St. Raphael Convent
St. Raphael Convent is a community of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSJ) located in Kamrongo village, under Chiga Parish at Nyamonge Centre. The convent was constructed and completed in 2014, and officially opened on 22nd January 2015 by His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Zaccheaus Okoth Awuor, accompanied by Rev. Fr. George Grima and Rev. Sr. Margaret Aringo, then Superior General.
The name St. Raphael was chosen in honor of a special benefactor, Monsignor Cheffo Ralph.
Foundation and Connection to the Children’s Home
The convent’s establishment was the reason the Children’s Home opened in 2015 rather than 2012, when it had first been prepared to receive children. The presence of sisters was essential to ensure care, nurturing, and safety for the children.
Two sisters—Sr. Teresa Anne Onguso and Sr. Maurice Michael Adhiambo Ochieng—had already been commuting from St. Francis, a sister community, for two years prior to the Home’s opening.
Growth of the Community
- 2017: Sr. Lucy Veronica was posted to St. Raphael Convent.
- 2018: More sisters joined, including Sr. Florence Terence Atieno and Sr. Seraphine Chepngeno Rono, while Sr. Teresa Anne was transferred.
- 2019: Sr. Josina was posted, while Sr. Lucy Veronica was transferred out. Sr. Josina soon left, leaving three sisters in the community.
- 2023: After a long period, God blessed the convent with another member—Sr. Loice Veronica Ogonda.
Life in Community
The sisters live a joyful and united life:
- They work, eat, pray, and recreate together, sharing all things in common.
- Outings and leisure activities are done as a community, strengthening bonds of love and mutual care.
- They support one another in both moments of joy and moments of grief, embodying the essence of religious life.
Spiritual Vision
Community life at St. Raphael Convent reflects the dream of St. Francis, where brothers and sisters live together, sharing everything in love. The sisters see themselves as a cenacle of Apostles, strengthened by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and are deeply grateful for God’s protection and providence.
Our Vision
To radiate joyful love and compassion to the people of God through the ministries of prayer, teaching in all levels of education, care for the orphans, people living with disability, the elderly, widows and widowers, healthcare, youth ministry, catechism and pastoral work, working with marginalized communities, living within communities and ministering to each other through presence, good example, and service.
Our Charism
Joyful love and compassion for all people (Mk 6:34).
Our Core Values
Prayer and inner conversion, kindness, gentleness, humility, compassion for all, and simplicity.
Our Motto
Light to Enlighten.
Life at the Convent
Prayer
Daily communal and personal prayer anchors every moment of our lives and service.
Education
Sisters serve as teachers and mentors, shaping young minds with love and wisdom.
Caregiving
Providing nurturing care to children in our home, offering stability and tenderness.
Community
Reaching out to families and neighbors in need through outreach and pastoral support.
Our Sisters
Sister Maurice Michael
Community Leader
Over 20 years of religious life, guiding our community with wisdom and grace.
Sister Florence Terence Atieno Onjoma
Director of Formation
Educator and spiritual director shaping the next generation of religious life.
Visit Our Convent
We welcome visitors who wish to learn more about our community, join us in prayer, or discover how they can support our mission.