The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, has urged Christians to stop giving excuses in responding to God’s call, but rather embrace it with humility and dedication in their respective vocations.
Bishop Rubaramira made the remarks on Saturday , February 7, 2026 while delivering his homily during a Holy Mass held in honor of Sr. Mary Mukanyangezi, the Commissioner of the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima (DOLF), who was celebrating 50 years in Religious Life life and 71 years of age.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali, and drew clergy, religious, political leaders, and faithful from within and outside Kabale Diocese particularly Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Drawing message from the biblical story of Joshua, Bishop Rubaramira reminded Christians that when God called Joshua to lead the Israelites, he initially expressed fear and doubt about his ability. However, God reassured him to be strong and courageous, promising to remain with him as he was with Moses (Joshua 1:5) in order to fulfill his mission.
The Bishop noted that many Christians today continue to doubt God’s call and offer excuses when called to serve, a habit he cautioned against. He encouraged the faithful to remain open and ready to respond to God’s call, relying on prayer and God’s guidance in order to serve faithfully and be good examples in society.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul reminds the faithful that the vocation which God gives us is like an earthen vessel (clay), very vulnerable and fragile, but the grace of God is sufficient and greater than our weaknesses. Like St. Paul, Christians should be able to testify that “I can do all in Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). When Jeremiah said he was young, God assured him he would be with him.
In the Gospel of Luke 1: 29-56, it is recorded that in the simplicity and humility, God chose Mary to bear his son, and Elizabeth is filled with awe and wonder. This means that God does not follow any criteria to chose his own, but just out of his love and generosity. Mary teaches us humility and stewardship (am the handmaid of the Lord).
“Mary recounts the wonders the Lord had done for his people. Thank you for being faithful to the Lord for these years and responding to his call. We join you Sr. Mary Mukanyangezi to thank God for all he has done for you in the last 50 years of religious life”, recounted Bishop Rubaramira.
Sr. Scholastica Kyobutungi, Superior General of the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima noted that it was a special day to thank God for the gift of Sr. Mary Mukanyangezi, a power of unity and shared faith with inspired Fatima Sisters to work together for the kingdom of God.
She said that Sr. Mukanyangezi has been and is a blessing to the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima since 2013 when she became their commissioner at the request of Rome through Bishop Callist Rubaramira.
Sr. Kyobutungi talked about Sr. Mukanyangezi as one who helped the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima to pray with the Gospels (Lexio Divina), self directed retreats, quiet reflection, meditation among other forms of prayers and the beauty of silence, strength of prayer and wisdom that comes from God alone.
She said that Sr. Mukanyagezi is humble, gentle, speaks fewer words but full of wisdom, a living example of evangelical poverty, with a generous heart and that it was indeed right that the Fatima Sisters join her in celebrating the gift of 50 years in Religious Life and 71 years of age.
In his remarks, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, Rwanda, praised Sr Mary Mukanyangezi for her lifelong dedication to education and the formation of young religious leaders, noting that her work has inspired many congregations. “The harvest is great, but the laborers are few,” he said, urging more religious men and women to commit themselves to education and formation ministries.
“Her commitment as an educator has helped shape generations, reflecting the light of God’s love in the lives of young people,” he added, describing Sr. Mary’s life as a powerful witness to God’s love.
Knowledge divorced from morality, science without conscience is the ruin of the soul – Cardinal Antoine Kambanda.
He added that while young people must be trained in all sciences, education should guide them to use their knowledge for the benefit of society and the Church. “Education must help young people apply what they learn for the benefit of the community and in service of the Church,” Cardinal Kambanda said.
Highlighting Africa’s youthful population, where nearly 75 percent are young people, Cardinal Kambanda emphasized the urgency of quality education and proper formation. “The Church needs well-formed young men and women who are ready to serve, especially those discerning religious life,” he said.
Sr. Mary Mukanyangezi praised the spirit of unity and service among religious communities. “My service here was not simply an act of obedience, but a calling to serve God’s people with dedication and love,” she said, noting that collaboration with other Sisters strengthened her faith.
She thanked her parents who nurtured her in the deep-rooted Christian faith. She expressed gratitude to Congregation of Daughters of st. Theresa of the Child Jesus (Banyatereza Sisters) for accepting her into their community and built her confidence, hence widening her horizon in education, formation and leadership. She also thanked the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima who welcomed her in 2013 when she was appointed their Commissioner and has remained part of that family to date.
The Golden Jubilee celebration also served as a fundraising drive for new accomodation aimed at providing privacy and dignity for elderly Fatima sisters which saw 42 million raised through cash and pledges.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Ndorwa West MP-elect Eliab Naturinda Mporera, Ndorwa East MP-elect Dr Protazio Begumisa, Rukungiri District Woman MP-elect Mary Paula Turyahikayo and Hon Catherine Ndamira Woman MP Kabale District, represented by her political Assistant Mr. Akampurira Alex.
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May God 🙏 who called her continue to full fill her vocation
Excellent reporting