First vows in the Province of Africa – 28 August 2026

A ceremony celebrating First Vows and the Renewal of Vows took place at the Mbikko Formation House in Kigobe, Uganda on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Taking their first vows were; Anne-Marie Mbafumoja Kanyere Lwanzo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gloria Fortunate Ajwang of Uganda. Offering a thanksgiving for their profession and renewing their final vows were; Sr. Jeniffer Mbinya Mutiso rscj of Kenya, Sr. Elizabeth Kasyoka Mutono rscj of Kenya, and Sr. Hilda Ayebazibwe rscj of Uganda. Father Andrew Mukulu of MHM-MILL HILL Missionaries presided over the ceremony while the Provincial of Africa, Sr. Marie-Jeanne Elonga rscj, and the Mistress of Novices, Sr. Teresa Aura rscj, received the new sisters’ vows.

The celebration was well attended with approximately 400 people, including the family members of the five sisters. Those who were unable to be there in person followed the celebration live on YouTube, aired by Ugandan Catholics Online.

Different religious congregations attended the celebration, such as the Little Sisters of St. Francis, the Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Mary, Evangelizing Sisters, Incarnate Word Sisters, Franciscan Sisters and also priests from different dioceses, including Moroto, Lugazi, Jinja, and Kampala.

Pupils from St. Bernadette Primary School, headed by Sr. Lucy Kabagweri rscj, crowned the day by taking charge of the liturgical dancing and entertaining the visitors.

The Society welcomes the sisters with great joy and accompanies them with their prayers.