Sister Angela Kapitingana is Tanzanian. Sha was several years in mission in Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Kenya and DRC. For 5 years she was a formator in the novitiate in Burkina. Currently she is the Superior General in Rome, Italy
We asked her about her religious vocation.
Here is her story
Discovering my vocation was not easy but, in my heart, I had a desire to share my faith with people who have no family, especially orphans. I wanted to show that they are important in God’s eyes.
Very early I lost my mother so I wanted to help my sister who did everything so that I could study. I worked hard at school until I had the opportunity to go to university.
It was a decisive moment when I felt in my heart a need to get out of myself and reach out to others. I followed by choosing to become a religious sister. It was a difficult decision, taken against the opinion of everyone but at that time it gave me inner peace.
I visited at least 3 or 4 different congregations, but it was only when I met the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa that I thought,
“Yes, that’s it.”
That day I asked a lot of questions. I had heard a lot about their history. I was attracted by the simplicity of their life, by their way of being a missionary, of going out to others. At that time in this community there was a Maltese sister who spoke my language very well (Kiswahili). For me it was impressive.
I felt an affirmation: “I can enter here.”
I have never regretted my choice despite some great challenges I faced in my life. Always and everywhere I’ve lived, there was joy in finding my sisters and brothers united by faith in Jesus. Everywhere I go I have a big family! There is also an incredible wealth that I discovered in all this: my being a missionary will always involve my biological family. It is worth risking my life for God as a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa and I will continue this until I die.
This is the advice I would give to a young woman seeking her vocation
First, look for someone who can guide you in your discernment. Prepare yourself well to serve God with your talents and be ready to meet God in your own experiences.
Generously share these experiences with others. Give God the best of yourself and God will reward you; remember that God is not limited:
“God cannot be outdone in His generosity.”
