Christians have been encouraged to consistently seek the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima to guide them in their daily pursuits. This call was made by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese on 13th May, 2026, during a solemn Mass commemorating the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima at Rushoroza Mother House, Kabale Diocese.
In his homily, Msgr. Sunday expressed gratitude to God for the gift of Mother Mary, emphasizing the importance of praying through her intercession. He also congratulated the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima on celebrating their Feast Day, highlighting that their mission and work are empowered by God’s grace, as “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
Drawing inspiration from the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl, Msgr. Sunday reflected on discovery and joy. “What was common to those who found the treasure and the pearl was discovery, which brought them happiness and motivated them to acquire these precious items,” He linked this to the religious life, where individuals leave everything behind after discovering Christ; the Ultimate Treasure and Pearl.
“You, the Religious, are a treasure and pearls in front of God. All the people of God who follow his commandments are a treasure to Him. When we were lost in sin, He called us out of darkness and made us His treasure through Jesus Christ,” Msgr. Sunday stated.
He further urged the faithful to cultivate a close relationship with the Word of God; the Bible, emphasizing its role as a vital tool in fulfilling their divine mission. “In a world filled with many voices, the one you must listen to is God’s voice, which is found in the Scriptures,” he advised.
Msgr. Sunday also highlighted the essential role of religious communities in the life of the Church. “The Catholic Church cannot function effectively without Religious men and women,” he said. He commended the Fatima Sisters for their active participation across various sectors such as education, health, and finance within the diocese. “You are a blessing to the Diocese, and I pray that God continues to guide and strengthen your ministry,” he added.
In his concluding remarks, Msgr. Sunday urged the Fatima Sisters to remain faithful in sharing the message of Our Lady of Fatima. He reminded them that since her apparition to three children in Fatima, Portugal, on 13th May, 1917, the message of Prayer, Repentance, conversion, Sacrifice, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart remains profoundly relevant today. “This message is ever new; do not stray from it,” he emphasized.
In her address, Rev. Sr. Scholastic Kyobutungi, Superior General, of the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima, expressed gratitude to God and Our Lady of Fatima for the divine message entrusted to the three children. She congratulated Sr. Brandina Kemiryango and Sr. Annamary Turihohabwe on their 50 and 25 years of religious life, respectively, describing the day as one of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment.
Sr. Kyobutungi also expressed gratitude to Sr. Rominah Nyemera, the former Superior General of the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel of Mbarara, for leading the retreat for the Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima and for her valuable contributions. She urged the members to keep the message of Fatima alive; centered on conversion, forgiveness, penance, sacrifice, and prayer for peace worldwide. She emphasized the importance of praying for people to turn away from sin and to live virtuous lives.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Vicar General for representing the Bishop and appreciated the Bishop in absentia for his presence among the members, as well as his ongoing support and availability in all seasons, offering prayers and pastoral encouragement.
The jubilarians, expressed their gratitude to God for calling them to religious life and for His protection throughout the years. They also thanked their parents, those who welcomed them into the congregation, and those who inspired them to embrace religious life. Additionally, they appreciated the community members for their love, support, and care, and pledged to continue praying for them.
