By Sr. Mary Lilly Driciru, MSMMC
Sisters of Mercy of the Cross in Uganda celebrate the Jubilee of elevation of their mission to Vicariate along with the first four Ugandan Sisters. This day of celebration also witnessed the perpetual and first profession of the sisters. The event that took place on February 15, 2024 attracted participants from various parishes of the Archdiocese of Kampala where the sisters serve as well as a representative of the General council, Sr. Sheeja Kolacherril.
His Grace Paul Ssemwogere, who presided over the event appreciated the sisters for bearing true witness among the people they serve. He also reminded the sisters to look to the past with gratitude, while embracing the present moment with joy and passion, and look to the future with hope, citing the Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis to the Consecrated Persons in the Year of Consecrated Life, 2014.
The prelate recounted the call of Prophet Jeremiah and reminded the congregation about each one’s call for a specific mission. “God has entrusted you to touch people with compassion and hope, instruments of God’s love through health service, education and other pastoral outreaches. Further, in Philippians 3, Paul share his journey of faith and regarded the past as nothing having founded Jesus. Paul gave all for Christ including his own life.
The Archbishop Further reminded the congregation about the Lenten Message of Pope Francis, “Confront evil of power and materialism. We can easily become attached to money soon encounter conflict.” Basing on Mk.8:34 ff, he challenged the congregation to deny themselves and follow Jesus by embracing trials, challenges, sacrifices, to have courage in the face of adversity, as did Uganda Martyrs who were canonized 60 years ago.
The first four sisters celebrating their Silver Jubilee include; Sr. Maria Sarah Nabaggala, Sr. Mary Margaret Nnassuuna, Sr. Mariedita Kabajungu and Gertrude Nampeera. These sisters make the Vicariate of Uganda proud, “You kept your promises since from the first profession, you have followed the words of the founder, “I need sisters who understand the cross, with them I can accomplish anything.””
Motivated ang guided by the motto: The need of the time is the will of God, the sisters have spread out from Switzerland to the rest of the world. Sr. Pratima Minj, the Councilor for Uganda had this to say; “
All are challenged to follow Christ Year of that attracted a crowd that braved the early morning down pour and the gently rain that continued through the Holy Eucharistic Celebration.
The Superior General, Sr. Marie –Marthe Schönenberger, had this to say: “May you be permeated by the mystery of divine love every day, so that you may be able to bring this love closer to the people to the people of your beloved Vicariate. For every person may know that s/he is loved by God, for He loves all his creation. Carry this joyful and hopeful message of divine and compassionate love to the people in your place of work every day. Sr. Ulrika is close to you…let her words: “Give me a heart like yours, which gives itself for others and is consumed by the purest love,” accompany you.”
Sr. Genevieve D’Silva, the Vicariate Superior gives a hearty Congratulations on the Jubilee of the Mission of Uganda being elevated as vicariate. “This tiny seed of the mission sown on the soil has sprouted, developed and spread in six Dioceses with 74 sisters and 12 formees. We praise and thank the Good Lord for his benevolence and faithfulness on each and every member…Thank you sisters for your sacrifice in saying yes…, as you celebrate, count your blessings.”
