Franciscan sisters launch mother Kevin's memorial lectures
Apr 03, 2019
Sr Kevin, locally referred to as Maama Keviina, also founded the institute of the Franciscan Sisters for Africa and established medical facilities including Nsambya and Naggalama Hospitals.
The Catholic Sisters of the religious institute of Little Sisters of St Francis have launched an annual lecture in memory and honour of Mother Mary Kevin Kearney, an Irish missionary nun who worked in Uganda for 50 years, during which she founded their congregation.
Sr Kevin locally referred to as Maama Keviina, also founded the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters for Africa and established medical facilities including Nsambya and Naggalama Hospitals. She also promoted girl-child education by establishing schools including Mount St Mary's College Namagunga. She also extended charity to needy people, further to championing relief causes and socio-economic development.
The inaugural memorial lecture of Mother Kevin was held at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, Rubaga on Friday (March 29). The function was also graced by the Secretary-General of NRM, Kasule Lumumba (the Chief Guest), the Vicar-General of Lugazi Catholic Diocese, Msgr Richard Kayondo, the Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese, Msgr Charles Kasibante, the Superior General of the Little Sisters of St Francis, Sr Cecilia Njeri, Sr Mary Duggan of the Institute of the Franciscan Sisters for Africa, and the company secretary of Vision Group (who is also the head of the Catholic Laity in Uganda) Gervase Ndyanabo, among several other guests.
The lecture was delivered by Prof. Paul George D'Arbela, a veteran medical doctor who lived with mother Kevin during his childhood. D'Arbela described Mother Kevin as a great missionary nun, who made a great contribution to the betterment of the living conditions of the people in Uganda and Africa.
"Her contribution to humanity was remarkable. She left living monuments in the form of institutions, to follow in her footsteps," said D'Arbela.
In a message that was delivered for him by Msgr Charles Kasibante, the Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga also praised Mother Kevin for her selfless missionary activities, which he said had benefitted many Ugandans and their descendants.
The Superior General of the Little Sisters of St Francis, Mother Cecilia Njeri encouraged all Catholics to pray through the intercession of Mother Kevin for favours and miracles, which are crucial in the process of her beatification and eventual canonization, which is currently at the Vatican stage.
Sr Margaret Kubanze also encouraged people to seek the intercession of Mother Mary Kevin and also, to report any miracle or favour that they receive, to their respective parish-priests. She said that Rome insisted on a miracle of an incurable disease or condition that has previously defied all possible medical interventions.
The Chief Guest, Hon Kasule Lumumba (a former student of the Little Sisters of Saint Francis) asked Catholics and all Ugandans of good will do make financial contributions, to enable the Franciscan Sisters to carry on the good work of Mother Kevin, and the values she stood for.
Lumumba later presided over a fundraising function, during which sh50m was raised in cash and pledges.
The function was organised by the Association of the Friends of Mother Mary Kevin, Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa and the Little Sisters of St Francis, which helps the Sisters to further the work of Mother Kevin.