Eight sisters take perpetual vows at Ggogonya convent

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The congregation of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix-Ggogonya (IHMR) has welcomed eight members who made perpetual vows to serve in the congregation for the rest of their lives.

The Saturday, January 4 function was held under the theme "I am consecrated to work with others to bring the good news to the poor and marginalised" (Luke 4:18).

The Sisters vowed chastity, poverty, and obedience, promising to not only respect the church but also its leaders, such as the Bishops and Superior Generals. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

The Sisters vowed chastity, poverty, and obedience, promising to respect the church and its leaders, such as the Bishops and Superior Generals.

The sisters were Maria Veronica Ndagaano from Buyoga Parish, Catherine Namuddu from Narozali Parish, Gonzaga Kizza Nakubulwa from Kinoni Parish, Fausta Nakibira from Mannya Parish in Masaka Diocese, Cissy Namyalo from Nabbingo Parish, Jacinta Catherine Nanziri from Kireka Parish, Margaret Nalwanga from Ggoli Parish in Kampala Archdiocese, and Sylvia Nakajumba from Bukalamuli Parish in Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.

Jubilee sisters

The perpetual procession also coincided with senior Sisters of the congregation celebrating their golden, diamond, and silver Jubilees.

While preaching, Archbishop Kasujja congratulated the nuns who joined the congregation and the sisters who were celebrating different milestones. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

The sisters who celebrated 25 years of service were Noelina Nanyondo from Kitakyusa Parish in Kampala Archdiocese and Maria Nantege from Bukalamuli Parish in Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese.

Those marking 50 years were Theresa Nabbanja from Nandere Parish in Kasana-Luweero, Cecilia Imeje Naswa from Jinja Parish in Jinja Diocese, Margaret Namirembe from Jinja-Kalooli Parish in Kampala Archdiocese, Agnes Bukirwa from Kitovu Parish in Masaka Diocese, and Gertrude Mugagga Nakate from Kiyinda-Mityana Cathedral Parish.

For the Diamond Jubilee, the celebrants were Specioza Nakiyingi from Bukalamuli Parish in Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Maurice Nakuya from Kalungu Parish in Masaka Diocese, Remigius Nsangi Namwangu from Kisubi Parish, and Catherine Nabagulanyi from Ggoli Parish, both from Kampala Archdiocese.

They were adorned with rings worn on the left hand, a sign that they are servants after the main servant, Jesus Christ.

The occasion was presided over by Emeritus Papal Nuncio to Belgium, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, assisted by Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, chairman of the Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana, Joseph Anthony Zziwa, Monsignors Matthias Kanyerezi from Kasana-Luweero, Charles Kasibante, John Baptist Ssebayigga, Joseph Kasule from Masaka Diocese, and several priests from different dioceses in Uganda.

Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, other bishops and parents congratulate the sisters after taking their vows. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

Other dignitaries included superior generals of different congregations, Wakiso district chairman Matia Lwanga Bwanika, guests from Italy, Busiro South MP Charles Matovu, parents, and guardians, among others.

While preaching, Archbishop Kasujja congratulated the nuns who joined the congregation and the sisters who were celebrating different milestones in the congregation.

He explained that the day is usually led by the Archbishop of Kampala, under whose jurisdiction the Ggogonya Congregation Mother House falls, but this time, he was invited to celebrate the Mass. "This reminds me that I am touched by this congregation as a person who took the congregation to Algeria, where I served as Papal Nuncio."

“This day has given me a chance to thank this congregation for accepting me to serve in Algeria. It is a Muslim country. I worked there for eight years, but the Ggogonya sisters have worked in that country for 27 years now,” he added.

Kasujja thanked the sisters who joined the congregation and their parents and guardians who supported them.

He urged them always to be good examples to inspire many to join, noting that some religious people want to "address earthly attire, compete with the worldly, and take alcohol." "Let’s always emulate St Paul, who gives us a good example."

Kasujja also advised them to live a clear, humble life and focus on serving God, saying, "Once a vow is made, it is binding."

The Sisters vowed chastity, poverty, and obedience, promising to not only respect the church but also its leaders, such as the Bishops and Superior Generals. (Photo by Juliet Anna Lukwago)

The Superior General, Sister Speranza Namusisi, thanked the parents for their continuous support of the sisters. She encouraged the new sisters to remain faithful in serving the Lord.

She thanked the parents for sacrificing their daughters to serve the Lord and advised the religious women to remain strong in carrying the cross of Jesus Christ.

The Ggogonya Sisters is a diocesan rite founded in 1927 with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by Archbishop Henri Streicher (WF), Sr. Maria Majella Nambi, and Archbishop Louis Joseph Cabana (WF).