Sr. Nyirumbe is winner of Polish humanitarian award
Nov 01, 2016
The Rev. Sr. Dr. Rosemary Nyirumbe, 60, is a member of the Catholic Religious Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who have their provincial house in Moyo.
Rev. Sr. Dr. Rosemary Nyirumbe has become the pioneer winner of the Award of Splendour of Truth (Ventatis Splendor), a humanitarian award that has been established by the Catholic Archdiocese of Krakow and the regional government of the Province of Malopolska, in Poland. It is given to people who do extra-ordinary humanitarian works, which also supersede culture and religion.
It was instituted to honour the legacy of Saint Pope John Paul II in the promotion of world peace, love and inter-religious dialogue. Nyirumbe beat four other nominees to win the award, which was given to her on October 17, 2016, in Poland. Nyirumbe's victory also won for her a personal audience with Pope Francis.
Who is Sr. Nyirumbe
The Rev. Sr. Dr. Rosemary Nyirumbe, 60, is a member of the Catholic Religious Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who have their provincial house in Moyo. She was born in Paidha, Zombo district. She has been involved in social and health work for over 2 decades.
Sr Nyirumbe, third left, with her big sister Hon Catherine Mavenjina and fellow nuns upon her arrival at Entebbe Airport on Saturday
She is most remembered for her courageous/dynamic health services to the people of northern Uganda, during the very challenging war-period, in the 80s and 90s. She treated many people from bullet wounds, rehabilitated girls who escaped from Kony's captivity and also educated their children. Nyirumbe holds a Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs' University, Nkozi.
She also has a Master's Degree in Leadership for Human Development, from Duquesne University, Italy. Nyirumbe currently runs St. Monica Girls Tailoring School, in Gulu, where she also started a secondary school and a kindergarten, basically for formerly abducted girls and their children.
Further Achievements
Sr. Nyirumbe received the CNN Heroes Award (as a community crusader) in 2007. She also received the UN Women Award in 2013. Nyirumbe further received the Time Magazine Super Hero Award (for the 100 most influential people in the world).
She received the award with Pope John Paul II, in 2014. TV 2000, a Television Channel of the Episcopal Conference of Italy shot a movie, Sewing Hope, which highlights the life and humanitarian activities of Sr. Nyirumbe.
Sr. Nyirumbe also holds Honorary Doctoral Degrees from the Italian University of Duqusne and the University of De Paul in Chicago. She said of her achievement: "This is my miracle from Saint Pope John Paul II. I share it with the Church, the state and all Ugandans." Nyirumbe received a heroic welcome on his return to Uganda on Saturday.