The Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) hosted its Annual one-month Inter-Congregational Program for Junior Professed Religious in preparation for Perpetual Professions.
From June 28 to July 26, 2025, St. Mbaaga Major Seminary in Ggaba became a sanctuary of reflection and renewal, hosting the National Inter-Congregational Program for junior professed religious men and women from across Uganda. This dedicated period offered a gentle space to pause and deep reflection on the precious gift of Consecration in the threshold moments before final profession. It was also a time to weave bonds of fraternity and shared purpose among peers from diverse congregations. Rooted in prayer, dialogue, and mutual encouragement, the program invited each participant to listen deeply to the stirrings of the Spirit, to the wisdom of the Church through various inputs, and to one another.
Sr. Annunciata Tumuhimbise, one of the participants, shares her experience and reflection after this course…….
It is not me but God who makes everything possible
From this course, I discovered that what makes me a consecrated person are not only evangelical counsels but also community life. The Community is a learning place for us and a home where we share everything in common. In sharing, I need to listen in humility and discern on what to reply.
I discovered that as a religious, I have a privilege to be listened to and listen to others. This is done through the evangelical counsels especially poverty. Just as Jesus though rich, he made himself poor for my sake. This calls us to grow together in communication by deepening our charisms and mission rooted in Jesus Christ as the theme of Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel from 2013 – 2019 states.
I also learnt that as a religious, I am called upon to give hope to the world, for their trust is in us. This is done by visiting families, the sick and the marginalized (lowly of society). With mental health, I discovered as a religious, I have a big role to bring healing to people psychologically
As I am looking forward to committing myself perpetually, I have to make sure that my life becomes the light of the world.
Great thanks to ARU and the organizing Committee who thought about me to come and share this wisdom from great mean and women. Thanks to the facilitators and formators for being there for us.
No longer strangers but friends. Jn 15:15
