Therese Jammeh Vocation Story

Sister Therese Jammeh, SJC

Currently missioned in The Gambia, West Africa

Sister Therese in the RI Provincial House

My parents were Luka Jammeh and Marie Rose Badjie Jammeh both of blessed memory from Latrikunda German, The Gambia. Out of five children in the family, three are boys and two girls, I am the last child. 

In 1999, I attended a vocation rally in our school, St Peter’s Technical Senior Secondary School at Lamin, The Gambia. After listening to the different inputs, I was inspired to become a religious one-day. As time went on, I forgot about it. After finishing my senior secondary school, I joined the world; enriching myself with money and worldly things. I was so busy with work and was part of a small Christian community building up the kingdom of God in our own locality.

One fine day early 2002, during morning mass, the Gospel reading spoke about the call of Matthew the Levi. The celebrant spoke about vocations to the priesthood, Religious Life etc. I was challenged during his reflection and I asked myself: what is God asking me to do now?

After mass, on my way to work, I happened to meet with three Cluny sisters, they were Srs Marie Simone, Clare Stanley and Bernadette on their way to the novitiate community. I expressed the desire to them to be part of them. The joy in which I was welcomed gave me the courage and zeal to come. They invited me to visit them after work, which I did. Sr. Clare Stanley was on visitation by then.

I did my pre-postulancy and the time came for me to let go of so many things: my family, work, friends etc. It was not easy for my family and work place. At that moment I discovered the plans my family had for me. I had to let go and invite God to be part of my life.

I trusted Him whom I have decided to follow and serve, indeed am grateful for so many graces He has bestowed on me. As I narrate my vocation story, I thank God for my family and all those who have contributed in molding my life. I am proud to be part of the Cluny family. I am happy to meet so many good and generous people along the way and I pray that God will continue to bless you. Thank you Sr. Luke Parker and sisters for every thing during the mission appeals in the summer.