Finding Christ in Others: Sr Benedicta Renews Her Religious Vows

In her third renewal of vows, Sr Benedicta Etornam Kpeh reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped her vocation, and on learning to live Hospitality through the Heart of Jesus

For Sr Benedicta Etornam Kpeh, renewing her religious vows for the third time has been an opportunity to look back on her journey, recognise God’s presence in the experiences that have shaped her and renew her commitment to the Hospitaller vocation.

What began as a desire to serve God and others has gradually become a deeper understanding of Hospitality, discovered through prayer, community life and, above all, her encounters with people entrusted to the Sisters’ care.

Her reflection speaks of the importance of being present to others, particularly those experiencing illness, loneliness or vulnerability. It also acknowledges the challenges of religious life and the need to return to the Heart of Jesus for strength when her own is not enough.

As she continues her vocational journey, Sr Benedicta shares her gratitude to the Congregation, the Sisters who have accompanied her and her family, whose prayers and support have remained a constant presence.

In the following testimony, she reflects on what these years have taught her and the commitment she renews with faith and trust.

A Journey of Hospitality, Faith and Service

By Sr Benedicta Etornam Kpeh (HSC)

“The Lord has done great things for me; holy is His name.”

With gratitude and humility, I had the grace of renewing my vows for the third time. This moment has not simply been another step in my religious journey. It has been an opportunity to pause, remember where I began, recognise how far the Lord has brought me and renew once again my desire to live the Hospitaller charism with greater fidelity.

I am grateful to the Congregation, our Delegation, all the Sisters who have helped me throughout my vocational journey, and my family for their continued support and daily prayers.

When I first responded to the call to become a Sister Hospitaller, my desire was to serve God and others. I knew that I was being invited to a life of Hospitality and service, but I did not fully understand the depth of what that call would require of me.

With time, through prayer, community life and encounters with those entrusted to our care, I have come to understand more deeply what it means to live the Hospitaller vocation.

My daily experiences with the Word of God, the Eucharist and Adoration have helped me to identify myself more closely with the Heart of Jesus.

I live these experiences with joy each day by welcoming and loving those around me, especially the sick, the elderly, the lonely and the vulnerable.

Sometimes, without needing many words, I simply spend time with them, allowing their presence to become part of me. These encounters have challenged me to look beyond their immediate needs, to see Christ in them, to listen to their stories and to respect their dignity.

I have come to understand that Hospitality is not only about what we do for others, but also about how we welcome them into our lives.

My journey as a Sister Hospitaller has also made me more aware of my own limitations. There are days when I have the strength and joy to give generously, and there are days when I feel tired, discouraged or uncertain.

I have learnt that I cannot always rely on my own strength. In those moments, I return to the Heart of Jesus, the source of my strength.

All these experiences have also been shaped by our community life, where I have learnt to be patient, humble and understanding, and have realised the importance of being there for one another.

Renewing my vows reminds me to continue renewing my commitment to God, remaining open to His Spirit and allowing His Word to transform me as a Sister Hospitaller. It gives me another opportunity to live the charism of Hospitality more fully.

I am still learning how to trust God completely and allow Him to guide every step of my vocational journey.

I offer my renewed commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Mary, the first Hospitaller, praying that my life may always be a witness to His unconditional love and mercy towards our suffering brothers and sisters.

Sr Benedicta Etornam Kpeh (HSC)