By Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS
The Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) commissioned 95 men and women junior professed religious at the conclusion of the 2026 Inter-Congregational Course for Junior Professed Religious preparing for the profession of perpetual vows.
The Celebration began with a tree-planting activity, symbolizing growth, rootedness and the responsibility of religious to care for God’s creation. The tree planting was followed by a Eucharistic celebration of Mass presided overby Rev. Fr. John Bosco Kamoga, CSSp, ARUPresident.
The commissioning was also graced by Sr. Grace Nyangi, Missionary Sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary and ACWECA Coordinator for Leadership and Mission as the guest of honor and Sr. Mary Justine Naluggya, IHMR, Assistant Secretary General ARU, who also representant the ARU Secretary General Sr. Jane Yatuha, OLGC.
The month-long course was held at St. Mbaaga’s Major Seminary, Ggaba, from 27 June to 25 July 2026 under the theme “Living Unity in Diversity in Consecrated Life in the Synodal Church,”. It brought together 80 sisters from 13 institutes and 15 brothers from two institutes.
The course was not only a time for classroom learning. It was also a journey of community, encounter, prayer, recreation and cultural exchange, giving the young religious an opportunity to experience in practical ways what it means to live unity in diversity.
Throughout their stay, the participants took part in a variety of activities, including sports and a cultural day, which created opportunities for interaction beyond their respective congregations and institutes. Through games, recreation, liturgy and the sharing of different cultural expressions, the participants were able to discover one another’s gifts and traditions.
The formation programme itself addressed several areas relevant to their preparation for perpetual profession. Among the courses were Canonical Norms; Deepening the Gift of Consecration: Discerning and Embracing God’s Will for Mission; Mental Health and Human Maturity in Mission; and Embracing Synodality in the Mission: Formed and Sent for Mission.
The experience of the course itself offered the participants an opportunity to practice this synodal journey. Coming from 15 different institutes, they brought with them different charisms, cultures and experiences, yet shared one vocation and one mission.
Fr. Kamoga, thanked all those who supported the programme, particularly St. Mbaaga’s Major Seminary for hosting the participants, as well as Church in Need and ACWECA for their support.
He challenged the participants to remain connected to the people they are called to serve, particularly those who are suffering. “Connect with people. If people are suffering and you are not concerned, then you have no business being a religious.”
Fr. Kamoga reminded them that the model of religious life is Jesus Christ, who entered fully into the human condition, lived among people and gave Himself for them.
Sr. Grace in her address reminded the participants that their formation journey does not end with the completion of the course or even with perpetual profession. “Formation does not end with profession of vows; it is a lifelong pilgrimage with Christ.”
She encouraged the young religious to continue allowing Christ to shape their lives as they journey in their vocations and serve God’s people. Reflecting on the theme of synodality, Sr. Grace noted that the world today is increasingly divided, yet the Church proposes another way of living together.
“Our world today is increasingly divided, but the synodal Church proposes another way, which is walking together.”
After being commissioned and receiving their certificates, participants returned to their respective communities with hearts full of gratitude, carrying not only the knowledge gained in the classroom, but also memories of prayer, friendship, sports, cultural exchange and shared experiences.
One of the participants, Sr. Provia Ngabirano, a Missionary Sister of Mary Mother of the Church reflected on the one month as follows;
“One of the profound lessons I received was the understanding of Canon Law as the guiding compass of the Church. I came to see it not simply as a collection of regulations but as a wise instrument that safeguards justice, protects the dignity of every member of the Church, and directs us toward what is true and right.
The course also led me into a deeper appreciation of consecrated life. I discovered anew that consecration is a loving response to God’s invitation, a willing surrender of one’s life to the One who first loved us. I was reminded that the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are not burdens to carry but sacred pathways that lead us closer to Christ. Through community life, these vows become visible expressions of God’s love and faithfulness.”
