UGANDA: Be Guided by the Star of Christ, Bishop Kirabo to Religious Women in the Church.
Bishop Kirabo with the jubilarians and Religious who made their perpetual vows
Masereka Peter
It was all joy and jubilation on Epiphany as eight Sisters of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus popularly known as “Banyatereza Sisters” made their perpetual profession in the congregation and others celebrated Jubilees with a call to evidently be guided by the star like the biblical three wise men.
The eight Religious Sisters who professed chastity, poverty and obedience include Rev. Fr. Olive Kabugho Komukendo from Nsenyi Parish in the Diocese of Kasese; Sr. Rosset Mucunguzi Akiiki, Sr. Petrosneus Keneema Amooti and Sr. Consolate Kanuel Akiiki from Fort-Portal Diocese; Sr. Lillian Kwetegereza Amooti and Sr. Faustina Nsiimenta Atwooki from Hoima Diocese, and Sr. Nonatira Businge from Mbarara Archdiocese and Sr. Esther Wambugu from Kenya.
The seven who celebrated their Silver Jubilee include Sr. Dr. Monica Abitegeka Abooki, Sr. Jacinta Mbambu and Sr. Restetuta Katusabe Akiiki among others.
In his homily while representing the Ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese Rt. Rev. Robert Muhirwa, Bishop Vincent Kirabo Amooti the Ordinary of Hoima Diocese encouraged the jubilarians to be guided by Christ and use their vocation to lead souls to salvation than to be misled by Herod.
On the Sisters making their final vows, Bishop Kirabo commended them for the courage, discernment and deep sense of calling, making a solemn commitment to embrace their vocation wholeheartedly, dedicating their life to the service of God and his people. He further said that the decision to make final vows is a testament of unwavering faith, trust and love for God.
“As you embark on this new chapter, may you be filled with the grace and strength needed to fulfill the sacred mission” said Bishop Muhirwa.
Bishop Muhirwa prelate asked all believers in Christ to honor and celebrate the achievements.
“Let us also remember the challenges the jubilarians have faced along the way. The journey has not been without trials, but their resilience, perseverance and unwavering trust in God carried them through.
The Banyatereza Mother General Rev. Sr. Seraphine Kaitesirwa urged the Christians to continue supporting the Religious in prayers and allowing their daughters to join the ministry of Christ. She thanked the parents, relatives and all people of God will who have accompanied them for their journey of faith and allowing them to serve God and His People.
To the jubilarians, she said he rejoices with them as they mark a significant anniversary in their Religious journey, the years of faithful service, selfless sacrifice, and steadfast devotion that have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
“Through unwavering commitment, they have embodied the essence of love, compassion and faith. Their jubilee is a testament to the transformative power of a life lived in service to God and humanity, he said.
On his part, Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo, the Vicar General of Fort Portal Diocese called for collaborated efforts towards positive parenting for the good of the church and society.
Msgr. Mayombo who asked the Christian community to continue praying for the Ordinary of the Diocese of Fort Portal who is still on treatment congratulated the Sisters for their accomplishments and offered his heartfelt congratulations, saying may the jubilee and final vows be a source of immense joy, fulfillment and spiritual growth.
“May God continue guiding and strengthening them as you continue to serve Him and His people,” he prayed.
The State Minister of Local Government, Hon. Victoria Rusoke commended the congregation for the work well done in building the capacity of the Religious women for the service of Christ.
Some of jubilant including Sr. Jacinta Mbambu and Sr. Restetuta Katusabe thanked God, the congregation and Christians for journeying with them.
The Mass attracted priests from Kasese, Hoima, Kabale and Mbarara dioceses, Kenya and Rwanda among other countries. END
