Lira, Uganda – Fifteen Nuns from the Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) congregation in Lira Diocese at Ngetta officially took their perpetual vows in a solemn celebration that attracted a large number of Christians from Lira Diocese and other Dioceses.
The sisters who made their solemn profession of vows were Sr. Agnes Ninsiima, Sr. Sylvia Atim, Sr. Collin Atim, Sr. Harriet Ketty Abang, Sr. Goretti Katusiime, Sr. Scovia Atim, Sr. Edrid Katwakire, Sr. Gracious Tumwebaze, Sr. Lydia Kamusiime, Sr. Bibiana Atwohereize, Sr. Rita Ainembabazi, Sr. Laetitia Niwamanya, Sr. Fortunate Kenyangi, Sr. Bidong Brenda Nimungu, and Sr. Jovita Akatkunda.
On Tuesday, eight sisters made their first profession in a ceremony also led by Bishop Rt. Rev. Santus Lino Wanok.
During the 1st January, 2025 event at the Mother House in Ngetta, the bishop highlighted that this year is special for the Catholic Church, emphasizing its holiness rooted in Christ.
Bishop Wanok pointed out that the vows taken serve as a reminder of the Church’s holiness, reflected in the lives of each sister who has committed to this path.
He also mentioned that the journey of being a sister for life requires a supportive community of believers. He welcomed everyone dedicating their lives to Christ as their spouse in the Lira Diocese.
Sr. Liberata Mandawun, the superior general of MSMMC, praised the sisters for their commitment to serve the Lord for life through their vows today.
She also expressed gratitude to Bishop Wanok for his ongoing support and guidance.
Pope Francis sent his congratulations to three sisters celebrating their golden jubilee namely; Sr. Nataline Mowo, Sr. Angela Rijoo, and Sr. Natalie Mania.
The event was attended by Archbishop P’mony Wokorach of Gulu Archdiocese, Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki of Arua Diocese and the bishop-elect of Nebbi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Constantine Rupiny, along with other priests from various dioceses.
History of MSMMC
The foundation was a result of the desire which the founder had as a priest and Bishop to found a congregation of women who would carry on the missionary work of evangelization in Africa and in any other country where there is need.
The Missionary Institute of Mary Mother of the Church, with its Mother House in Lira Diocese, was founded by the Late Rev. Bishop Caesar Asili (R.I.P), who was the first Bishop of Lira Diocese in the Northern Uganda.
The congregation was founded in this modern times solely to contribute mightily with fresh spirit of loving services towards the making of the church in all good works and ready services in the extension and building up of the Church of God in modern language and activity. By positive commitment to, and involvement with Christ through Prayer and Action, to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the people of God.
The desire of Bishop Caesar Asili was enkindled more when Pope Paul the sixth visited Uganda in 1969 and gave a message that Africans should be missionaries to their fellow Africans.
The Decree of election of the Institute was issued and promulgated accordingly by the Rt. Rev. Bishop C. Asili, by then Bishop of Lira Diocese on 8th December 1970.
The first 14 Novices with the Founder and Sr. Rosalia, a Comboni Missionary Sister who first helped the Founder in the formation. She was replaced by Sr. Ignazia (Comboni Missionary Sister)
On 1st January 1971, the first 14 girls started their initial formation and on 20 January 1974 these girls made their first religious profession. From this time onward, the sisters continued growing in number and in spirit.
Today MSMMC are 383 in 57 work communities, 21 mission dioceses and they have 46 communities in Uganda.
Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church are missionaries of Christ who Pray, Mediate, Study, Write, and Work, Recreate and Sacrifice with love in a manner worthy of our God who called them.
Source: Lira Diocese News Agency
