The congregation of Missionary Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (MSMMC) has welcomed ten members who made perpetual vows to serve in the congregation for the rest of their lives.
The ten include Sr. Meron Acen from Moroto Diocese, Sr. Maria Faidha Katushabe, Sr. Lucia Katushabe, Sr. Maria Afra Tumuheise, Sr. Immaculate Tumwehe and Sr. Marycent Oshabahewa. The others are Sr. Evas Musiimenta, Sr. Nancy Bridget Thorach, Sr. Christine Twebazemukama, and Sr. Letitia Akankwasa.
The Sisters vowed chastity, poverty, and obedience, promising to not only respect the church but also its leaders like the Bishop and Superior General.
They were adorned with a habit rosary worn on the left side of the cincture as a pledge of their consecration to Mother Mary, and a finger ring worn on the left-hand finger, the hand used to greet others, giving the peace, and witnessing Christ. The ring is a sign that they are servants after the main servant, Jesus Christ.
The sisters were also given books of the liturgy of the hours and prayers of the church.
The perpetual procession also coincided with the first four Sisters of the congregation: Sr. Ernestina Akullo from Lira Diocese, Sr. Rose Waro from Nebbi Diocese, Sr. Elizabeth Mandera and Sr. Nicholine Acen Atyang celebrating their Golden Jubilee, and Sr. Georgia Kyenda celebrating her silver jubilee.
Presiding over the mass, Bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok, the Ordinary of Lira Diocese urged the sisters to live a clear, humble, and simple life, advising them to rather use their rooms for praying than sleeping.
Speaking about their dress and its implication on the people around them, Bishop Wanok tasked the religious men and women of God to always wear their uniforms which he described as a silent way of evangelization.
Bishop Sabino Ochan Odoki, the Ordinary of Arua Diocese is excited about the congregation saying it has grown and now flourishing, a reason why parents should send their children to join the religious life.
Sr. Nickoline Acen Atyang one of the first four sisters celebrating their Golden Jubilee in sisterhood called on parents to take good care of their Children, grooming them to become responsible people.
Recognizing the current lifestyle of children, Sr. Atyang wondered whether she could have made it to become a sister if she had not been groomed and guided by her parents having chosen her vocation as early as primary five.
On December 8th, 2023, the congregation witnessed the profession of 10 Sisters which added to their number.