From February 3rd to March 5th, 2018, Sr. Josephina D’Souza, Vice-General and Sr. Liberata Niyongira, General Councilor- as delegates of the Superior General- made the visitation to Our Lady of Kibeho Region which consists of the African countries of Rwanda, Congo and Uganda. It was a significant moment of grace for the Sisters to foster zeal and unity in the spirit of our founder St. Vincent Pallotti, whose bicentenary of Ordination will be celebrated this year. There are four communities in Rwanda, two in D.R. Congo and a new mission in Uganda. Two missionaries from Poland are still members of this Region.
The time of visitation with each community began with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reflection on the theme “Seek Jesus, encounter Jesus, follow Jesus; this is the way.” Sr. Josephina and Sr. Liberata had an opportunity to meet each sister in our different communities, and witness their dedication in our various apostolates such as: Health Care, Education, Pastoral Care in the Sanctuaries and the Adoption of Heart organization through which our Sisters render service for hundreds of orphan and poor Children.
At the end of the visitation with each community Holy Mass and a missioning ceremony was held. There were also different meetings held for temporary professed sisters, final professed sisters and the formation team to emphasize the radical living and witnessing of our consecrated life.
The visitors greatly appreciated the collaboration with the Pallottine Fathers and the diocesan priests in various faith formation ministries. The UAC charism is well understood and lived by Fathers, Sisters and lay people.
In Uganda the sisters visited with Cistercian Trappist monks and nuns who accommodated our sisters in the initial period of mission in Masaka. The meeting with Rev. Mgr. John Baptist Kaggwa, the Bishop of Masaka diocese and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Michael August Blume was very enriching.
Visitation was concluded with a Regional Council meeting and Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Eugene Niyonzima, SAC Provincial Rector of the Pallottine Fathers. We thank our Sisters whole heartedly for their listening heart and guidance. Their witness of faith and joy strengthened our Divine vocation to Consecrated life, and gave meaning to our walking in the footsteps of our founder St. Vincent Pallotti towards the sanctity. May God bless us and fill us with renewed grace to continue to work for His greater honor and glory.
Sr. Angeline Kambugu, SAC
