Catholic Archbishop Calls for Peace and Hope ahead of Uganda’s 2026 Elections

“Through your vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, you proclaim that God alone is sufficient and that his light is stronger than any darkness,” he said.

“As little Sisters of St. Francis remain faithful to your charism of gospel simplicity, of joyful poverty and trust in providence, of deep prayer and Eucharistic devotion, of love for the poor, the wounded and the forgotten of peace, humility and fraternity,” he added.

At the celebration, some 12 Sisters made their Perpetual vows while 13 celebrated their Silver Jubilee, two their Golden Jubilee, and the six 60 years of Religious life.

The Archbishop urged all the Sisters to remain faithful to the Lord even amid challenges.

“Dear Sisters, the journey you begin or continue today will not always be easy. You will encounter many trials, fatigue, misunderstandings, and temptations, but never forget the star that led you here. The star will not deceive you, it will guide you along the right path,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.

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The Local Ordinary of Kampala urged members of LSOSF to put in practice their vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity in their daily lives, saying,  “Let your lives preach the gospel not only in words but above all in deeds.”

The Archbishop assured the Sisters that their vocation is “not an escape from the world” but a light of the world, reminding them that it is not by their own merit but God’s grace, that they were celebrating Religious life.

“It is God’s grace that has brought you this far. The Lord chose you, set you apart, and entrusted you with the sacred mission. Your lives are meant to be the visible sign of God’s love for the world. You are channels of God’s grace in a wounded world. Let the words spoken to Mary strengthen you always. Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God; nothing is impossible with God,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.

“Dear Sisters in your profession, you surrender yourselves to God with Christ and humility, welcoming his plan for your lives. You serve the Lord wholeheartedly, restoring human dignity, revealing God’s mercy and giving hope to the world thirsting for love,” he added.

The Archbishop urged Sisters to not only serve the world but also live a life centered on Jesus Christ through adoration.

“The heart of religious life is adoration. A life centered on Christ especially on the Eucharist, in prayer, and in humble surrender. Today, your entire life, your strength, your dreams, your future is placed in the feet of Jesus,” he said.

In his homily, Archbishop Ssemogerere assured the Women and Men religious and the Clergy of his support and the support of the whole church, saying, “As we celebrate the Epiphany, remember you do not walk alone, the whole church rejoices with you and prays for you. The blessed Virgin Mary walks with you together with St. Francis and all the saints.” 

“May the Lord strengthen you in your vocation so that you may witness Christ's word and life like Mary standing faithfully at the foot of the cross. May you stand firm for others, offering hope and consolation,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.