of entering our Congregation, the aspect of being a ‘woman apostle’ has accompanied me. As a woman, I had to play a very specific role in the society of the African world, especially with the women and girls who are often oppressed and exploited in our society in Africa and outside Africa. My working places have been the kindergarten in Arusha (Tanzania), the Parish in Tandale (Tanzania) and in South B Parish (Kenya). As a woman, I experienced in all the different places that I had a contribution to give which is particular for a woman. The motherly aspect of tenderness and love is very different from the tenderness and love given by a man. Women and young girls open themselves more in the presence of a woman than in the presence of a man, because of the different understanding of the problems of women. I felt myself in the company of the women who were chosen by Jesus himself during His life here on earth. Jesus and our founder Charles Lavigrie knew how important women are in proclaiming the Kingdom of God, since the beginning of the world. God continues to call women for the work in His vineyard.  

Was there any prophetic action you remember particularly? Could you explain it? 

“I have send you to bring good news…..” Prophetic being and prophetic actions are part of our daily life in the way we live out the word of God. Yet sometimes we live the aspect of being prophets in a special way. Recently we celebrated the Day of St. Bakhita in our Parish. I organized with the CJPC (Catholic Justice and Peace Commission) a meditative Prayer Vigil with the theme “Light a light for victims of human trafficking” so as to begin creating awareness of human trafficking. Before the prayer, all were invited to watch some video clips which gave already insights about human trafficking. We all were surprised that about 300 parishioners (women, men, and youth) attended this prayer. The Church was illuminated by candle light during the whole prayer time. The Vigil ended with a procession of light in the dark church.  Many shared after the prayer how deeply they were touched and how little they knew about human trafficking and that it exists even right next door, here in Nairobi. As prophets, we are called to be part of the voice of God sending us to bring light to the people in darkness. 

When you think of your experience of living in international and intercultural communities, what comes to you? Some words, an image, joys, challenges… 

“Let us join hands - because we are all made by God to live together in ‘one’ world.” Reaching out to one another, putting our hands together and working in collaboration brings joy and at same time it challenges us in different ways.  For me personally, the joys are more than the challenges.

Mutual understanding, enriching one another in our daily life actions, praying together and sharing the word of God, enjoying the gift of my Sisters, was and is for me a very important aspect of living in international and intercultural communities. 

Most of the challenges I have experienced come from the fact of having difficulties in communication and understanding each other, caused by language barriers and cultural differences. 

In reconciliation, we can always find our way together again and begin anew. I have learned a lot from my sisters since my beginning in our Congregation. This needed an open heart and the willingness to enter into the “shoes” of my sisters so as to be able to understand her way of feeling and thinking.  

We are the younger MSOLA generation, still in the stage of temporary vows: what would you like to say to us?   

I would like to encourage you:

To be perseverant in prayer and not to miss this precious time with our Lord Jesus Christ even in times of dryness in prayer. 

Turn to our Lord Jesus Christ in times of difficulties, challenges and trust completely that He will set you free from all distress and help you to continue to go your way. 

Continuous discernment is very important during the time of temporary vows and regular days of recollection will help to find more and more the will of God in your religious life. 

To take time to listen to one another and to share your experiences with one another. 

To reread our Constitutions, our Congregational books and other Ccongregational writings and to share how it is possible to live out what is written there in your day to day living. 

I see it as very important to take enough time to create the community project and to review it regularly. 

Gossip is like poison for a community and will destroy the relationship of the Sisters. When there is discord be aware that, whatever happened between you and another Sister in community, there is always room for reconciliation through Jesus.

Dear Junior Sisters, I wish you all the blessings of Love and Peace for your continuous journey in our Congregation. I will be you in my thoughts in my prayers especially during the time of your meeting and your retreat. God bless you and all those who accompany you.

Interviewed by Sr. Edith Yendaw 

Malindi, Kenya