By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Lira, Uganda – January 1, 2026 – In a vibrant display of faith, perseverance, and missionary zeal, the Missionary Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church (MSMMC) gathered to celebrate the perpetual profession of fourteen Sisters and the Golden Jubilee of four Jubilarians, a milestone marking 50 years of consecrated life. The event, held at the Motherhouse in Lira, drew religious leaders, family members, formators, cultural and political leaders, and national dignitaries, including Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi.
Following Mary’s Example: Bishop Wanok’s Homily
The celebration began with the homily of Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira Diocese, who reflected on the spiritual significance of the vows and the inspiration of Mary, Mother of the Church, for the Sisters’ mission.
“Lose sight of Mary, and you lose sight of the mission; gain Mary, and you gain the mission,” Bishop Wanok emphasized, explaining that Mary’s life exemplifies listening, observing, serving, and acting in faith. He highlighted that the Sisters, like Mary, are called to respond to the needs of others while keeping Christ at the center of their mission.
He congratulated the Golden Jubilarians, acknowledging their 50 years of faithful consecrated life as living witnesses of perseverance, commitment, and grace. The Bishop also encouraged the young Sisters, novice to carry forward the congregation’s mission with determination, unity, and openness to the Holy Spirit.
“A Church that listens like Mary, works together in unity, and remains open to the Holy Spirit becomes a blessed Church, capable of making Christ known to all,” he concluded, setting the spiritual tone for the day’s celebrations.
Archbishop Odama: Rooted in Vision and Peace
Following the homily, Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama addressed the congregation, reflecting on the founder’s vision and the enduring mission of the Sisters. He recalled his own encounters with the founder and the lesson that has stayed with him:
“When God calls you, He does not mean to joke. He wants you to be His active and effective representative.”
Archbishop Odama urged the Sisters to remain faithful to the congregation’s founding vision of love for the Church and missionary service. He also conveyed blessings from senior Church leaders, including Archbishop Raphael of Nairobi and Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, and encouraged prayers for the canonization ofUgandan blesseds, Daudi Okello and Gildo Irwa and Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli, inviting the Sisters to spearhead in seeking their intercession.
Addressing political leaders present, Archbishop Odama called for peace, unity, reconciliation, and responsible leadership, reminding them that God must remain central in public service.
Superior General Mother Liberator Mandaun: Gratitude and the “Triple Yes”
The congregation’s Superior General, Mother Liberator Mandaun, expressed deep appreciation for the Sisters’ generosity and courage in committing their lives to God through perpetual vows. She honored the Golden Jubilarians for their enduring faithfulness, describing their lives as exemplifying the “triple yes,” faith in God, faith in oneself, and faith in the cause.
“Fifty years of faithful consecrated life is a powerful witness of perseverance, commitment, and grace,” she said, praising the Jubilarians’ witness as an inspiration to younger Sisters.
Mother Liberator also thanked parents, formators, benefactors, and the members of the Institute, highlighting the critical support and guidance that made the celebration and formation possible. She prayed for God’s continued blessings, love, and peace over the congregation as they entered the year 2026 with renewed zeal for their mission.
Minister Betty Amongi: Commitment to Service and Respect
In her remarks, Hon. Betty Amongi reflected on the significance of the Sisters’ vows, emphasizing that “all that I have is for the Institution” and highlighting the importance of service, obedience, and dedication. She reminded attendees that religious vows are not only a spiritual commitment but also a call to disciplined communal life, guided by the Superior General.
“Leadership is about service. The vows made today remind us that true service is service to the poor, the vulnerable, and those who struggle to access justice,” Minister Amongi stated, connecting the Sisters’ witness to the broader call for responsible civic leadership.
She praised the Sisters’ dedication, encouraged respect for their vocation, and reaffirmed her personal commitment to promote peace, justice, and service in her own leadership. She concluded with a gift to the Superior General, trusting her to use it wisely for the good of the congregation.
A Day of Faith, Joy, and Inspiration
The event was a profound celebration of faith, perseverance, and missionary commitment, bringing together religious, civic, and family communities. The perpetual profession of vows, coupled with the Golden Jubilee of the Jubilarians, underscored the enduring impact of the Missionary Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church on the spiritual and social life.
Through the voices of the Bishops, Archbishop, Superior General, and Minister, the day’s message was clear: a life devoted to God, guided by Mary’s example, rooted in community, and lived in service to others, remains a beacon of inspiration, peace, and hope for all.
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