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A Celebration of Legacy - Honouring Abbot Francis Pfanner and Mother Paula Emunds

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By Christine Masivo Cps The Provincial House of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in Riruta, Nairobi, was filled with a profound sense of reverence and celebration as the sisters together with their brother the congregation of the Mariannhill Missionaries and other faithful gathered to commemorate the death anniversaries of two remarkable visionaries: Abbot Francis Pfanner the founder of the Missionary Sisters of the precious Blood (CPS)  and the congregation of the Mariannhill Missionaries (CMM) and Mother Paula Emunds. This solemn Mass marked 115 years since Abbot Pfanner’s passing and 76 years since Mother Paula Emunds departed from this world, yet their legacies continue to inspire and guide. The chapel was adorned with vibrant flowers and softly flickering candles, symbolizing the enduring light that Abbot Francis Pfanner and Mother Paula Emunds brought into the world. Members of both the Congregation of the Mariannhill Missionaries (CMM) and the Missionary Sist...

Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood - CPS

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The Spirit of May: The Devotion to Mother Mary and the Power of the Rosary

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  By Christine Masivo cps Introduction: As the flowers bloom and the gentle breeze of May sweeps through the air, Catholics around the world turn their hearts and minds to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our heavenly mother. May is a month dedicated to honoring her, the Queen of Heaven, and embracing her loving presence in our lives. To deepen their devotion to Mother Mary, one needs to incorporate the powerful prayer of the rosary into their daily lives, echoing her timeless message given to the three children at Fatima. The Call to Devotion: The devotion to Mother Mary is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Catholic faith. Throughout history, countless saints and believers have found solace, guidance, and intercession through their relationship with her. Mary, as the mother of Jesus Christ, holds a unique and exalted place in the life of the Church and in the hearts of believers. She is our advocate, our protector, and our mother, ever ready to lead us closer to her son, Jesu...

Remembering Sr. Benigne: A Tribute to a Legendary Missionary Sister in East Africa

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By Christine Masivo cps In the hearts of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, a legend has passed on. Sr. Benigne, a beacon of compassion and devotion, bid farewell to this world on April 12th, 2024. Born on November 14th, 1927, in Reitscheid, a diocese of Trier in Germany, her journey of selflessness and service spanned over seven remarkable decades. Sr. Benigne's calling to the religious life was evident from an early age. In 1953, she made her first vows in her native German, embarking on a lifelong commitment to serve as a missionary in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. Her unwavering dedication to the mission became the hallmark of her illustrious career as a religious sister. Throughout her 71 years of service, Sr. Benigne's generosity knew no bounds. Her compassionate spirit touched the lives of countless individuals, especially the impoverished communities in Machakos. She selflessly devoted her time and resources to alleviate the suffering of th...

Embracing the Beauty of Easter: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

  By Christine Masivo The celebration of Easter holds profound significance in our spiritual journey. Beyond the joyous gatherings and colourful festivities, Easter beckons us to delve deeper into the core of our faith, inviting us to embrace its beauty and allow its transformative power to shape our lives. Let’s explore the greatness of Easter and its profound impact on our growth in faith, inspiring us to become exemplary individuals for others to emulate. The Resurrection: A Symbol of Hope and Renewal Every year we commemorate the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus on earth, but have you ever thought of how profound this gesture was? When I was a little girl my dad once asked us, between Easter and Christmas, which is the greatest feast, and with my childish mind and attitude I was glad to mention Christmas! He agreed to sooth child ego at that age but went further and elaborated to me what Easter was all about and why he though Easter was the biggest feast. I didn’...

Palm Sunday and the Synodal Church as exemplary servant leaders.

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By Christine Masivo Palm Sunday it serves as a moving reminder of the humility and servant leadership embodied by Jesus Christ as he entered Jerusalem. This occasion offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the principles of servant leadership, particularly within the context of the synodal church, where everyone play a vital role. In the synodal church, everyone is called to exemplify servant leadership through their dedication to serving others, their communities, and the greater good.  Like Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, we are to humbly serve those in need, embodying compassion, empathy, and selflessness. Palm Sunday symbolizes the beginning of Holy Week, a time of reflection, sacrifice, and service.  Just as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, have nothing to do with majesty and power, all Christians in the synodal church prioritize simplicity and humility in their leadership. They lead not with authority or domination, but with a spirit of service an...

Unveiling the Inspiring Legacy of Prior Francis Pfanner. Emaus Heritage Centre in Umzimkulu Diocese, South Africa.

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 By Sr. Caroline Mjomba CPS Abbot Francis Pfanner statue If no one goes, I will go Prior Francis Pfanner made the terse announcement, “if no one goes, I will go” on 12 September 1879 during the General Chapter of the Trappists in Sept Fons, France.   It was at the request of Bishop Ricards of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, who needed missionaries for Dunbrody in his Vicariate. Prior Francis had no idea that his brave statement would later be instrumental in founding the Mariannhill Monastery in 1882 and the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1885. He became the first Abbot of Mariannhill and its many mission stations that he established within a short span of time. One of the stations that Abbot Francis founded was a mission he named Lourdes in East Griqualand in 1888. He and his famous companion and architect, Bro. Nivard Streicher set out to explore and buy a 50,000 acre land that belonged to a certain Donald Strachan. The farm was a block ...