ACWECA: President Calls for Hard Work
Former ACWECA President (right) handing Over Candle to the new President
By Sr. Helen Kasaka, LSMI
The president of the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) Sr. Grace Kyomugisha has called for hard work among members of the association so that its mandate is achieved.
Sr. Kyomugisha said this when she assumed office on October 24 2024 at ACWECA’s secretariat in Nkoroi, Nairobi.
“Even though I am aware that this goal has been achieved in many ways, I am urging you to do more. We are here for a reason,” the president said.
“It is a lifelong process to have that empowered religious consecrated person and I wish that vision would enter our hearts and minds so that in everything we do, we are looking at empowering a religious sister, empowering humanity, and the nation at large,” she added.
She said empowering a religious consecrated woman is a lifelong journey which calls for innovative ways of such empowerment.
Sr. Kyomugisha thanked the outgoing president, Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, sister of the Holy Spirit from Zambia and her vice, Sr. Agnes Cecilia Jonas, a Teresian Sister from Malawi for their simplicity and encouragement.
“I consider it an honor from God and I am prepared to make a difference in the lives of the sisters in ACWECA,” the president said.
She also pledged to collaborate with the new board members.
While acknowledging that resources are scarce, Sr. Kyomugisha advised staff members to consider ACWECA as one body in their planning and not a regional entity.
The outgoing president, Sr. Sakayombo, commended the staff at the secretariat for their commitment and hard work during her three year tenure.
“It is impossible for ACWECA to succeed without you in the secretariat. Continue with the good work,” she said, urging the staff to give support to the new president.
The outgoing vice president Sr. Jonas echoed the remarks by the former president.
Speaking on behalf of the secretariat staff, Sr. Christine Mwangi, coordinator of Leadership for Mission commended the outgoing team and welcomed the new team.
“We look forward to working with you to continue serving the Sisters and we’re willing to push ACWECA to the next level with your guidance and leadership.
We are therefore excited and grateful that you agreed despite your congregation’s other obligations. Through participation, communion, and mission, we may do more for the Church, the sisters, and God’s people in the spirit of synodality” Sr.Mwangi said
