Vatican City: In a remarkable celebration of faith, service, and perseverance, the book Living Ancestors brings to light the untold stories of African women religious who have dedicated decades of their lives to God and humanity. Spearheaded by Sr. Mumbi Kigutha, a Kenyan-born member of the Sisters of the Precious Blood (CPPS) based in Dayton, Ohio, the work highlights the lives of sisters whose contributions have long remained in quiet obscurity.
Sr. Mumbi, who also serves as President of Friends in Solidarity, a US-based Catholic nonprofit supporting South Sudan, has long been committed to amplifying the voices of African sisters. Through the initiative Watawa wa Taa Swahili for “Consecrated Women of Light” she created a platform for dialogue, mutual learning, and renewal among African women religious. It was from this platform that Living Ancestors was conceived, born from a simple yet profound question: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we told the stories of the older generations of sisters in Africa?”
The first volume of Living Ancestors features the lives of 15 African sisters from diverse congregations, ministries, and cultures. Some are pioneering founders of institutions, while others have served as missionaries in remote or conflict-ridden areas. Each narrative reflects a steadfast ‘Yes’ to religious life and offers sacred testimonies of perseverance, faith, and love. Sr. Mumbi emphasizes that the stories are not self-congratulatory, but living theologies—accounts of women teaching in distant schools, caring for the sick amidst unrest, and nurturing communities through their quiet, dedicated service.
African sisters have long been the backbone of the Church on the continent, running hospitals, schools, orphanages, and parishes under challenging circumstances. Yet, their stories are rarely known beyond their immediate communities. Living Ancestors not only recognizes their invaluable contributions but also bridges the generational gap, providing younger sisters with a tangible connection to their spiritual heritage.
The project faced significant hurdles, from language barriers arising from Africa’s colonial history to infrastructural challenges and gaining the trust of sisters unfamiliar with documenting personal reflections. Sr. Mumbi recounts relying on translation apps and guidance from the Holy Spirit to navigate these challenges, underscoring the divine inspiration behind the endeavor.
Looking ahead, Sr. Mumbi envisions ten volumes covering at least one sister from every African country, preserving a continent-wide memory of spiritual dedication. Watawa wa Taa also plans to expand programs addressing religious life, leadership, holistic wellness, and continental webinars on mental health, nutrition, and spirituality.
While deeply rooted in the African context, Living Ancestors carries universal significance. Sr. Mumbi notes that by embracing their own struggles, joys, and histories, African sisters contribute authenticity and strength to the global Church. For readers worldwide, the book offers a window into a vibrant faith tradition sustained by women serving with humility and grace.
Sr. Mumbi concludes with a heartfelt call: “We must give our sisters their flowers while they are still alive.” Living Ancestors honours the pioneering women who have shaped modern African religious life and inspires new generations to follow in their footsteps. Their holiness, she reminds us, is found not only in churches or sainthood titles but in the daily resilience of women who teach, heal, pray, and serve. The book is available online, and African religious women are invited to contribute to future volumes and participate in ongoing conversations through Watawa wa Taa.