Living Ancestors:’ Voices of African Sisters are a testament of resilience
By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS
Born in Kenya and now working in the United States, Sr. Mumbi serves as the President of the Friends in solidarity, a US-based Catholic nonprofit support and capacity building mission in South Sudan. She says she has a passion to uplift the voices of African sisters, women whose lives have been woven with sacrifice, faith, and unwavering commitment to God and humanity. Their works have often been in silence, away from public recognition.
Through the initiative of Watawa wa Taa, meaning “Consecrated women of light” in Swahili, she has created a platform for African women religious to have a dialogue for mutual accomplishment and renewal. This was the incubator of the “Living Ancestors” book and its birth place.
The birth of Living Ancestors
The project begun with a profound question: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we told the stories of the older generations of sisters in Africa?” Inspired by Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LOSSF, one of the book’s collaborators, Sr. Mumbi invited religious women who had served for more than 30 years in religious life to reflect theologically on their journey.
The first volume, already published, captures the lives of 15 religious women across Africa. Coming from different congregations, cultures and ministries some are founders while others are pioneering missionaries but all share a resolute ‘Yes’ to the call of religious living. “These sisters live profound lives hidden in different corners of the world,” Sr. Mumbi tells Vatican News. “Their stories are not self-congratulatory; they are sacred testimonies to perseverance, faith and love.”
In this book we encounter women who have taught in remote schools, tended to the sick during civil unrest, founded institutions and nurtured community through faith. “Their stories are not just memories but living theologies,” she says.
Untold stories
The Church in Africa has always been supported by the quiet presence of the African sisters. They run hospitals, schools, orphanages, parishes, many in very challenging environments. Their stories are largely unknown beyond their congregations or countries.
Living Ancestors affirms their integral contributions to the Catholic Church worldwide and offers long due recognition. Sr Mumbi bridges the generational gap by documenting their rich experiences, showing younger sisters where their roots lie and allowing the world to appreciate the fruits of the African religious life.
Challenges
“Every success has its own challenges,” Sr. Mumbi reflects. “The project faced language and infrastructural barriers.” Africa’s colonial history left behind language divisions that often prevents meaningful collaboration between the English, French and Portuguese speaking sisters.
“Sometimes I relied on translation Apps,” she notes. “But the Spirit always found a way.”
Gaining the trust of the sisters was tough, many had never met her and had never written personal reflections before. “I was asking for something sacred,” she emphasized. “But God provided and it became the work of the Holy Spirit.”
Her vision
Her vision stretches across the continent. “I dream of publishing ten volumes, featuring one sister at least in every African country. I want this to become a memory of our shared spiritual heritage.” She also plans future Watawa wa Taa programs focusing on religious life, leadership and holistic wellness, including continental webinars on mental health, nutrition and spirituality.
Global Sisterhood
Though deeply rooted in African context, Living Ancestors carries global relevance. “African sisters are part of the global sisterhood.” Sr. Mumbi emphasized. “By grounding ourselves in our own contexts, struggles, joys and history, we offer authenticity to the world. We strengthen the Church by being who we are.”
For those outside Africa, the book serves as a window into a lively and strong faith tradition, revealing a Church sustained by women serving with humility and grace. Pope Francis stressed the importance of recognizing women’s contribution within the people of God, reminding the church that herself is a woman a daughter, a bride and a mother.
Celebrating living saints among us
Sr. Mumbi concludes with an appeal. “We must give our sisters their flowers when they are still alive.” ‘Living Ancestors’ honors pioneering women who shaped modern African religious life and inspires new generations to follow their footsteps. Their holiness, she reminds us, is not only found in the churches or sainthood titles, but in the daily resilience of women who rise to teach, heal, pray and serve.
The book is available online and African religious women are invited to contribute to upcoming volumes and join the ongoing conversations within Watawa wa Taa.
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