The Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima at their Mother House in Rushoroza, marking 107 years since the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the three children at Fatima. The celebration also marked the Silver Jubilee (25 years of religious life) of Sr. Maria Tumuheirwe.
The Holy Mass was presided over by Msgr. John Vianney Sunday, Vicar General of Kabale Diocese, who conveyed greetings from the Bishop and congratulated the Sisters for their faithful service within the Diocese and beyond. He appreciated their contribution to various diocesan apostolates, including parish work, diocesan institutions, and pastoral ministries, and reminded them of Our Lady’s message of prayer and repentance.
In her address, the Superior General, Sr. Scholastic Kyobutungi, thanked God for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Church and recalled the apparitions of 13 May 1917, when Mary called the world to prayer, reparation, and conversion. She emphasized that the feast is a moment to renew commitment to the congregation’s charism and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The celebration brought together members of various religious congregations in Kabale Diocese under the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), who joined in solidarity and thanksgiving. The Daughters of Our Lady of Fatima currently serve in 28 communities across the country, and annually prepare for the feast through a week-long retreat, this year facilitated by Fr. Fidel Ndagijimana, Pastoral Coordinator of Kabale Diocese.
Gratitude was also expressed by the family of Sr. Maria Tumuheirwe, who thanked God and the congregation for nurturing her vocation over the past 25 years. In her remarks, Sr. Maria thanked God for the gift of life and vocation, expressed gratitude to her parents and community, and reaffirmed her commitment to serve the elderly, the sick, and the vulnerable with joy and dedication.
The celebration concluded with prayers entrusting all families and communities to the loving care of Our Lady of Fatima, asking her to guide and strengthen all in faith and service.
