Alice
A total of 8 Reverend Sisters from the Banyatereza Sisters made their perpetual vows today, while 2 celebrated their Platinum Jubilee, 4 their Diamond Jubilee, 4 their Golden Jubilee, and 7 their Silver Jubilee at Virika Cathedral Parish. Those who made their perpetual vows were Reverend Sisters Esther Wambugu, Petroneus Keneema, Consalata Kanuel, Lillian Kwetegereza, Rosette Mucunguzi, Faustina Nsiimenta, Olive Kabugho, and Businge Donatira.
Celebrating their Platinum Jubilee (70 years) were Rev. Sr.Maria Augustine and Sr.Maria Archangella then Sr.Francisca Nyanjura, Sr.Tadeo Basigirenda, Sr.Matilda Nakaima, and Sr.Gertrude Kabwijukya celebrated their Diamond Jubilee (60 years).
Reverend Sisters Rose Kajumba, Grace Mary Mbabazi, Veronica Bazigaga, and Mary Nsungwa equally celebrated their Golden Jubilee (50 years) of service in the Congregation of Daughters of St. Therese (DST)
During the celebration at Virika Cathedral Parish in Fort Portal City, Rt. Rev. Vincent Kirabo, the Bishop of Hoima Catholic Diocese, urged the nuns who made their perpetual vows and those that were celebrating anniversaries, to remain focused in their vocation through utilizing their respective gifts.
Bishop Kirabo emphasized the need to stay focused and avoid corruption, greed for material possessions, ignorance of the word of God, and other distractions that may divert them from following Jesus Christ. He called on parents to fulfill their parenting responsibilities, reminding them that neglecting these duties can lead children to blame them for being too busy.
Representing the brides, Reverend Sister Maria Erikanjeru thanked their parents for nurturing them in a God-fearing way, providing education, and allowing them to serve God as religious sisters. They expressed gratitude to everyone who supported them, especially parish priests, and requested prayers from Christians for their continued service to God and His people.
Reverend Sister Seraphine Kaitesirwa, the Superior General of Banyatereza Sisters, congratulated the sisters and prayed that their Jubilee and final vows would bring immense joy, fulfillment, and spiritual growth. She commended parents, relatives, and well-wishers who accompanied them on their faith journey, asking the very parents to consider giving them more children.
Msgr. Isaiah Mayombo, the Vicar General of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, used the same function to ask Christians to collaborate with parents in raising children in a God-fearing manner and teaching them discipline, emphasizing that nurturing children is a collective responsibility.
Minister of State for Local Government, Victoria Businge Rusoke, commended the leadership of Banyatereza Sisters for their support in various development initiatives. She stated that the government is committed to adhering to biblical teachings and fighting against homosexuality.
