Lira, Uganda | The Catholic Church in northern Uganda has received 14 new perpetually professed sisters, even as the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, warned families against misunderstanding religious vocations, which he said has increasingly led to disputes being taken to civil courts.
The sisters, members of the Missionary Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church, made their final vows during a colourful New Year celebration at the congregation’s Mother House in Ngetta, witnessed by thousands of faithful, religious leaders and government officials from across the Lango Sub-region.
During his homily, Bishop Wanok explained that perpetual profession marks a decisive and irreversible commitment, in which a religious sister freely renounces personal ownership and submits all aspects of life—including financial matters and burial arrangements—to the religious community.
He said some families continue to treat religious life as temporary or conditional, a perception he described as harmful to both the Church and the individuals who choose the vocation.
“When a daughter offers herself fully to God, families must also accept that offering in faith,” the bishop said.
The ceremony followed traditional Catholic rites, with parents formally presenting the candidates, who later lay prostrate before the altar before professing their vows and signing lifelong commitments.
Four other sisters celebrated golden jubilees, marking 50 years of service in education, healthcare and pastoral outreach.
The event was attended by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, who commended the Church for its sustained role in social welfare, particularly through schools, hospitals and care centres for vulnerable children.
She urged families to support religious vocations and cautioned against inappropriate public admiration of consecrated women, saying their calling is rooted in humility, service and spiritual discipline.
Bishop Wanok also appealed for peaceful political engagement, urging leaders to reject violence and intimidation, especially as the country heads into an election season.
He said faith-based values should guide leadership, stressing that genuine authority is founded on service rather than coercion.
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