Mother MariaJose Vila is the current prioress of Our Lady of Consolation Monastery, the community of Augustinian Recollect nuns in Wote (Kenya). She considers herself a ‘universal Valencian’. Since she left her native land in Valencia (Spain), the life of this Augustinian Recollect nun has been marked by changes. Actually, I feel universal because I spent 15 years in the Philippines. And it was very good. I had a hard time getting out of there. Although the land where we are born is never forgotten. Never. I feel Valencian, but universal Valencian. In fact, I don’t think I’ll be backhe confesses.
As she recounts, the call from Africa resonated in her heart as a divine surprise, a turning point that prompted her to embark on an unknown mission.Whenthis foundation started, I didn’t offer myself and one day God surprised me,” she says.ó. Lo I saw, rather than coming from my superiors, from the will of God, reveals with humility.
When comparing her experiences in the Philippines and Kenya, Mother Maria Jose highlights a fundamental difference: the contrast between receiving and asking for help. In the Philippines you are given and in Kenya you are asked, she points out, illustrating the complexities caused by poverty and mentality in both cultures.
Community life is a fundamental pillar of their daily life, marked by prayer, accompaniment of the young aspirants and professed, manual work, gardening, animal care, liturgical and sewing assignments, and devotion to study and painting. She emphasizes that our main mission is that the sisters are convinced, that they do not do it out of obligation, so thattomorrow they can continue with this work because God knows that I am very old . She also stresses the importance of cultivating an authentic and personal faith.
Despite the economic and spiritual challenges, Mother María José clings to her firm conviction to serve God and build a solid future for her community. I am convinced, by the grace of God, that I am giving my life day after day for the glory of God, the extension of the order and the salvation of the world, she says with determination.
He says he dreams of the consolidation and growth of his community, a goal he embraces with fervor and hope. Thatwould be mymain dream, to see the community consolidated,” he says with a sparkle in his eyes.
With unwavering faith and determination, Mother Mary Joseph forges ahead, trusting in divine guidance and the transforming power of prayer. His story is an inspiring testimony of love, service and total surrender to God’s will.
The presence of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Kenya dates back to 2006. It was then that a group of nuns from Spain arrived in Masii and later moved to the present location of the convent in Wote, capital of the Makueni district.
