UGANDA: Great Joy as Religious Women Make Perpetual Profession in Lira Diocese, Uganda
Fr Isaac Ojok
It was all joy and jubilation on the first day of the New Year 2024 at the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) in Uganda’s Lira Diocese when ten Religious women made their perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
Additionally on this day, religious Sisters especially the pioneers who marked Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations in religious life were also honored for the services rendered to God’s people.
The celebration of the religious profession of sisters coming from different regions in Uganda attracted political, civil, and cultural leaders including other dignitaries who graced the occasion.
Rt. Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Bishop of Uganda’s Lira diocese who presided over the celebration was joined by other bishops; Most Reverend John Baptist Odama of Gulu Archdiocese, Rt Rev Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua diocese, Rt Rev Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana Luwero diocese and Rt Rev Dominic Eibu (MCCJ) of Kotido diocese and priests in the Province.
During his homily, Bishop Wanok the host thanked the parents of the Sisters for dedicating their children to embrace religious life in serving God and the church.
The Bishop noted that celebrating the Religious profession of Sisters at the beginning of the year comes with blessings received from God.
He narrated that the blessing is received by those who come in contact with God, a favor which should not be missed by anyone because a blessing gives real clothing from God which is derived from mercy and made possible through deep obedience observed by the recipient.
“Let God clothe you in that blessing as an individual so that one can praise and see the wonders in life”, the bishop said during the homily.
Bishop Wanok also told the congregation that religious institutes are set for the reason that the mystery of God is communicated to His people in praise of worship.
In his address, the bishop encouraged the sisters to carry out their mission in humility and alertness just like the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph who were attentive listeners of God’s voice for them to succeed in the ministries.
Bishop also challenged the priests and the religious to refrain from hiding the identity of the priesthood of Christ that is inherent in them.
He concluded the homily by asking the congregation to pray for the institute so that it may remain firm in the formation of candidates for religious life in the Lira Diocese and the church at large.
On this occasion, different speakers commended the Sisters for their dedication to serving and transforming the lives of the people of God in Uganda and beyond.
Rt. Rev Sabino Ochan Odoki, the Bishop of Arua diocese in North Western Uganda while giving his speech at the same function appealed to parents to nurture and promote vocations to priesthood and religious life to carry out the ministry of Christ among the people of God in the church.
Bishop Odoki appreciated the commitment of religious Sisters in the sectors of education, health, social works, catechesis, and others that are transforming the lives and areas they are serving.
The Institute of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of church was founded in 1970 by the first bishop of Lira diocese Rt Rev Caesar Asili (RIP). Since then, the existence and the growth of the congregation have left significant impacts in the lives of the people.
Sisters under the institute are currently serving in Uganda and countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan including Italy.
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