The 16th of April 2023, the day of final commitment of Sr. Redempta Kabahweza, was a great day of joy in our MSOLA family, in the family of Sr. Redempta and the entire church center of Kabata, Fort Portal in Uganda.
It was a joy of participating in the event of a young woman who took the step to give herself totally to God and to God’s service until death! It was a celebration of Sr. Redempta’s final “YES” to the Lord’s call, to leave her country and proclaim God’s love to all the people she encounters.
After listening to many people, the simplicity of Redempta in choosing the local church center for her feast was impressive. During her speech, she shared that it was in that vary church that she experienced her first encounter with God, where she came to know God and fell in love with Jesus in the Eucharist. It was therefore, very important for her to return to these roots in order to share with the people of this local church, the joy and happiness of her total YES to God
We had such a beautiful celebration with the bishop of Fort Portal who was so humble to recognize the work of the White Sisters and White Fathers in his diocese. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to our Sister Elizabeth Villemure who taught him mathematics in secondary school. This was our joy, as the success of our sister is our success. He also mentioned the efforts of evangelization in Uganda by the White Fathers and White Sisters, which continues to be an inspiration to the people of the country.
What touched me most is that the bishop invoked the changes brought about by Vatican II, especially as he tried to explain to the local people why we MSOLA are dressed in a different way, that is in comparison with religious sisters who wear religious habits. He said that we MSOLA are of the same family and that there is no difference between us apart from our different styles of dressing. In his homily, he also explained the 3 evangelical counsels and the meaning of the profession ring. He did this to help the people have an idea of the value of the engagement of Redempta. He encouraged Redempta to keep her spirit of listening: through her superiors and through her love for the Eucharist.
We were so grateful for the collaboration of the Banyatereza Sisters in the feast. One could feel they were really involved and wanted this feast to be successful: through lodging all of us, decorating and welcoming us. In her speech, the Sister who represented the General Superior of the Daughters of St. Tereza, was indeed grateful for the contribution of White Sisters in her congregation’s foundation and formation. I quote her words: “we are because you are.” They were indeed very good and generous to us.
The collaboration of the Missionaries of Africa and the representatives of the FROMA, (Friends and family of the Missionaries of Africa) who were with us for this function was also good. We felt supported by the entire family.
We were indeed grateful to the Lord for the success of this feast and for the participation of each one. It is impossible to forget the joy of the people of Kabata Center and the children, who were in great number and very well disciplined so as to follow from the beginning up to the end. As many told Redempta, the joy has just begun. Let’s keep her in our prayer that she can keep her faith in the Lord. It is with all this that we say, to God be the glory.
Sr. Donatira Tusiime, MSOLA
