From Our Newest Postulants

On January 25 two new aspirants from Malawi, Gertrude Mkonda and Chifundo Phiri, were received as Postulants to the community. Their lively presence has been a lift to us all as they settle into convent routine, novitiate classes, and adjust to novelties like our snowy winter. Gertrude and Chifundo had been living with the Sisters in Luwinga before flying to America. Following are letters written to Mother Miriam before Christmas introducing themselves.

Dear Mother Miriam,
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and to all the Sisters there. Mother, we really enjoyed your e-mail; and I am pleased to introduce myself to you as you asked us.

My name is Gertrude Emily Mkonda. I come from Likoma Island, Malawi. My native language is Chinyanja (almost the same as Chichewa). I am 20 years old. I am the firstborn in a family of five children — three girls and two boys.

I was born into a family in the Anglican church. In the church I was serving in many groups. Some of [the work I did in the Church included] taking part in the reading of the lessons, intercession, and I was a chairlady of the St. Agnes Guild.

In education, I am a secondary student. God's plan is not mine: He has called me to serve Him as a Sister. Maybe He did this with an aim. I am supposed to accept my calling, as I am His creation.

—Gertrude Emily Mkonda.

Dear Mother,
Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and all the Sisters, too.

I am Chifundo Jane Phiri, the first born daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phiri in a family of seven children. My birthday is on 28th May 1983. I have two brothers and five sisters. I am from Zomba, Malawi.* My language is Chichewa. My father is working at Malawi Telecommunication Limited (MTL). My mother is a housewife, but also does some small businesses. All of us are members of the Anglican Church. My education doesn't go far as I am a fourth year student. I did my secondary school work at Chinamwali. I used to pray at St. George's Anglican Church in Zomba where I served at the altar. That's all.

—Chifundo Jane Phiri.

* Chifundo is the first applicant from outside the Diocese of Northern Malawi, fulfilling our Sisters’ dream that their monastic foundation be for all of Malawi.