In the heart of Taita-Taveta, where the hills of Mwatate rise to meet the sky, there exists a life that many in our modern, fast-paced world might find mysterious. It is a life defined by silence, yet it speaks volumes. It is a life lived behind cloister walls, yet its reach extends to the ends of the earth.
To be a Discalced Nuns of Mercy is to embrace a calling that is as radical as it is beautiful.
The word Discalced literally means "barefoot." While we may wear simple sandals for our daily chores, the term describes a spiritual reality. To be "barefoot" before God is to stand before Him without pretense, without the armor of status or the weight of worldly possessions.
In Mwatate, this means choosing a life of evangelical poverty. We strip away the noise of the digital age—the constant notifications, the pressure to "be someone," and the pursuit of material wealth—to find the one thing that truly matters: a deep, personal union with Christ.
Many ask, "If you stay within the monastery, how do you help the world?"
The answer lies in the mystery of intercessory prayer. We believe that prayer is the engine of the world. A Discalced Nun of Mercy views herself as a spiritual heartbeat for the community. When we rise before the sun to begin the Divine Office, we are carrying the burdens of the Taita-Taveta people with us.
We pray for:
The sick in our local hospitals.
The farmers waiting for rain in the valley.
The youth searching for direction.
The families struggling to find peace.
Our life is not an escape from reality; it is a deep dive into the heart of it. We face the struggles of the world through the lens of God's mercy.
Being a nun in our community also means living in radical sisterhood. In a world that is often divided, we live as one. We share everything, from our meals to our manual labor in the gardens. This communal life is our primary school of love—learning every day how to forgive, how to serve, and how to see Christ in one another.
Our "Mercy" is not just a name; it is our mandate. We strive to be a living reflection of the Mother of Mercy, offering a sanctuary of peace to anyone who enters our chapel seeking a moment of stillness.
The life of a Discalced Nuns is not for everyone. It requires grit, discipline, and a rare kind of courage. But for those who feel that "quiet stir" in their soul—that sense that the world’s offerings aren't quite enough—it offers a joy that cannot be found anywhere else.
To be a nun here in Mwatate is to give everything away, only to find that you have finally gained the world. It is a journey of walking barefoot toward the Heart of Love, one prayerful step at a time.