Immaculate Tusingwire, MMS…………………
The Diocesan and Religious Vocation Animators Committee (DARVA) has existed for several years, supporting the work of vocation animators for congregations through a joint animation in order to have multicultural religious vocations.
In the Spirit of this year’s World Day of Prayer for Vocations, ‘Missionaries of Hope Among all Peoples’, after a one-day meeting, the DARVA team comprising of 16 vocation animators from 13 different congregations, headed to Kabale Diocese for their group yearly routine vocation animation on 22nd June 2025.
Before embarking on the mission that took them, the team visited Rt. Rev. Callistus Rubaramira, Bishop of Kabale Diocese, to introduce themselves and ask for his blessing. Even though the bishop confessed that he didn’t know about DARVA, he received them and welcomed them in the Diocese. They then set off to inspire the next generation to listen to the voice of God and consider the call to religious life.
During their week-long stay, they were able to visit and animate 14 schools where they generally talked about vocation. Each congregation had the opportunity to present their charisms and mission. They however did not stop on talking about vocation, they added a campaign message against betting (gambling) which was appreciated by the teachers and students.
According to DARVA Chairperson, Fr. Josephat Diyuo, a Missionary of Africa who led the team, the vocation is booming in Kabale Diocese, for in all the schools they visited, the response was wonderful, and the team hopes that many will apply to the different congregations.
Braving the chilly days in the hills of Kabale, the team accomplished their mission with contentment and fulfilment. Their journey is a testament and a reminder that the call to religious life is still alive and that God’s voice continues to echo through the hills, classrooms, and hearts of young people in Uganda, waiting to be set on fire for the Gospel.
During their one-day meeting at ARU Secretariat before heading to Kabale, DARVA looked at general issues affecting the Association. They plan to strengthen the Association in the dioceses and provinces and to engage the diocesan animators.
For next Year (2026), DARVA plans to have only one group animation in Moroto Diocese and instead of a second animation, they hope to have a workshop on vocation animation to refresh themselves and be able to tackle emerging issues in our time.
Fewer member congregations participating in DARVA activities remain a challenge and Fr. Josephat calls upon all congregations to support DARVA by paying their annual contribution and supporting their animators to participate in group Animation.
