BUIKWE - The year-long centenary celebrations of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, most commonly referred to as the Catholic Sisters of Nkokonjeru, have been concluded.  

The final celebrations were held at the Sisters’ Mother House at Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday (May 6, 2023).

The thanksgiving mass was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Archbishop Luigi Bianco.

The Little Sisters of St. Francis march in celebration of the centenary of their religious institute during the grand function at their Mother House at Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday, May 6, 2023. (All Photos by Mathias Mazinga)

Catholic Prelates including Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese, Bishop Joseph Eciru of Soroti, Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi, Bishop Emeritus Mathias Ssekamaanya (Lugazi) and several other priests also concelebrated the mass.

The function had many interesting highlights, including a marchpast by different cohorts of the nuns, the awarding of accolades to people who have rendered the congregation exceptional support, the official launching of the construction of the centennial complex and the presentation of accolades to selected friends and benefactors who have supported the congregation in an exceptional way.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo with the Little Sisters of St. Framcis during the offertory procession.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo delivered President Museveni’s congratulatory message and cash donation of sh60m (sixty million shillings), which she handed over to the congregation’s Superior General, Mother Rita Christine Nakitende.

The Little Sisters of St. Francis were founded by Mother Mary Kevin Kearney (an Irish missionary nun) in 1923. 

The nuns, who now number about 800, are mainly involved in Catholic pastoral work, education, health, social services and development. 

The centennial cake that the little Sisters cut in celebration of their centenary.

They man schools such as Mount St. Mary’s College Namagunga, Stella Maris College Nsuube, hospitals such as Kamuli Hospital, Nsambya Hospital, Naggalama Hospital, Nkokonjeru Hospital, Nyenga Hospital. They also run charities in various parts of the country.

The celebrations ran under the theme: Looking at Our Past with Gratitude, Our Present with Passion and Our Future with Hope.

.....................................................

People with disabilities under the charitable care of the Little Sisters of St. Francis gracing the function.

Students from Joginsa, St. Joseph's SS Naggalama and Stella Maris College Nsuube carry offertory during mass.

The Little Sisters of St. Francis get jovial during the celebrations of the centenary of their religious institute at their Mother House at Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

The Chapel of the Little Sisters of St Francis at Nkokonjeru Convent where the centennial celebrations took place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.