THREE NUNS OF LITTLE SISTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE GULU MAKE THEIR FINAL VOWS

The three sisters after making their final vows at St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Gulu city on January 6, 2025. Photo by Proscovia Achomo
 
By Proscovia Achomo

Gulu City

The Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu marked a historic milestone with the grand celebration of their 80th profession ceremony.

The colorful ceremony was on Monday, led by Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Most Rev Rapheal P’Mony Wokorach, assisted by Archbishop Emeritus Dr John Baptist Odama, Bishop of Arua, Rt Rev Sabino Ocan Odoki, Rt Rev Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok of Lira Diocese, Bishop OF Kotido Diocese, Rt Rev Dominic Eibu, about sixty priests from different dioceses and parishes, the religious, and the faithful.

A highlight of the ceremony was the perpetual vows taken by three sisters, symbolizing their lifelong dedication to God and their mission.

The sisters Mary Night Akello from Patongo Parish Gulu Archdiocese, Sr Mary Fosca Alfred Akello from Paidha parish Nebbi Diocese and Sr Mary Agnes Awor from Ngetta Parish Lira Diocese.

In addition to the perpetual vows, the celebration recognized other significant achievements within the congregation.

Several sisters were honored for their years of dedicated service to God and the church, marking silver, golden and diamond jubilees.

The silver Jubilarians (twenty-five years) include; Rev Sr Mary Lydia Ayikoru from St Mary’s Yivu Catholic Parish, Arua Diocese and Rev Sr Mary Alice Alungaru from Aripea Catholic Parish, Arua Diocese.

Sisters who celebrated their golden jubilee(fifty years) are, Rev Sr Mary Rufina Aling from Pajule Parish, Gulu Archdiocese, Rev Sr Mary Caroline Pifua from Angal Parish, Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rev Sr Mary Martinez Cherekpe from Maracha parish, Arua Diocese, Rev Sr Mary Angelorum Acayo from Namokora parish, Gulu Archdiocese, Rev Sr Caramel Auma from Lacor Parish, Gulu Archdiocese, Rev Sr Mary Victoria Edea from Adjumani Parish, Arua Diocese, Rev Sr Mary Angioletta Acola, Ortum Parish, Lira Diocese, Rev Sr Felicity Therese Drakuru from Eruba Parish, Arua Diocese.

The Diamond Jubilarians (sixty years) are Rev Sr Mary Marieta Tea from Holy Cross Kanyagoga Parish, Gulu Archdiocese, Rev Sr Mary Gabriella Opar from Zeu Parish, Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rev Sr Mary Assunta from Awuru Adumi Parish, Arua Diocese, Rev Sr Mary Saveria Fuathum from Pakwach Parish, Nebbi Catholic Diocese, Rev Sr Mary Ursula Adong from St Mauritz Parish, Gulu Archdiocese and Rev Sr. Mary Rebecca Oola from Angal parish, Nebbi Catholic Diocese.

The nuns received blessings from Pope Francis after 25 years, 50 years and 60 years of sisterhood.

During his homily, Archbishop Raphael P’mony Wokorach who presided over the ceremony, encouraged the sisters to embody the light of Jesus Christ in their lives and ministries urging them to illuminate the lives of the people they serve through faith, compassion and dedication.

“As the motto of the institute is “Light in Darkness”. The source of this light is Jesus Christ who is the light of humanity, Jesus himself said” I am the light, whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have light of Life” (John 8:12). This saying of Jesus Christ should give you the meaning of hope in our dark world of today,” says the archbishop.

The archbishop also stated that religious life is a life of Hope, a foretaste of heavenly life and that this hope should always animate the life of each religious to enable him or her give hope to those whose hope seem to be diminishing because of the uncertainties of the future caused by human imperfections.

On January 6th every year, hundreds of the Catholic faithful gather at St Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Gulu to witness the profession and renewal of vows by catholic nuns.

The Mother General of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu, Sr Mary Angelina Aciro Otto delivered a heartfelt message, reflected on the theme for the Jubilee year, “as ‘pilgrims of hope’, we are reminded of the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love/charity. With the virtue of hope, we shall never give up but we shall persevere and be strong, we hope to be happy, to be successful to obtain salvation in our vocation’”. She stated

Catherine Lamwaka the woman member of parliament, Omoro District who was the chief guest urged the political leaders to draw inspiration from the dedication of sisters who work tirelessly to make the world a better place.

She provided compelling examples to support her call, pointing out that sisters excel in various fields such as teaching, healthcare and framing among others.

She noted that in schools managed by sisters, it is common to find a farm integrated into the institution, reflecting their commitment to holistic education and sustainability.

“This dedication to nurturing both minds and communities demonstrates their forward-thinking approach to creating a better future. May we be political leaders who would adopt the same level of commitment, resourcefulness and community-centered”, Catherine emphasized.

The Bishop of Lira Diocese. Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok who represented the bishops during this ceremony congratulated the sisters who celebrated the different jubilees and encouraged the newly professed sisters to draw strength from their vocation, their community, and their faith, inspiring them to continue their mission with courage and untiring hope.

On December 8, 2024, the Litle sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu welcomed eight new members who made their first profession.

The Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu (LSMIG) is an indigenous Congregation of Catholic Sisters founded in 1936 in the Archdiocese of Gulu in Northern Uganda (East Africa) by Bishop Angelo Negri with more than 500 members currently and their mission is to witness the love of Jesus Christ to most vulnerable especially women, children, youth and the aged.