Sr. Dr. M. Justine Naluggya, IHMR………………
I am humbled with deep humility to be called at the service of Consecrated life in Uganda under the conference of the Association of Religious in Uganda. I am certainly confident that the God who has called me for this mission, will sustain me for his grace is sufficient (2Cor.12:9)! It is not me, but Him in me, I am just his instrument of love and service to his people. Together with the New Secretary General, we trust in the Divine Accompaniment and the unwavering support and collaboration of the administrative and governance bodies of ARU with all our collaborators and partners.
This appointment comes at a time of renewed reflection on the identity and mission of consecrated life in the Church focusing on the implementation phase of synodality and celebration of the Jubilee year of Hope. This demands from us a spirit of service rooted in the theological – ecclesial understanding of religious life as a sign of communion and prophetic hope. This is the vison of our call to service animated by a commitment to discipleship and prophetic synodal witness defined by kenosis, the self-giving love modelled by Christ (cf. Phil 2:6–11).
Being at the service of consecrated life as a synodal witness to hope and communion responds to the call of Pope John Paul for the religious to be builders of communion and architects of peace, not only in their communities but in the wider Church and society (VC, 46). In this particular moment when I am embracing the new leadership role of service, my heart leans into an invitation directed to all religious to embark on the synodal journey as pilgrims of hope on the way to peace.
Pope’s invitation rejuvenates my passion to concerns of religious life and commitment to fostering a synodal spirit in the ministry, encouraging processes of listening, dialogue, and discernment across the spectrum of religious.
I am privileged to work with the Association of the Religious in Uganda (ARU) which to me is a vibrant locus where inter-congregational collaboration and intercultural encounter converge, fostering a communion that is both celebrated and deepened through shared charisms and mission.
This synodal approach mirrors the ecclesiological vision of Fratelli Tutti, which calls for a culture of encounter and solidarity (FT, 30-36) seeking to build bridges of trust and mutual cooperation in the mission of Church. This is all possible by the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, for when we are weak then we are strong! (2 Cor. 12: 10).
