By Benedict Mukoni…………………………………
The Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) was delighted to welcome more than 130 Novices from different institutes of both men and women Religious for the annual Inter-institutes National Course at St. Mbaaga’s Major Seminary, Ggaba on May 25, 2025.
This year’s course is running under the theme “The identity of a consecrated person in a challenging world as a pilgrim of hope on the way to peace”
The President of ARU, Fr. John Bosco Kamoga, C.s.sp, graced the ceremony as the main celebrant of Eucharistic Celebration and declared the commencement of the course on behalf of ARU Major Superiors.
In an inspiring homily, Fr. Kamoga, told the Candidates (Novices) that they are becoming religious not to go to Heaven but to join Christ in their special ministries and in their life, establishing the kingdom of God on earth; a kingdom where justice and peace shall flourish because they want to be part and parcel of a project that establishes peace.
“Christ said many things but summarized them in two words; Love of God with all your heart, mind and soul. And love of your neighbor as you love yourself. You can never love God whom you don’t see when you don’t love your neighbor. ” Fr. Kamoga reminded the Congregation.
The incoming Assistant Secretary General of ARU, Sr. Justine Nalujja IHMR, assured the Novices not to take their annual convocation for granted and added that it was not by accident but God planned it. “You are prophets of Hope. Take that always in your life and be happy with it.”
Sr. Justine also encouraged the Junior Novices to openly interact with one another and widen their knowledge, gifts and connection as part of their journey. This would help them to establish spiritual companions and spiritual friends. “Most of us are till together today but the journey started way back when we were still novices.”
Being a jubilee year 2025, the new chaplain of the Uganda Spiritual Formation Center, Namugongo (USFCN), Fr. Robert Njugeni was invited to reflect on the theme; Pilgrims of Hope. He noted that it invites individuals both consecrated and lay and the entire church to embark on a spiritual journey. A spiritual journey marked by the three theological verses; Faith, hope and love.
Fr. Robert also highlighted some spiritual activities that are required of Catholics in the Jubilee year. He encouraged the congregation to have pilgrimage to holy sites to pray for one’s self and family, Confession and reconciliation, prayer especially, recitation of the Rosary and meditation of the scriptures for better discernment, plenary/ complete indulgence, Sacraments of the church especially holy communion and Eucharistic adoration.
“A jubilee is a special year of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It is a year of hope for Catholics and the world. It is a time for pilgrims to seek spiritual renewal and reconciliation with our Creator.” Fr. Robert counselled.
The jubilee year commenced in December 2024 on the Nativity of the Lord proclaimed by the late Pope Francis and it will run through up to January 6, 2026.
The Coordinator of the Formation Ministry in Uganda (FoMRU), Sr. Pauline Namuddu – LSOSF emphasized that what the Novices will gain from different presenters is very important and it is an opportunity for them which they cannot get as congregations.
The topics to be covered in the course among others include; Embracing Synodality in Mission, Canonical Norms, Mental health and integration of cultural beliefs and practices into consecrated life.
The inter-institutes national annual course of the Junior Novices is a one month course and will run till June 21, 2025 hosted by ARU.
