By Staff Writer
WINDHOEK, Jan. 7 — Namibia is experiencing a significant increase in religious vocations, creating an urgent need for the proper theological and spiritual formation of sisters. Responding to this call, Sr. Anne Arabome, SSS, has founded the Sophia Institute for Theological Studies and Spiritual Formation, the first centre of its kind in Namibia, to empower Catholic women in their vocation.
Ongoing theological and spiritual formation training is now available for major superiors in Windhoek, addressing the growing demand for accessible education among religious women in the region. According to the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2023, Africa has seen sustained growth in religious vocations. While this trend is encouraging, it highlights the profound need for programs that provide a solid foundation in theology, Scripture, spirituality, and leadership skills for Catholic women who often lack access to pastoral higher education.
“Women religious dedicate their lives to serving Christ and supporting marginalized communities. It is essential that they have the tools and knowledge needed to fulfil their mission effectively,” Sr. Anne said.
Sr. Anne, a member of the Sisters of Social Service of Los Angeles, describes the Sophia Institute as an embodiment of her congregation’s charism, which emphasizes active engagement in the social mission of the Church and a deep awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the world.
Returning to Africa after years of ministry in the United States, Sr. Anne felt a strong sense of calling to empower African women religious through innovative opportunities for formation, rooted in African values and principles of spirituality.
“I have always felt called by God to support women’s religion. This call brought me back to Africa, specifically Namibia and southern Africa,” she shared.
Sr. Anne lamented the limited opportunities for theological and spiritual formation available to many sisters in the region. “There are so many gifted, talented, and passionate women religious in Africa who are deeply committed to the Church’s mission. They deserve robust support for their spiritual, theological, and leadership growth,” she said.
The Sophia Institute already offers virtual programs designed to reach women in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, all at minimal financial cost. One key program focuses on training women to guide others in religious life, equipping them with the skills to mentor younger sisters.
Sr. Anne brings a wealth of experience to this initiative. She holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from the University of Roehampton (UK) and a Doctorate in Ministry and Spirituality from Catholic Theological Union (Chicago). She has served as Associate Director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University and as a faculty member at Hekima University College in Nairobi, teaching anthropology, spirituality, and religious life.
In addition to her work in Namibia, Sr. Anne coordinates an intercultural living and theological studies program for African women in collaboration with the Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.
“I am deeply passionate about ministry, social justice, and the spiritual lives of African women, with a particular focus on Ignatian spirituality,” she said. Her work incorporates synodal values, emphasizing collaboration and inclusion in the formation process.
Reflecting on the future, Sr. Anne shared her aspirations for the Sophia Institute: “My dream is to empower African women religious and their communities through creative and contextualized theological reflection, spiritual accompaniment, and Ignatian retreats.”
“This is an exciting journey,” she added. “I feel the presence of a greater force guiding me as I accompany women religious on their path of formation, fulfilling the social mission of the Church.”
