The Founding Mission of Our Congregation
The Nazareth Sisters of the Annunciation is a religious congregation founded with a twofold mission. The first aim of our Congregation is the glory of God and the sanctification of our members, achieved through faithful observance of the evangelical counsels. We enter and remain in the Congregation for this very purpose—dedicating ourselves with supernatural joy and generous hearts to the service of the Church.
The second aim is to serve the people of God through social apostolate, especially among women, youth, and children, following the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Our Congregation was founded during the turbulent MAU MAU period in Kenya, a time when women bore the heaviest burdens within their families. Deeply moved by their suffering, Bishop Lawrence Bessone responded to the call of the Holy Spirit—voiced through six young women who longed to dedicate their lives to God’s service.
Recognizing this divine prompting, Bishop Bessone founded the Congregation with a vision of opening the Church in Meru and beyond to the gift of religious apostolic life for women. His goal was to empower these women to reach out to families and uplift the dignity of women, youth, and children through faith and compassionate service.
Our Devotion and Mission in Service
We embrace the spirit of the Holy Family of Nazareth of self- bandonment to the will of God at all times.
Our Congregation is placed under the protection of Our Lady of Nazareth in the mystery of the Annunciation. We thus consecrate to her our own being, and our works, taking for our motto her response to God “ecce ancilla domini” i.e. Behold
the handmaid of the Lord (Lk.1:38). We endeavour to emulate her promptness in the practice of charity and of the apostolates that we carry out.
We promote human dignity, and empower the poor and the vulnerable in the society, especially women, youth and children, through pastoral and social ministries.
- Obedience.
- Humility.
- Fraternal charity.
- Hospitality.
- Respect.
- Simplicity.
- Honesty.
- Prayer.
- Faithfulness.
- Team work.
- Joy.
- Excellence.
We endeavour to proclaim and witness God’s love to all people, in the spirit of Nazareth Family, for the glory of God and self-sanctification.
OUR FOUNDER
We Live to Glorify God in All We Do
Rt. Rev. Lawrence Victor Bessone was a Consolata Missionary (born in Vigone in Italy), who became the first Bishop of Meru on 3 rd March 1954. A year after his consecration, he founded our Congregation, on 8 th December 1955. His motto was “all for God’s glory” and called upon us (NSA) to live our life giving God glory in everything.
Some of his other sayings are: Remain joyful in the Lord, Live a quality life (quantity is irrelevant without quality) and Keep cleanness, as it reflects the inner purity.
Caring for Our Elderly
Our elderly sisters are the foundation of the Congregation—their wisdom, experience, and guidance are invaluable to younger sisters and those in formation.Despite their lifetime of service, many lack access to proper nutrition and basic medical care.
Currently, there is no retirement home to support their well-being. We are committed to honoring them by seeking ways to provide the care and comfort they truly deserve.