In a world where the visual is often celebrated and prioritized, the Sacramentine Sisters, a remarkable group of visually-impaired religious sisters, despite their lack of sight, engage all their other senses in service to God and humanity. They teach catechism, visit and counsel people, farm, raise poultry, make rosaries, and knit. Sr. Veronica emphasizes, “I need opportunity, not sympathy.”
Part of the Don Orione family, which includes the Sons of Divine Providence and the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity, the Sacramentine Sisters are lesser-known members of this group. Founded in Italy by St. Luigi Orione, also known as Don Orione, the institute is dedicated to prayer and service.
In Kenya, the Sacramentine Sisters’ community consists of four members: Sr. Mary Carmen, Sr. Mary Angelina, Sr. Mary Rachael, and Sr. Mary Veronica.
Apostolate and Prayer
Sr. Mary Veronica, who always aspired to be a religious sister, struggled to find a congregation that would accept her due to her visual impairment. In 1981, a Consolata sister directed her to the Sacramentine Sisters, where she has remained ever since.
“This congregation of visually-impaired sisters is unique and the only one in Kenya,” said Sr. Mary Veronica. “Our founder, Don Orione, was a charitable person who urged us to be both mother and sister to the poor. We offer our lack of sight to God for those who do not know the truth, so they may experience God, the light of the world.” Though visually-impaired, the Sacramentine Sisters are not only contemplative but also actively engaged in their community. They teach catechism at their parish, visit people in the nearby village, and provide counseling both in person and online. “In our charism as Sacramentine Sisters, we adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and talk to Him about humanity. We bring souls to Jesus and Jesus back to the souls,” said Sr. Veronica.
The sisters take turns in Adoration and also fulfill other community duties such as farming, raising poultry, making rosaries, and knitting, which support their sustainability. “We join the congregation to give and receive; we don’t join to be helped. We strive to be autonomous in all that we do,” Sr. Mary Veronica stated, adding, “I need opportunity, not sympathy.”
Challenges Facing the Community
Acquiring books in braille has been a persistent challenge for the visually-impaired sisters. They have long relied on importing spiritual braille books from abroad, but rising import tariffs have made this increasingly difficult.
Despite these challenges, the sisters maintain a positive outlook. “We face challenges with joy; being visually-impaired does not diminish our talents and abilities,” said Sr. Mary Rachael.