The grand celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, which took place at the Sisters’ Mother House at Nkokonjeru (Buikwe district) last Saturday (May 6, 2023) had many interesting scenes that those who attended it will never forget.

One memorable marvel of the function was the spectacle of a massive number of Franciscan nuns gathered together, singing, dancing, and also marching in celebration of the centenary of their fruitful existence.

It was also beautiful to see Christians such as Prof. George D’Arbela, Col. Charles Oluka, Prof. Matia Kiwanuka Ssemakula, students, people with disabilities, etc, who are direct beneficiaries of the holistic ministry of the Franciscan nuns.

The Little Sisters of St. Francis carrying offertory during the thanksgiving mass for the centenary of their religious institute at their Mother House in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Children’s music/drama ensembles from schools such as Stella Maris College Nsuube and the brass ensemble from Nyenga Minor Seminary also added colour to the function.

The Little Sisters of St. Francis lead the singing during the thanksgiving mass for the centenary of their religious institute at their Mother House at Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

There was also unprecedented joy as the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luigi Bianco presented the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Francis to the reigning Superior General of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, Mother Rita Christine Nakitende.

The Superior General of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, Mother Rita Christine Nakitende presents a reward to some of the congregation's benefactors.

The presentation of accolades of appreciation to selected 50 people who have given extraordinary support to the Little Sisters of St Francis was also a moment to remember.

The brass ensemble from Nyenga Minor Seminary playing religious hymns during the function.

The presence of many Catholic priests and Prelates including Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese, Bishop Christopher Kakooza of Lugazi, Bishop Mathias Ssekamanya (Emeritus, Lugazi) and Bishop Joseph Eciru of Soroti also gave the function added dignity.

Leaders of the Little Sisters of St. Francis take a photo moment with their friends and benefactors from abroad.

Catholic priests in procession for the thanksgving mass of the centennial celebration of the Little Sisters of St. Francis at the Sisters' Mother House in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo and Hon. Godfrey Kabyanga share a photo moment with the leaders of the Little Sisters of St. Francis and the Catholic Prelates who graced their centennial function.

Mother Rita Christine Nakitende kneels down as she receives the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Francis from Archbishop Luigi Bianco.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (third-left), Mother Rita Christine Nakiende (sixth-left), Archbishop Luigi Bianco (wearing a black suit), Archbishop Paul Ssemogeerre (second-left) and Bishop Christopher Kakooza (fourth-left) cut cake in celebration of the centenary of the religious institute of the Little Sisters of St. Francis at the Sisters' Mother House in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe district on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo (left) exposes her award as Bishop Christopher Kakooza (second-left), Archbishop Luigi Bianco (third-left) and Mother Rita Christine Nakitende look on.

Pupils from Stella Maris Primary School, carry the Holy Book in an improvised canoe in imitation of the pioneer Franciscan missionary Sisters.

Prof. Paul George D'Arbela (left) receives an accolade of appreciation from Mother Rita Christine Nakitende as other awardees look on.