Missionaries of the Poor opens first ever convent in Uganda
The Missionary of the Poor has two other homes – Good Shepherd Home and Busega Home for the Children.
The Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga has opened the first ever convent in Uganda for nuns of Missionaries of the Poor at Nalukolongo-Rubaga.
The colourful celebration graced by mother superior of the missionary of the poor sisters from Jamaica and Sr. Joan Belmonte started with the unveiling of the new building which contains a chapel, residence and offices of the nuns.
Later the Holy Mass led by Archbishop Lwanga, assisted by vice-chancellor of Kampala, Fr Joseph Sserugga; curate priest of Busega, Fr Fredrick Kazibwe; Regional Superior of Africa Mission, Fr Allan Borals and many others.
The Missionaries of the Poor nuns' convent named "Our lady of the poor sister's convent" was consecrated and opened by Archbishop Lwanga.
PIC: Archbishop Lwanga with Missionaries of the Poor nuns at Nalukolongo-Rubaga after launching the convent on Saturday August 18, 2018
The occasion was attended by priests, sisters and other faithfuls from Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania and Arua.
During his sermon, Archbishop Lwanga called upon the congregation to love the people they live with and encounter.
"The love should constantly remind us that we are sent to dwell among God`s people for service and not to take advantage of them," Lwanga said.
Mother Superior Joan Belmonte said it was a memorable day for her congregation since the monastery came into existence in 2007.
"We want to thank Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Lwanga, for welcoming us," she added.
She said the convent of Missionary of the Poor is the first contemplative religious order in Africa since it was started in Jamaica.
She revealed that nuns whose charisma is to make known the glory of the Holy Trinity, had arrived in Denver to care for the archdiocese's Holy Trinity Centre.
The Missionary of the Poor has two other homes - Good Shepherd Home and Busega Home for the Children.
"This is our work; we are called to do this. We have cases that are worse; we have some mentally troubled adults and children with HIV who are harder to manage, that is why their relatives abandon them." Fr. Borals said.
The monastery provides a home for over 282 homeless adults and children and a medical dispensary serving the slum neighborhood of Mengo-Kisenyi. It provides scholarships for over 400 children and youth at primary and secondary schools.