The contrast could not have been starker. Sr. Secilia Luwongo, Sr. Irene Matambwe, and Sr. Noela Mkwala left behind Tanzania’s sweltering 90-degree temperatures in late November 2023, only to step off the plane into American winter temperatures. Waiting to greet them with warm hugs—and even warmer jackets—were Sr. Anne Marie Haas and Sr. Katharina Pies.
“The weather has been the hardest adjustment,” the three Tanzanian sisters now reflect. Yet everything else about their new life in the United States has exceeded their expectations as they have settled into their American lives.
The Sisters have extensive teaching experience, but were given the opportunity to spend several weeks learning about the Sisters’ and Redeemer Health ministries discovering where their gifts would flourish.
Sr. Secilia and Sr. Irene found their way back into the classroom. At Holy Redeemer Child Care Center, their intuitive connection with children shines bright. “Sr. Secilia has the natural ability to soothe a crying child, instinctively knowing why they are crying and what their needs are,” said Maggie Rivera, the Center’s Director. “She is a calming force when others may feel overwhelmed. Her smile brightens a room while she truly provides a sense of love and peacefulness.”
Meanwhile, Sr. Irene brings infectious energy wherever she goes. “Sr. Irene is full of energy and excitement. Her smile is like sunshine breaking through on a cloudy day,” Rivera said. “The children love playing with her—her laughter is contagious and she is a pure joy!”
Sr. Noela shares her gift working alongside Sr. Katharina in pastoral care at St. Joseph Manor. “It’s such an honor to live with our Tanzanian Sisters and to work in pastoral care with Sr. Noela,” says Sr. Katharina. “Witnessing Sr. Noela interact with the Manor’s residents, families, and staff is such a gift. She is such an intent listener and focuses on what is needed. She brings such joy to others and is not afraid to make someone’s life better.”
Sr. Noela sees God’s hand in their journey. She remembers when American Sisters would visit Tanzania and often say, “We should have Sisters from Tanzania come live with us in America.” At the time, she did not think much of it. “But looking back now,” she said, “maybe that was God telling us something.”
Now halfway through their three-year commitment, the Sisters reflect on the beautiful blending of cultures they have witnessed. “We came with our own culture, rituals, prayers, and food. The Sisters here in America have their own too,” explained Sr. Irene.
The Sisters have also enriched American lives with their musical talents, sharing their gifts of singing and dancing that bring joy to all who witness them. “I love when they sing at Mass,” said Anne Marie Collins, Vice President/Executive Director of Drueding Center. “It’s become something I look forward to—even though I can’t understand what they are saying. It’s so grounding.”
Perhaps most remarkably, Sr. Anne Marie has discovered subtle but profound similarities between the Tanzanian and American sisters. “Much of Sr. Noela and Sr. Secilia’s gifts were helped shaped by the German Sisters in Tanzania,” she said. “Likewise, many of us here in America, even though we never lived in Germany, were taught by many of our German Sisters here.”
Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, the Sisters have discovered what truly unites them. As Sr. Secilia beautifully summarizes: “We all share our deep love for our Redeemer, our Blessed Mother, Blessed Alphonse Maria, and all our Sisters.”