AOSK Breaks Ground for Sabbatical Centre in Ngong

In today’s demanding world, rest is not a luxury, especially for those who spend their lives in
service to others. The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) brought this message to life in
Ngong’, breaking ground for a Sabbatical Centre designed to support renewal, reflection, and
ongoing formation for consecrated women and men. The moment reflects AOSK’s commitment
under its Strategic Plan 2023– 2027 to strengthen consecrated life in meaningful, lasting ways.
“It has been almost three years since we started this initiative,” said Sr. Pasilisa Namikoye,
LSOSF, AOSK Executive Secretary. “The groundbreaking of this Sabbatical Centre marks not just
the beginning of a structure, but the realization of a strategic vision grounded in faith,
discernment, and our collective commitment to the future of consecrated life.”
She noted that the project is a concrete expression of the strategic plan’s priorities; holistic
formation, institutional capacity development, and sustainable support systems for members.
In a context where consecrated women and men remain central to education, healthcare,
pastoral ministry, and social transformation, she added, “the need for structured renewal has
never been greater.”
Quoting Pope Francis, she reflected, “In the heart of God there is a place for each one of us.”
The Sabbatical Centre, she said, seeks to become exactly that, a sacred space where those who
serve tirelessly can “return to the source, encounter God anew, and rediscover the joy and
meaning of vocation.”
AOSK Hailed for Strategic Thinking
Rt. Rev. John Oballa, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ngong, praised AOSK for its foresight and
structured approach in bringing the project to life.
“We thank God for the most beautiful day He has granted us… we have never had such rain,”
he said, describing the moment as divinely timed. “It was not by coincidence. We believe the
Lord designed it this way so that this day becomes unforgettable.” The Bishop commended
AOSK for “seeking the right procedure” in entering the diocese and for its “visionary strategic
thinking to expand the required service for the mission of God.”
Drawing a parallel from the business world, he added, “When the demand is greater than the
supply, the supplier must think of ways of increasing the supply. There is no doubt that by this
extension you have realized that more services are needed for the people of God.”
The Centre is for the Future of the Church
For AOSK Chairperson Sr. Josephine Kangogo, DSH, the moment carried the weight of a long-
held dream. “As superiors, we send our sisters to serve in many places, sometimes in very
difficult areas, and they get worn out,” she said. “They need time to come back and
rejuvenate… to strengthen their faith so that they can go out again and serve the people of God

in a better way.” She described the centre as a response to that reality, a place where religious
can rest, listen, and be renewed.
“It is because of this realization that the Major Superiors thought of having a sabbatical centre,”
she explained. “A place where our sisters, and all people of God, can come, have time to listen
to the Spirit of God anew… so that when we go out, we do not offer ourselves, but we offer
Christ.”
Sr. Pasilisa echoed this forward-looking vision, pointing to the roots of AOSK itself.
“We are building on the pillars of our sisters who 64 years ago started the Association of
Sisterhoods of Kenya,” she said. “Today, we are building for our young sisters… those in
formation and those who will come after us, to find a place of renewal, solace, and strength for
mission.”

Appreciation for welcoming to Ngong
Gratitude and a sense of belonging marked the ceremony, as AOSK leadership acknowledged
the warm reception from the Diocese of Ngong.
“My Lord Bishop, thank you for welcoming us… thank you for accepting us as your own
children,” said Sr. Kangogo.
Bishop Oballa, in turn, assured the congregation of the diocese’s full support. “We welcome
you most heartily to this part of our diocese,” he said. “Whenever you call upon us, we will avail
ourselves… so that the construction here is completed and the formation that is meant to take
place here happens according to the Lord’s design.”
Sr. Pasilisa also emphasized that the project is rooted in collaboration, bringing together Church
leadership, AOSK units, development partners, and other stakeholders. “It is through this
partnership that our vision becomes a reality,” she noted.
Chemichemi ya Uzima College is Growing
For Sr. Luciana Wanyahoro, VDM, Director of Chemichemi ya Uzima College, the new centre is a
clear sign of growth. The Sabbatical Centre, she noted, signals the expansion of the college’s
mission and reach, strengthening its role as a hub for formation and accompaniment.
Already, Chemichemi hosts participants not just from Africa but from across the world. The new
centre will deepen that impact, offering accessible and contextually relevant sabbatical
program while promoting spiritual renewal and psychosocial wellbeing.