This year, we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Sister Monica Ichife, marking 25 years of dedicated service as a Religious Sister of Charity. In this special feature, Sr Mairéad Ní Chuirc speaks with Sr Monica, who offers reflections on her life and ministry. She shares how, despite studying fashion and textile design, she felt drawn to answer God’s call and enter religious life. She also recalls the fulfilment she found in her early ministry in Okpara-Inland, Delta State, and how a visit to Mary Aikenhead’s rooms in Ireland left a profound and lasting impression on her. We want to congratulate her on reaching such an important milestone and wish her many happy peaceful years ahead.
Questions
1. When did you first consider a religious vocation?
I was an adult when I first considered joining a religious congregation. After a diploma course in Fashion and textile design. It was in the process of making preparation for further studies that I found myself struggling with divine encounter. Having to respond to God’s calling then was quite a challenge because I thought I could serve God in other ways than religious vocation. The ambition was there all the time when I was growing up but I never wanted to brave it until I began having frequent dreams of being called to the vineyard of plentiful harvest with few labourers. The more I refused the more I was feeling so fearful and miserable. I decided to open up to our parish priest who was like a father to me and he listened to my story. He convinced me to try out my vocation. He directed me to our Congregation who were close to where I lived. I was reluctant to go to the sisters who were so close, so he suggested I go to their convent which was at a distance from where I grew up. I visited the sisters in Festac Town and met Sr Mary Zimba for the first time. She accompanied us because I was alone. She had organised a weekend programme where we all came together one Saturday. After some weeks she introduced us to the newly appointed Vocations Directress, Sr. Justina Nelson.
2. How did that progress and result in you becoming a Religious Sister of Charity?
As we progressed in our weekend programmes I found peace within me. There were some stumbling blocks. Some of the family members did not support me, but the few who understood spoke to them and I felt free to continue the initial candidacy programme. Each day through my years of formation and discernment I kept saying to God ‘Lord, I do not know why you have decided to bring me here; however, I am here now, do with me whatever you will’. I was humbled with all kinds of trials, including sickness, and I experienced God’s love through the people around me who helped me and journeyed with me.
3. Can you tell us anything about your early ministries/did you spend time overseas?
Following my first Profession I was missioned to Okpara-Inland, Delta State. I was engaged in a multi-tasking ministry taking each day moment by moment. I was involved in community–based health care, supervising a farm project, production of altar breads and a skill-acquisition programme for young people in the community. We also had an Adult Literacy Programme and a meals programme for the elderly three times a week. It was a meals-on-wheel programme – initially with a wheel
barrow, and occasionally by bicycle. Sometimes we fed the people who were sick and unable to help themselves – it was a job I loved and found very fulfilling.
4. Are there any moments of spiritual fulfilment or personal growth that stand out to you?
Moments such as those were very significant for me because I felt we were really reaching out to the aged who were very happy to see us. Their smiles and welcome touched my heart. I felt I was serving God and humanity. My second place of apostolate was in Port Harcourt in Compassion Centre with physically challenged children and young adults. I could see Mary Aikenhead walking in our midst. The years in Port Harcourt were years of laughter and peace and fulfilment. I moved to other communities such as Ibadan and Festac Town. I was engaged in home visitation and prison ministry and youth ministry in Festac.
I visited Ireland for three weeks and followed the trail of Mary Aikenhead and I remember visiting her room in Harold’s Cross and felt a deep spiritual connection, touching the chair and table she used. Another moment was a trip to Zambia for a seminar for Temporary Professed sisters, given by Sr. Josephine McDonald. It was a great experience meeting sisters from another region and getting to know others and we continued to communicate with each other afterwards.
A 30-day retreat in preparation for Final Vows was a meaningful spiritual occasion. I found I was brought to another level in my spiritual life.
I studied Youth Ministry in Kenya for three years and received a bachelor’s degree. I see this qualification in use here in Malawi where I presently work. While in Nairobi I was selected to accompany 200 youth to Kigali on a youth programme. We stayed with local families while there and it was a wonderful experience. I am also part of a Psychology Programme run by Tangaza University in Tanzania. We meet regularly and share our experiences and reflect on what would be helpful for young people.
5. What are you particularly delighted or proud of when you look back on your life in religious?
I am delighted to be a chosen bride of Christ. I feel it is Divine Providence that brought me to where I am today – I have no regrets. The Lord chose me, and I am happy and proud to be an instrument of God to be used to touch the lives of God’s beloved children.
6. What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work and your life as a Religious Sister of Charity?
I wish to leave a life of a true follower of Christ, a life that tells of justice and peace where God’s love and charity flow to all. Mary Aikenhead said she wanted women with hearts of love and service and heads full of wisdom who think critically. Often, I ask myself do I fall into this category? But the important thing is if God does not find me worthy, I would not have been here. So, whether dull or smart, I am a useful instrument in the hands of God. That is what I find myself to be.
7. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
This is my daily prayer to God to preserve me in my vocation.
I thank you Lord for my being where you have decided for me to live and spend the rest of my life. Your divine grace is more than enough for me. I continue to leave myself to be the instrument you want me to be. Open my heart to accept your words each day and be my source of strength. Amen.
