Ten members of the Little Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (LSOSF) have made their perpetual vows of commitment to serve the Lord all their lives, eleven have renewed their vows after serving for 25 years in service, and five have also renewed their 50 years’ commitment and determination to continue serving the Lord, at a colourful celebration held at Nkokonjeru Motherhouse in Buikwe district.
The main celebrant, the Bishop of Lugazi Diocese, Christopher Kakooza in company of the Superior General, Sr. Ritah Christine Nakitende led the brides as they were taking their vows, prayed for and blessed them, and declared them as fresh brides of the Lord.
The five who celebrated their golden jubilee are; Sr. Mary Pauline Namuddu, Sr. Mary Antonia Namuli, Sr. Teopista Namirembe, Sr. Anne Christine Auma and Sr. Stephania Nalubowa, while those who celebrated their silver jubilee include; Sr. Jane Harriet Nansubuga, Sr. Mary Harriet Nakkazi, Sr. Mary Olive Achan, Sr. Mary Anthony Luyiga, Sr. Mary Josephine Namuddu Namugerwa, Sr. Rosemary Kakwezi, Sr. Mary Susan Tibasiima, Sr. Mary Christine Nakayiza, Sr. Mary Madrine Mukaluziga, Sr. Mary Bernadette Nakubulwa and Sr. Mary Florence Nalumu.
The ten who made their perpetual vows include; Sr. Mary Harriet Alako, Sr. Mary Susan Namuliika, Sr. Mary Resty Namusobya, Sr. Mary Bernadette Nambogo, Sr. Mary Bernadette Nawajji, Sr. Mary Betty Namusabi, Sr. Patricia Among Tendo, Sr. Beatrice Harriet Ajero, Sr. Mary Sylvia Namono and Sr. Glorious Turyansigura.
The function was attended by the Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere who handed them the Papal Blessings, and contributed over one million shillings towards the construction of the Centenary Building under construction at Nkokonjeru.
Archbishop Ssemogerere thanked the jubilarians and vow makers for the commitment to unreservedly serve the Lord and thanked religious leaders countrywide for standing with the Lord’s brides to this level.
The Superior General of the LSOSF, Sr. Ritah Christine Nakitende appealed to the jubilarians and those who made vows afresh to always maintain their commitment.
Sr. Nakitende reminded them that their jubilee celebrations carry an integral part of the jubilees of the international church, and added that the time they have been in service is a long spell emphasizing their commitment and fidelity.
Sr. Mary Pauline Namuddu who spoke on behalf of the brides attributed their perseverance to this stage to God’s grace and the guiding hand of Bishop Kakooza. Sr. Namuddu said they continue to offer themselves as gifts of God.
She appealed to parents to surrender more of their children to God’s service, saying there is a vacuum in God’s service when it comes to reverend Sisters and Fathers. Quoting the scriptures, she said that there is a lot to harvest but workers to do the work are insufficient.
The function has also been graced by two other bishops, Lawrence Mukasa of Kasana-Luweero diocese and Joseph Oliach Eciru of Soroti diocese. Hundreds of Priests, Sisters and Christians across the country and the neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania were also in attendance.
