Awakened by Grace: A Personal Encounter with Pope Francis

By Sr. Agnes Wamuyu, Franciscan Elizabethan Sisters

In 2015, during the Year of Consecrated Life, I had the great honor of being present and blessed when Pope Francis visited Kenya. At the time, I was serving as the General Secretary of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and was deeply involved in the planning committee for his visit, particularly in preparations for his meeting with clergy and religious leaders.

It was a deeply moving experience to see and meet the Holy Father in person. I was privileged to lead a prayer welcoming him to our gathering. Despite the rain that day, Pope Francis came to where we were, looking at each of us with a presence that felt uniquely powerful and deeply spiritual. His love for Catholic sisters and the consecrated life was evident in every word and gesture.

The theme of his visit, “Wake Up the World”, resonated strongly with us. His presence truly awakened something within each of us. His words were not only profound but also empowering. He reminded us of St. Paul’s message: “May the Lord who began this good work in you bring it to completion.” That message has stayed with me ever since, guiding my walk with Christ and affirming the dignity and purpose of my vocation.

One of the most touching moments was when a sick sister among us was invited to receive a special blessing from the Pope. It was a moment of deep grace and awakening. Pope Francis’ simplicity, humility, and down-to-earth catechesis left an indelible mark on my heart. His message was clear: we are called, and we must continue to respond to that call.

As a Franciscan, I was particularly moved by Laudato Si’, the Pope’s encyclical on the environment. St. Francis of Assisi taught us that even creation is our brother and sister. Today, as the director at CASAK, I am increasingly aware of the need to care for the environment, especially in relation to aging and caregiving. The physical and social environments we create for the elderly must be inclusive and nurturing. Pope Francis emphasized that caring for our common home is an essential part of our spiritual and communal lives.

We are all called to live as brothers and sisters—caring not just for one another, but for all of creation. In the spirit of Laudato Si’, I strive to ensure that the elderly under our care experience dignity, comfort, and love in every aspect of their environment. Through this work, I continue to live the message of Pope Francis and the call to consecrated life: to serve, to awaken, and to love.

or the environment, especially in relation to aging and caregiving. The physical and social environments we create for the elderly must be inclusive and nurturing. Pope Francis emphasized that caring for our common home is an essential part of our spiritual and communal lives.

We are all called to live as brothers and sisters—caring not just for one another, but for all of creation. In the spirit of Laudato Si’, I strive to ensure that the elderly under our care experience dignity, comfort, and love in every aspect of their environment. Through this work, I continue to live the message of Pope Francis and the call to consecrated life: to serve, to awaken, and to love.