Interview à Radio Maria de Nairobi avec Sr Christine Bahati Safi, le père Innocent Maganya M.Afr. et monsieur Frank du groupe Lavigerie du Kenya
Sr. Xaverine Mukansinga, Nairobi, Kenya
“Ending human trafficking is a mission that requires collaboration,”
This phrase was reiterated by speakers at an awareness-raising event on human trafficking. It was the theme chosen for the occasion reflecting the spirit of our founder. It helped to raise awareness, his impact on the Church, and his commitment to the world of his time. This event was organized by the Missionaries of Africa, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, and the Lavigerie Family in Kenya. It was held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, South B, Archdiocese of Nairobi, on March 15, 2025.
In the afternoon, those present were made aware of the reality of human trafficking. This event was highlighted by the presence of HAART Kenya, a Kenyan non-governmental organization dedicated to combating human trafficking. This organization shared information about the different types of human trafficking and the cases it encounters. A survivor, now a member of this organization, gave a testimony, explaining how she was trafficked from Kenya to Saudi Arabia.
On the Lavigerie family side, our Sister, Redempta Kabahweza shared information about the mission of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (MSOLA) in Malindi, in collaboration with the diocese. She described how the sisters support victims of human trafficking, emphasizing the collaborative aspect.
Those present showed active participation by asking questions. It is hoped that this initiative will bear fruit, given the presence of young people.
This was one of the of the bicentennial jubilee celebrations of Cardinal Lavigerie’s birth, a series of meaningful activities being organized in Nairobi. These initiatives aim to honor the Cardinal’s memory and highlight his legacy, particularly his role in the fight against slavery and his influence on contemporary society.
A series of activities for the Jubilee celebration solemnly began on October 31, 2024, with a Jubilee Opening Mass at the South B Parish. On this occasion, an educational and inspiring presentation on the life and work of Lavigerie, including his famous anti-slavery campaign, was screened. This initiative allowed the faithful from various walks of life gathered for the event to rediscover the values and ideals espoused by the cardinal.
This effort helped raise community awareness of the historical challenges of slavery and the importance of defending human dignity.
On November 23, 2024, in a spirit of compassion and solidarity, we had a touching visit to one of Nairobi’s prisons. This was to commemorate the birth into heaven of our founder, whose birthday is marked on November 26. During this visit, the inmates expressed their gratitude for this act of humanity and hope. “We are happy when people come to visit us.”
“You give us hope,” said one inmate, touching the hearts of all participants.
Another significant activity took place on November 17, 2024. We gathered with the faithful of Saint Margaret Parish in South C. During this meeting, the same screening of the Cardinal’s anti-slavery campaign was presented, allowing participants to better understand not only the scope of his struggle, but also the relevance of his message in the contemporary world.
Radio Maria was used as a means to tell many people about who we are.
On February 23, 2025, Sister Christine Bahati, Father Innocent Maganya MAfr, and Mr. Frank, a member of the Lavigerie Family in Kenya, gave an interview on Radio Maria, where they spoke about our two institutes, the different locations where we operate, and how we we live out the charism and our devotion to Our Lady of Africa.
The Lavigerie group highlighted the origins of the group and how they were raised to become members. They are drawn to the charism of the Missionaries of Africa and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, the mission, and especially the aspect of interreligious dialogue and the All to All. They are committed: “Since people in Kenya don’t know us despite more than 100 years in the country, the main objective was to make us known, and we hope that the Lord will do the rest,” says Sr. Bahati.
These activities are not only to speak about the Cardinal or who we are, but also to strengthen the commitment of the people who listen to us to perpetuate the spirit of justice and charity embodied by our founder.
