MAGDALENE NYAMBURA GATUNGU CELEBRATION OF MY PERPETUAL VOWS

2025-08-26

"Why are we in this world if not to contribute to the salvation of our brothers and sisters?" This phrase has been a reminder, helping me understand the purpose of my human existence, which emphasizes the importance of service to others, especially the most vulnerable. The same applies to this phrase of our M. foundress Emilia, "Only love repairs." It helps me remain open, to continue learning from Jesus on how to wash His feet with love in my daily life, which is a grace.

I am grateful to God for sustaining me in His love; He is the reason for my joy today. I also thank my dear sisters for accompanying me during my formation period, as a junior sister. It is through them that I have grown to be more Reparatrix as well more human. I also thank the people in the pastoral ministry, and of course my beloved biological family. Together, you have contributed to my growth.

The celebration of the vows took place at La Ensenada, Lima, Peru, on August 15, 2025, at Saint Damian Molokai parish. I would like to acknowledge the accompaniment of Sr. Elizabeth Ramírez, Regional Superior; Sr. Sofia Gorozpe, my recent companion; Sr. María Santos, the previous companion; the sisters from Villa del Norte community; the four priests Fr. Sijo, Fr. Jemin, Fr. Thomas, and Fr. Calvin; other sisters from other congregations, the charismatic SMR family, Christians, and acquaintances.

The Mass began with an entrance song, danced by youth. I felt joy within self, seeing the happiness that overwhelmed the Christians all along, together with my sisters present, children's choir lead by a committed couple, the collaboration of all, and the simplicity of Fr. Calvin in his homily, which kept my heart attentive. I could feel family spirit and gracious atmosphere.

My vocation has been a journey of great discernment through the formation and accompaniment of Jesuits priests as well my sisters. Thus, I grew, confirming my vocation, until my definitive commitment to the Lord through my brothers and sisters for reparation. I cannot give what I do not have, nor what I do not practice. Ongoing formation continues.

Thanks to Fr. Calvin, whose simple homily struck me as he repeated this phrase several times: "Only love repairs," "we were all created by his love to love and to be loved." "In everything, to love and to serve," by Saint Ignatius. This coincided with my reason for choosing the Gospel of the day: "Jesus is the centre of my life”, He is the only treasure in us."

Finally, I gave a word of thanks to all present, starting with the priests, my beloved SMR charismatic family, and my beloved blood family who were connected from my homeland. This was followed by a thanksgiving song in “Swahili” language, danced by the youth. Then, we shared dinner. Throughout this celebration, I felt that my dedication is a continual availability to Jesus, who has taught me to recognize Him in myself and to go out to meet Him and to give Him my best, as Mary Magdalene did with the perfume (Jn 12:1-8).

With great confidence, I wish to continue learning from Jesus and I am grateful for the gift of His Spirit.