Clare
The Congregation of the Banyatereza Sisters has bid farewell to Rev. Sr. Maria Clara Ateenyi formerly known as Nyambogo Elizabeti before baptism, who passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday September 9th at Holy Family Banyatereza Convent, Kinyamasika.
The funeral Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo Adyeri. In his homily, he reminded mourners that as baptized Christians, our true life is in Christ, and physical death is just a passage to eternal life.
Msgr. Mayombo praised Sr. Maria Clara’s remarkable legacy, noting her 72 years of dedicated service to the Congregation. He acknowledged her lifelong contribution to the growth and strength of the Banyatereza Sisters, describing her as a pillar whose efforts have borne lasting fruit.
He encouraged all believers to pray for the peaceful repose of her soul, noting that she had completed her earthly mission with contentment, free of complaints, and deeply united with the Lord whom she served so faithfully.
Banyatereza decry increasing death of elderly Sisters
Rev. Sr. Seraphine Kaitesirwa, Mother General of the Banyatereza Sisters, paid tribute to Sr. Maria Clara as a committed and prayerful Religious who continually inspired younger sisters to place prayer at the centre of their lives.
She recalled Sr. Maria Clara’s commitment to the work of the congregation, even in her advanced age, until she sustained a fracture that limited her mobility. Sr. Kaitesirwa expressed deep gratitude to the medical staff of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Kasese and Virika Hospital for their care and support during Sr. Maria Clara’s illness. She also thanked the late sister’s family for nurturing such an exemplary woman of faith.
However, Sr. Kaitesirwa voiced a concern over the increasing number of elderly sisters passing away this year; individuals who have long served as sources of wisdom and spiritual guidance within the congregation. She called on the faithful to pray for strength and longevity for the remaining senior sisters, so they may continue witnessing the fruits of their lifelong service.
Born in Masindi St Jude Town Church Hoima Catholic Diocese in 1932, Sr. Maria Clara, a Munywagi by Clan made her first religious vows in 1953 and served faithfully in the Banyatereza Congregation for 72 years before her death in 2025.
May her soul rest in eternal peace Amen