UGANDA: Remain Where You Are, Says Bishop Wanok to Newly Professed Sisters
Novices of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church(MSMMC) during their first profession in Mother house Ngetta Convent
Fr Isaac Ojok
Ten novices from the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church on Friday 8th December 2023 made their first profession to Sisterhood in a solemn celebration presided over by the Rt. Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok the bishop of Lira diocese.
The candidates who made their first profession in Religious life are Sr Everlyn Nakoru, Sr Mary Adiaka from Moroto Diocese, Sr Esther Akumu from Gulu Archdiocese, Sr Oliver Acen from Dokolo Parish in Lira Diocese, Sr Judith Agaba and Sr Annet Kirabo from Mbarara Archdiocese including others.
During the profession that took place at Ngetta Mother House, the 10 Sisters made the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience respectively. Presiding over the celebration, the bishop of Lira Diocese Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok thanked the parents for allowing their children to dedicate their lives to serve God in the Church.
Bishop Wanok mentioned that giving children to serve in the Church as Religious Sisters can be compared to the gift given to God in return, something he said should be emulated by others.
He said that we are challenged by God and that the family members have seen it all that their daughters decided to travel all the way from various places in Uganda to join Religious Life.
“When you are blessed by God, two things happen: you assume a new life He has given you, and He gives you the power to be you and overcome sin”, he said during homily.
He said that God gave this new life directly to those He called like Abraham but to us He gives it through baptism where we get the power of the new life in Christ.
“What is being celebrated today is the foundation of the miracle in the Garden of Eden where we are given free will to choose where we want to be, just like our candidates who are now Sisters have chosen wisely to remain in praise and worship before the Lord,” the Bishop said.
He went on to note that all those who have joined religious life should continue where they are especially in praise and worship to enable them be in constant dialogue with God just like blessed Virgin Mary.
According to bishop Wanok, evangelization is becoming difficult in the world because many people are running away from the voice of God. For him, this is the reason why there is need for prayers for the success of all ministries in the Church.
Speaking before the congregation, the newly professed Sisters thanked their Superiors for their motherly support accorded from the inception of their formation despite challenges they encountered such as the Covid-19 lockdown among others.
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