Sr. Mary Goretty Ochieng, superior general of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, issued a statement Sept. 8 acknowledging harm caused when one of their members physically assaulted a younger sister inside a convent in western Kenya.
by Doreen Ajiambo
A viral video showing a nun physically assaulting a younger sister inside St. Theresa's Convent in western Kenya has drawn widespread outrage and prompted a public statement from the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, who condemned the incident as a serious breach of their values.
The congregation has not released the names of the sisters involved. The video — confirmed by church officials as showing the incident — shows a nun slapping the younger sister several times while the victim protests. The younger sister can be heard saying, "Why are you beating me in front of workers? What have I done, Sister? Just beat me, Sister."
The brief video, filmed in what appears to be a common area of the convent, shows bystanders nearby as both women exchange words. The younger sister eventually steps back; the aggressor also retreats, vowing to teach her a lesson, bringing the confrontation to an abrupt end.
The incident took place in a convent in Homa Bay, a town on the south shore of Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, in western Kenya.
In a statement issued Sept. 8, Superior General Sr. Mary Goretty Ochieng acknowledged the harm and scandal caused by the incident and pledged that the congregation is taking disciplinary action.
"The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph have become aware of a deeply regrettable incident involving one of our members physically assaulting a younger Sister, a clip of which has circulated widely on social media," the statement read.
"This action is a personal failing and does not represent the values of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. We deeply regret the harm caused to the Sister involved, as well as the scandal and pain this incident has caused to our Congregation, the Church, and the public."
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The congregation emphasized that its "charism is joyful love, and compassion," adding that "violence in any form is contrary to our way of life."
The case is now in the hands of the congregation's leadership. The Superior General is required to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the incident constitutes a canonical offense.
Under the Code of Canon Law — the universal legal system of the Catholic Church — disciplinary measures against a member of a religious institute can include penances, restrictions and dismissal from the order.
While outrage continues in social media discussions, some voices from the wider church are urging the public to temper judgment with compassion, with sisters telling GSR that those who see the video need to remember sisters are also ordinary women who make mistakes.
Meanwhile, the Franciscan Sisters asked for public support as they move through what they called a painful moment.
"We ask for prayers for those directly affected and for our Congregation as a whole as we seek healing and reconciliation," the statement concluded.
