This archive report was first published on 14 December 2019.
Irish Nun Patricia Speight Turns Slum Despair into Fountain of Love ¶
Patricia Speight, a Franciscan Missionary Sister from Ireland, has been serving in Kenya for over two decades, bringing hope and love to the marginalized communities in Nakuru.
Her journey began in 1993 when she received a call from her congregational leader to go for missionary work in Africa. She first served in Zimbabwe before arriving in Kenya in 1997, where she was tasked with addressing the needs of the people in informal settlements in Nakuru.
Upon her arrival, she was met with the harsh reality of HIV/AIDS, which was claiming many lives. Despite the challenges, Sister Patricia persevered, earning her the nickname 'HIV sister' for her dedication to providing home-based care to those affected by the disease.
Her work in the slums was not without its challenges, however. She recalls one particularly harrowing experience where she witnessed an HIV-positive man die on a rat-infested bed, which only strengthened her resolve to find a solution to their suffering.
With the help of volunteers, Sister Patricia established the Love and Hope Centre in 2007, which has since expanded its services to include counseling, vocational training, and medical care for the poor and marginalized.
The centre, which is run by the St. Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, has become a sanctuary for battered girls and women, providing them with a safe space to heal and recover from trauma.
Sister Patricia's dedication to her work has not gone unnoticed, with many praising her as a 'determined, inspiring, and transformative person.' Despite the financial challenges she faces, she remains committed to her mission, attributing her success to teamwork and the support of her community.
Today, the Love and Hope Centre continues to be a beacon of hope for the marginalized communities in Nakuru, a testament to Sister Patricia's unwavering commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable.
