I believe religious vocation is a gift from God and being called to a missionary Congregation is gift within gift. I recently made my first profession in the Congregation of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, and I feel it was my privilege to take part in the workshop of Formation for Mission for two months consequently in Rwanda and Tanzania which is organized by the General Government.
I am born and brought in the region of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania where many missionaries gave their life to spread the Gospel. However, when I joined the Congregation, I didn’t understand the meaning of being a missionary. Although during my initial formation period we were taught the missiology and the spirit of mission Ad intra and Ad extra, I was not ready to imbibe this spirit because I was very comfortable with my own culture, language and traditions. However, when I was asked by my superior to participate in this program of Formation for mission, I did it with obedience and curiosity, without any motivation.
As saying goes, everything happens for a purpose, so it is in my life as a consecrated woman. My experience of participating in this workshop was extraordinary and the experience of meeting sisters from different countries with their unique culture and language created in me an admiration for the intercultural community living. All the topics that were taught have enriched my conviction that I am chosen to send as an Apostle of eternal Father to bring good news to the world. Now I understand to be a missionary disciple is not only to take a flight and go to another country, but it all begins by reflecting on my own life by accepting the plan of God and building intimacy with Him. I am called to be a “herald of glad tidings” and these tidings are shared with gladness and joy as Pope Francis reminds in his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”.
Today I am happy and ready to go wherever God wants me to bring his love and joy to the people. “My grace is enough for you,” (2 Corinthians 12). When there are difficult or challenging situations, I truly believe God is there walking beside me. This is my life as a religious. This is the motivation of my life. And this is why I am a consecrated woman to live my charism and identity as Pallottine Missionary Sister.
Sr. Gertrudi Momburi, SAC
Queen of Peace Province, Tanzania
Photo by HOPESTUDIOSTZ
