The Sophia Institute for Theological Studies and Spiritual Formation is dedicated to empowering African women religious through theological education, leadership training, and spiritual formation. Arabome, returning to Africa after years of ministry in the United States, recognized the urgent need for such an initiative to support the growing number of religious vocations in Africa.
The Sophia Institute aims to equip women religious with the necessary skills to serve marginalized communities and promote social justice. Arabome: I would say the inspiration to establish Sophia Institute is part of a realization of a deeply held conviction that goes back to my childhood as a cradle Catholic.
It came to me in many different ways — through the faith of my parents and my family; through the example of the nuns, some who were my teachers; and through my own interior experience of God. This call took me to the United States of America where I met and joined the Sisters of Social Service, studied, and worked in various ministries.
It is this call that has brought me back to Africa, specifically to Namibia and Southern Africa. In this part of Africa, the religious women have limited opportunities for formation in theological studies and spirituality. I feel called to help change that by developing various programs, opportunities, and activities that are tailored to the needs of women religious in Africa so that they can thrive in their mission and ministry.
Can you share some of the unique African values and principles that you incorporate into the formation programs at the Sophia Institute? First of all, the vision of Sophia Institute is to form women and men alive in the Spirit and thriving in Ministry. It is that simple: It is about people — how to support their dreams for spiritual growth, empower them to succeed, and motivate them to flourish in their religious life.
