Five Gulu Archdiocese nuns make their perpetual vows

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GULU - Five Catholic nuns at Gulu Archdiocese have made their perpetual vows while 12 others celebrated their anniversaries. 

Rev. Sr Mary Mildred Ajidir,  32, from Pokea Parish, Arua Diocese, was among the five catholic nuns who made a perpetual vow to serve the Lord. 

Joining the congregation in 2015 as an aspirant, Sr Ajidiru revealed that it was not an easy decision, but she was determined to join religious life having studied in mixed and Anglican schools where there were few Catholic students. 

“I was supposed to make my perpetual vow three years ago having stayed for six years in the convent but because of studies, I am making it today I thank the Almighty for this year which is the happiest day in my life.” 

Others include seven who celebrated their silver jubilee, three golden jubilee, and two diamond jubilee. 

Rev. Sr Anastasia Ozitiru, 86, from Lodonga Parish, Yumbe District under Arua Diocese, is the oldest among the 17 nuns who professed their vows on Saturday, January 6, during the 79th Profession of Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu. 

60 years ago, Sr Anastasia along with four other nuns joined the congregation of Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu. 

They had their first profession in 1996, and Golden Jubilee in 2014. However, on Saturday, only two of them made it to the Diamond Jubilee as the other three passed away. 

A professional midwife, Sr Anastasia worked in different health facilities including Fr Ambrosoli Hospital in Kalongo Town Council, Agago District, and Kitgum Mission Hospital in Kitgum District. 

Sr Anastasia who is now living in Legion of Mary, a place where older clergy are taken care of, was over the moon as she celebrated her diamond jubilee along with her colleague, Rev. Sr Mary Agnes Lao from Kitgum Mission under the Gulu Archdiocese. 

She thanked the Almighty for having kept her alive to witness the day. 

The 79th Profession Day was presided over by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese Dr John Baptist Odama who acknowledged the great contribution of women in society. 

According to him, women’s powers should be used to transform society.  

“If all the women in the world combine efforts with Mother Mary under the leadership of Jesus himself, we would make a difference in the world.” 

On January 6 every year, hundreds of the Catholic faithful gather at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Gulu City to witness the profession and renewal of vows by catholic nuns. 

Sr Mary Philomena Okura, 73, from Angal Parish in Nebbi Diocese celebrated her Golden Jubilee during the event, having joined the congregation in 1969 as an aspirant. 

Okura could not hide her joy. According to her, she started praying for this day five years ago for God to grant her good health so that she can live to see the day. 

“It is really amazing to me that I have reached 50 years in the congregation. It appears to me as a dream but it’s a fact. I started preparing myself for this day 5 years ago that I would celebrate it and now it has arrived. On the 7th, I will start making preparations for the diamond jubilee”, she told New Vision. 

On December 8, 2023, the congregation of Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu welcomed 10 new members who made their first profession. 

On that same day, seven novices, five postulants, and three aspirants were also welcomed. 

Among the 10 new members was Sr Mary Mercy Rose Tyan, 23, from Aduku Parish in Lira Diocese. 

Sr Tyan who joined Sisterhood in 2019 as an aspirant, revealed that the day she made her first profession was a dream come true for her as she had been waiting for it all her life.