Christians have been called upon to live authentic lives of faith, rooted in sacrifice and total commitment to the Gospel, listening to Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
This call was made by His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese while presiding over Mass celebrating 4th Sunday of Easter at the Mother House of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kyabirukwa, Isingiro District.
Also called Good Shepherd Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Easter is marked by praying for various vocations in the Catholic Church and this year, it fell on the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The day brought together the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel to celebrate their feast day and to renew their profession of vows and a number sisters celebrating different anniversaries.
In his homily, Archbishop Bainomugisha delivered a powerful message about the meaning of religious vocation, describing it as a life of deep sacrifice, humility, and service to others.
These nuns sacrifice a lot. Many are highly educated, even professors, yet they surrender all their personal earnings to the congregation and their lives are full, dignified, and rich in purpose – His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha.
He contrasted the simplicity of religious life with common societal tendencies, noting how some people accumulate possessions even for short journeys. “When these sisters are transferred, they move with a single suitcase, teach us how to use worldly things without being possessed by them.”
He emphasized that religious men and women are not fundamentally different from the lay faithful. “We breathe the same air, eat the same food. There is no difference,” he said. “What matters is how we allow God’s grace to work through our ordinary lives.”
Among the jubilarians was Sr. Francisca Kamazooba, who marked an extraordinary 75 years in religious life in the congregation of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Sr. Kamazoba is described as a “shining lantern,” whose journey has been one of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Even in her advanced years, she continues to serve as a formator, shaping and nurturing young girls into religious formation. She is one of the composers of Catholic liturgical hymns, and one of her famous songs is “Omutima gwangye gwijwire ebigambo birungi…”
Another notable jubilarian was Sr. Sapientia Kisembo who celebrated 50 years of dedicated service, particularly in education and family ministry. Renowned as an exceptional English teacher, her influence spans generations of learners. Sr. Kisembo also worked as coordinator of Family Ministry in Kabale Diocese, carrying out her apostolate among the married but offering guidance and counseling to couples, facilitating retreats and workshops among others.
Three sisters marked 25 years of service in Religious Life in the Congregation of Our Lady of Good Counsel and these were Sr. Prossy Naturinda, Sr. Winfreda Tugumusirize, and Sr. Adolphina Fideli Bikula and the Archbishop commended their sacrifice, hard work coupled generosity and enduring commitment.
Four other sisters also took profession of their perpetual vows, committing their lives fully to the service of God among his people. These were Sr. Florence Mutio, Sr. Vastina Twinomuhangi, Sr. Anna Atwijukire and Sr. Annociate Tumuhimbise.
Drawing from the message of Good Shepherd Sunday, rooted in the teachings of the Gospel of John, Archbishop Bainomugisha reminded Christians of their responsibility to care for each another with love, compassion, and integrity, reflecting Christ through their words and actions, whether in families or at workplace.
In her message, Sr. Grace Kyomugisha, the Superior General of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Mbarara, honoured a lifetime of commitment and the legacy of dedicated religious service of the jubilarians.
“We offer our heartfelt congratulations to our dear sisters for their persistent and consistent response to God’s call. Each day, He speaks to our hearts, and like Mother Mary, we are called to listen and offer our own Yes.’ In the spirit of her word, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word, our sisters have made their lives a living testament to His will,” Sr Kyomugisha stated.
She encouraged those present to use the occasion to strengthen their faith and renew their commitment to their respective vocations, whether in priesthood, religious life, marriage or single life.
Three of the jubilarians have special attachment to Kabale Diocese. Sr. Sapientia Kisembo who celebrated 50 year in Religious Life is the former coordinator of Family Ministry in Kabale Diocese. Sr. Winfred Tugumisirize, born from Chris the King Parish Kabale is currently the Treasurer General of the Congregation while Sr. Prossy Naturinda, born from St Francis Parish Kyanamira is currently serving as the Principal Information Technology Officer (PITO) at the Uganda Health Professions Assessment Board (UHPAB).