UGANDA: Local Congregation in Lira To Mark 50 Years of Existence
Rev. Sr. Sophia Asimwe the Superior General Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church during a Press Conference
The Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) in Lira Diocese is seeking financial support for preparations to mark 50 years of its existence in 2020.
The congregation was the first indigenous Catholic institute to be founded in 1970 by the first Bishop of Lira Diocese, the late Rt. Rev. Ceaser Asili.
Explaining about the budget on 14th August Wednesday, the Superior General of the MSMMC Rev. Sr. Sophia Asimwe said they have planned to construct a memorial Chapel at their Mother House in Ngetta, which will cost approximately USD $180,000 (650 Million Shillings while 50 Million Shillings).
She expressed gratitude to the Christian community whom she said have always supported the Congregation, acknowledging that all this is because of the profound gift of faith that always compels the believers and non-believers to offer their support to the Sisters and the institute at large.
“We are very grateful that we are beginning a journey to remember our foundation as Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church. We are grateful to the Church in Lira, most of all the Bishops who came after the death of our founder Bishop Ceaser Asili. We thank them for giving us the opportunity to continue growing to where we have reached,” said Sr Sophia Asimwe.
The Superior General said because of the support from the native community in Lango since the death of their founder the late Bishop Ceaser Asili in 1988, there has been an increase in vocation among girls joining the institute.
This is due to the positive attitude of the people of Lango who offer their daughters to join the congregation,” she has said.
Mother Superior Asimwe said the celebration meant to show their gratitude to God for the gift of the congregation and to remember their founder, will be guided by the theme; Living the Mission of Christ with Mary, Mother of the Church today.
The Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church are carrying out different ministries in education, health care, social ministry, social communication and Catechesis.
total population of 323 Sisters serving in 21 Dioceses spread in the five countries: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Italy; while 79 are in the formation houses.
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By Isaac Ojok, St. Mary’s National Major Seminary Ggaba
