📸 Sisters make perpetual vows, called to love and serve

CATHOLICS | NUNS | VOWS 

Catholic nuns have taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience; the three evangelical counsels of perfection in Christianity.

The congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix (IHMR) Ggogonya received 5 new sisters. 

Sisters before their Perpetual vows as Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix (IHMR) Ggogonya on Sunday January 2, 2022. (All Photos by Juliet Lukwago)

15 made their perpetual professions vows, while 2 celebrated 50 years and three 25 years in convent.

The colourful ceremony was, Sunday led by Archbishop of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, assisted by bishop of Masaka, Serverus Jjumba, Retired bishop of Lugazi, Matthias Ssekamaanya, Monsignors, Charles Kasibante, John Baptist Ssebayigga, Joseph Mukasa from Masaka and several priests from different Dioceses and Parishes.

The Archbishop-electect of Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, and retired Bishop of Lugazi, Matthias Ssekamaanya bless the congregation after the Holy Mass at Ggogonya.

They are from the diocese of Masaka, Hoima, Kiyinda-Mityana and Kampala Archdiocese and Archdiocese of Mbarara.

Three nuns received blessings from Pope Francis after 25 years of sisterhood. 

These were Maria Theresa Nakyanzi, Elizabeth Namatovu, Angella Merci Tibesigwa Nagujja.

Others who received Papal blessings after celebrating Golden Jubilee were; Sister Maria Clement Namayanja and Maria Benedicta Mukuma Nalukenge.

In the same mass, 15 sisters made perpetual vows, and these included Maria Namayanja from Kitovu Parish, Veronica Nabayunga from Bikira Parish, Immaculate Nabikesa from Makondo Parish, Gorretti Nassali in Kyamuliibwa Parish, Antwanita Nakawooya Nakato from Kinoni Parish, Restetuta Namyalo from Buyoga Parish, all in Masaka Diocese. 

Others from Kampala Archdiocese were; Maria Immaculate Namujju, from Nkozi Parish, Sylvia Nakabitto from Nsambya Parish, Rose Namuyiga from Muduuma Parish and Agnes Nampijja from Gombe Parish.  

Maria Nakimbugwe from Kisoga Parish, in Lugazi Diocese, Lylian Nsaba Atusasire from Mbarara Archdiocese, Maria Jenifer Apio from St Cyprian Town Parish, Theresa Nangozi from Kakumiro Parish both in Hoima Diocese also made perpetual vows.   

Steps, stages and formation of perpetual vows for women 

"Formation" refers to the process of discernment women follow before making a lifetime commitment to a particular religious community. 

While the length of the steps vary and are shaped by each community's distinct tradition, the process of discerning a call both to religious life and a particular community is similar.

The process can take a decade or more. 

Certain stages have canonical requirements, meaning they are subject to church law, but communities have some discretion about the length of the discernment process.

Novitiate

When a woman enters the novitiate, she is known as a novice and is called "Sister."

The canonical novitiate is a year dedicated to prayer, exploring the meaning of the vows and delving more deeply into religious life and the charism (unique spirit or character) of the community.

Some communities add an additional year to the novitiate during which the sister engages in ministry.

Temporary vows

After this time of prayer, study and community life, the novice professes temporary vows, commonly called first vows. 

These are canonically binding for a particular length of time, often ranging from one to three years. 

During this time, the sisters engage in ministry and live in community. At the end of this period, the vows can be renewed.

Perpetual vows

Perpetual vows, commonly called final vows, are professed anytime three to nine years after temporary vows. 

The time may vary according to the tradition of the community. Perpetual vows are professed for life.