SACRED HEART SS GULU HOLDS MEMORIAL MASS IN HONOR OF LATE FORMER HEAD TEACHER REV. SR. MARY CARLA AJIO

A portrait of the late Rev. Sr. Mary Carla Ajio displayed in the Sacred Heart SS chapel in her honor.

By Achomo Proscovia
Gulu City

A solemn memorial mass in honor of the late Rev. Sr. Mary Carla Ajio, a distinguished member of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu and former head teacher of Sacred Heart Secondary School, was held on Thursday at the school chapel.

The event was organized by a group of students who formerly studied in Sacred Heart SS under their umbrella body, Scared Heart Old Girl’s Association (SHOGA), bringing together alumni, students, staff, clergy and members of the wider religious and educational communities.

Rev. Sr. Mary Carla Ajio passed away in a tragic road accident in 2013, a loss that deeply affected the Sacred Heart family and the religious and educational circles in Northern Uganda. Her memory continues to live on in her countless lives she touched through her commitment to faith, education, and the empowerment of young women.

During her tenure as head teacher, Sr. Carla was instrumental in strengthening the academic and moral foundations of the school, upholding its mission of nurturing discipline, God-fearing and community minded students.

Some of her former students took time during the memorial mass to share heartfelt recollections of their time with Sr. Carla.

Harriet Atim who studied during the time of Sr. Carla from 1997-2000, emotionally recalled the compassion Sr. Carla showed during a personal tragedy. “She was more than just a head teacher-she was a mother to many of us. When I lost my father in senior one, Sr Carla took me in and allowed me to study for free of charge until I completed school. Her kindness changed the course of my life,” the former student said

Juliet Aneno a former student from 1997-2000 recalled a moment that left a lasting impression. “When I went to pick my Senior Four results, I still had a balance of 14,000 shillings. I was worried, but Sr. Carla just smiled and said, ‘It’s okay.’ That small act showed how loving and understanding she truly was,” said Aneno

The memorial mass was also a moment of reflection on the difficult times Sr. Mary Carla Ajio led the school through, particularly during the height of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda.

One former student who is also the Chairperson of the Old Girl’s Association, Mrs. Kevin Aciro Otenya, recounted Sr. Carla’s courage and unwavering commitment to the safety of her students during the perilous period. “Sr Carla protected us at all costs during the LRA insurgency. Even though some students were tragically abducted, she did everything in her power to keep us safe. She was fearless, and her strength gave us hope in the darkest times,” Aciro recalled.

These memories served as a powerful reminder of Sr. Carla’s extraordinary leadership-not only as an educator but also a protector and pillar of strength during times of conflict and uncertainty.

Sr. Mary Carla Ajio’s former colleague also shared memories that illustrated her compassionate approach to discipline and mentorship.

The superior General of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu Rev. Sr. Mary Angelina Aciro Otto who served as an English teacher and a member of the school’s disciplinary committee during Sr. Carla’s tenure, recounted her thoughtful and restorative style of leadership. “Whenever we forwarded a case of serious indiscipline to her, fully expecting a student to be expelled, Sr. Carla would calmly send the student back to the dormitory. She would say, ‘We are not sending you home. I want you to reflect on your life and remember how much your parents sacrifice to keep you in school,” she recalled.

This approach, grounded in empathy and personal reflection, left a lasting impact on both students and staff. It reflected Sr. Carla’s deep belief in second chances, personal growth, and the power of love over punishment.
 
The Mother General and members of the LSMIG lay a wreath on the grave of Rev.Sr. Carla in a solemn tribute.

The legacy of Sr. Mary Ajio was not only remembered by former students and colleagues but also by members of her own family, some of whom she supported and mentored throughout their lives.

One family member, Ms. Bella, whom Sr. Carla cared for and educated, shared an emotional tribute that reflected the profound personal impact she had. “Sr Carla was everything to me. She made me who I am today. Her love, sacrifice, and guidance gave me a future. To honor her memory, I stared a bakery named after her –just to keep her spirit alive and to remind myself and others of the kindness she stood for,” Bella said.

The current head teacher of Sacred Heart Secondary School, Rev Sr. Mary Hellen Lamunu also paid tribute to Sr. Mary Carla Ajio’s remarkable leadership, particularly her efforts to supporting disadvantaged students and improving the school’s infrastructure. “Sr Carla was a tireless advocate for the students,” the head teacher said. “She actively lobbied for funds to support those who couldn’t afford school fees, ensuring that no girl was left behind because of financial hardship.”

In addition to her commitment to student welfare, Sr. Carla is remembered for her visionary development work. According to the head teacher, she successfully secured funding from development partners, including support from the Government of Japan, to construct a classroom block and expand the school’s dormitory capacity. “Thanks to her efforts, we have infrastructure such as the Paradise Dormitory and other key facilities that continue to serve the school community to this day,” the head teacher added.

Present at the memorial was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Sacred Heart SS, Mr. Marcelino Okullo, who offered a poignant reflection on his working relationship with Sr. Mary Carlo Ajio during their overlapping tenures in school leadership. “When Sr. Carla was head teacher of Sacred Heart, I was serving as head teacher of St Joseph’s College Layibi,” he recalled. “We coordinated a lot on academic matters, and I came to know her as a tough, strict, and incredibly brave woman.”

He went on to recount a defining moment in Sr. Carla’s career that revealed her unshakable commitment to her role and values. “I remember when the Ministry of Education wanted to transfer her before she had reached retirement age. She stood her ground and told the officials, ‘No, I will not go anywhere.’ The pressure became too much, and in the end, she chose to retire early rather than compromise her principles.”

His remarks captured the essence of Sr. Carla’s leadership-firm, fearless, and solid in her dedication to the mission of education.

In a moment of solemn remembrance, Archbishop Raphael pays tribute with a wreath at Sr. Mary Carla
Ajio’s grave.

The memorial mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev Raphael P’mony Wokorach, who delivered a heartfelt homily reflecting on Sr. Carla Ajio’s life of service and untiring faith. “Sr Carla was a woman deeply faithful to her ministry, her congregation, and the mission entrusted to her. She lived her vocation with humility, courage, and total commitment to Gods work,” said archbishop.

He urged all in attendance –students, alumni, clergy, educators, and community members-to emulate her example in their personal and professional lives. “If we could all serve with same dedication and faithfulness as Sr. Carla did, our families, schools, and communities would truly transform,” he emphasized.

The Archbishop’s words echoed the sentiments shared throughout the day: that Sr Mary Carla Ajio’s legacy is not only persevered in buildings and memories, but also in the values she embodied –values worth carrying forward.

Rev. Sr. Mary Carla Ajio was born on Septemeber 7, 1953 of Mr. Mark kulia and Celestina Tena, Madi from Pakele Parish-Arua Diocese.

She joined the congregation of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu in 1968 as an aspirant. On  January 5, 1970 she became a postulant. On January 5,  1971 she joined the Novitiate Canonical Year. She completed her 2nd Novitiate kin 1972 when she decided to commit herself to God. She made her 1st Religious Profession in the family of the LSMIG on 6th January 1982 and celebrated her Silver Jubilee of the religious consecration on January 6, 1998.

Rev.Sr. Mary Carla Ajio started her education at Pakele Primary School where she studied from P 1 to P 5. In 1967 she was a pupil at Pabbo Primary School. In 1968 she sat for her PLE at Christ the King Demonstration Primary School. She joined S 1 in Sacred Heart Secondary School in 1969 and sat her UCE in 1974. From 1975-1976 she did USCE at Mount St Mary’s Namagunga From 1977-1980.She was at Felician College in USA. She pursued her Diploma in Education at Kyambogo University in 1981 and obtained her Master Degree in 2006.

From 1982-1991, Rev. Sr. Mary Carlo Ajio was a teacher of Physics and Mathematics in Sacred Heart SS. From 1992-1999, she was an Acting Head teacher at Sacred Heart SS. In 2000, she was appointed a substantive Head teacher, a post she held until 2008.

She served the community at Sacred Heart as a Superior for two terms. She was also elected a Councilor to the Superior General for two terms. From 1996-1999, she was a counselor in charge of Education, and from 2008 until her death, she was a councilor in charge of Projects and Development/Assets of the Congregation.

Noting the above, Rev. Sr. Mary Carla spent most of her life at Sacred Heart Community /School and for the last years of life she was at Mother House.