Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel take perpetual vows

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Three Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel have perpetually professed their vows at a colourful function held at Kyabirikwa Mother House in Kabingo town council, Isingiro district.

Three other sisters, Prossy Naturinda, Adrofina F Bikula and Dr Winfred Tugumisirize celebrated 25 years of service, while Sapientia Kisembo marked her golden jubilee, and Franciska Kamazooba celebrated a platinum jubilee of 75 years of devoted service.

The Archbishop of Mbarara, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, was the main celebrant at the liturgical celebrations held on April 26, 2026, on the feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

The spirit-filled celebration, began with Holy Mass and attracted hundreds of believers from different parts of the archdiocese and beyond.

The ceremony was marked by rich liturgy and uplifting gospel songs, drawing congregants closer to God.

In his message, Archbishop Lambert congratulated the sisters and thanked them for choosing a life devoted to serving God.

He used the platform to call for faithfulness in families. “It is a glorious day the Lord has given us today to celebrate not just milestones but giving testimonies of God’s grace at work in ordinary lives like ours," the Archbishop stated.

Addressing jubilarian Sr Kamazooba, the Archbishop described her as a role model whose journey should inspire other sisters. He noted that she has guided generations and is currently engaged in beekeeping.

Gervase Ndyanabo, the deputy managing director and company secretary of Vision Group and head of laity in the Catholic Church of Uganda, was among the dignitaries who witnessed the ceremony.

Ndyanabo expressed gratitude to God for the gift of religious leaders, particularly their spiritual guidance, prayers and counselling, and called on believers to support them.

In her message, Sr Grace L Kyomugisha, the superior general of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Mbarara, honoured a lifetime of commitment and the legacy of dedicated religious service.

“We offer our heartfelt congratulations to our dear sisters for their persistent and consistent response to God’s call. Each day, He speaks to our hearts, and like Mother Mary, we are called to listen and offer our own ‘Yes.’ In the spirit of her word, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word, our sisters have made their lives a living testament to His will,” Sr Kyomugisha stated.

She encouraged those present to use the occasion to strengthen their faith and renew their commitment to their respective vocations, whether in priesthood, religious life, marriage or single life.

“God is unfailingly good to each of us, we offer our deepest gratitude as we join together to thank and praise him,” she added.

She also urged them to listen to God’s word with zeal and love, quoting Proverbs 15:30.

Sr Kamazooba, who celebrated 75 years of devoted service, thanked God for enabling her to reach the milestone, quoting Psalm 113.

“The Lord has done great things for me, Holy his Name,” said Sr Sapientia Kisembo, who celebrated her golden jubilee of devoted service. Sr Kisembo pronounced her first vows on January 8, 1976, at Nyamitanga Cathedral.

Reflecting on her journey, Sr Kisembo said, “Reflecting back 50 years, it is as if it was yesterday or the other day, but the Lord has done great things for me, I continue to exclaim."

In her message, Sr Dr Winfred Tugumisirize, who celebrated her silver jubilee, expressed gratitude while reflecting on the past 25 years as a sacred journey shaped by faith.

Sr Prossy Naturinda, who also marked her silver jubilee, described the milestone as a testament to God’s faithfulness.

“It is a time I thank God for carrying me through every season, providing strength in challenges, and joy in service. This silver jubilee is a celebration of divine fidelity and a renewed commitment to walk in faith,” he stated.

Sr Florence Mutio and Sr Annah Atwijukire thanked the superior general and the council of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel for giving them the opportunity to express their commitment.

Sr Annah Atwijukire thanked God for guiding her journey and strengthening her faith.