Sr Philippine Stamp IBVM - Another Loreto Legend passes on.

Sr Philippine Stamp IBVM

The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, speaking at the opening of the centenary celebrations of Loreto in Kenya recently, commended the Loreto Sisters for their selfless contribution to various sectors in the East African nation in what he described as "incredible Christian ministry."

"I commend the Loreto Sisters for a century of incredible Christian ministry, education in our country and also to the social ministry and other works of Mercy they have conducted for the last 100 years,"

"Loreto's training has contributed immeasurably to the creative and performing arts, to politics, governance, religion and theology, environmental protection, community service, among many fields."

Their contribution is "linked in their alumni, who include a President, Bishops, scientists, leaders in government, academia, legal minds, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, sportsmen and women."

One of those responsible for this achievement was Sr Philippine. She arrived in Kenya in 1947 just after the war. She led Loreto Valley Rd, one of the other pioneer schools, for a few decades, where the President himself was a pupil.

Bubbling with humour even at 100, she remained updated on current affairs. Her sister, Mother Hildegard, was the principal of the primary school at Loreto on the Green in Dublin for many years and another sister was superior in Loreto, Foxrock in Dublin. This was quite a contribution from an Enniscorthy family punching above their weight.

The President continued, "Judging from its history, I am confident that every girl, every boy privileged to attend a Loreto institution becomes uniquely fit to face the challenges and exploit the opportunities of our fast-changing world."

Kenya's Head of State implored that as the Loreto Sisters in Eastern Africa Province begin the celebrations of 100 years of a "proud history and tradition," the members "will plant the seeds of even greater glory and success."

He further challenged the Loreto Sisters in Kenya to "preserve the history, icons, and artefacts" of Loreto at Loreto Msongari, as a way of giving the "future generations the full breadth and perspective of the great story that is Loreto."

Although unintended, the words of the President could well have served a eulogy for Sr Philippine who contributed so much to that history.

She is the third Loreto sister, all of similar age, to pass on in a matter of weeks. It is as though they waited for the centenary celebrations to begin so as to catch a glimpse of this historical event.

There is a short interview with Sr Philippine at: https://youtu.be/wuuRthp_80c