Banyatereza sisters welcome nine new sisters

14 October 2025, 18:40

By Claire Nayebare

Acknowledging that the sisters have entered religious life in the digital age, Bishop Muhiirwa encouraged them to utilise technology constructively to promote the faith, giving an example of the recently canonised Saint Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old who used digital media to spread devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and Marian apparitions

The Religious Congregation of the Daughters of St. Thérèse (Banyatereza) have over the weekend joyfully welcomed nine new reverend sisters who professed their first temporary vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience.

The newly professed sisters are:

• Rev. Sr. Lillian Mbabazi from Murro Parish, Hoima Diocese;
• Sr. Bridget Akuru from Immaculate Conception Parish, Soroti Diocese;
• Sr. Joseline Ahaisibwe from Bulindi Parish, Hoima Diocese;
• Sr. Charity Nimusiima from Kitagwenda ParishFort Portal Diocese
• Sr. Evaline Katushabe from Muhorro Parish, Hoima Diocese;
• Sr. Noeline Kemigisha from Kigarama Parish, Mbarara Archdiocese;
• Sr. Lucia Karungi from Rugombe Parish Fort Portal Diocese
• Sr. Winfred Nsiimenta from Ibanda Parish, Mbarara Archdiocese; and
• Sr. Madrine Nakyonyi from Kimanya parish Masaka Diocese.

In his homily at Virika Cathedral in Fort Portal City today, Bishop Robert Muhiirwa encouraged the sisters to imitate the humility of their patron saint, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who sought to please God through simple acts of love and humility.

The Bishop urged them to remain committed in prayer, noting that they are especially blessed to have professed their vows during the Jubilee Year of Hope. He reminded them that the path of religious life may present challenges especially common challenges in the communities that they will serve in like poor transport system in rural areas, but with faith, prayer, and perseverance, they can ably go through.

Embracing technology to enrich their vocation

His Lordship Muhiirwa, further advised the newly professed sisters to avoid the evils present in the world and instead focus on being faithful to the three evangelical vows which will enable them become light to the world.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Bishop Muhiirwa emphasised deep prayer for themselves, for the Mother Church, for more vocations, and for the conversion of the world.

Rev. Mother Seraphine Kaitesirwa, Superior General of the Banyatereza Congregation, congratulated the new sisters for their generous response to God’s call. She cautioned them against the distractions of social media in today’s digital age and encouraged them to remain faithful to prayer and the responsibilities entrusted to them.

She also expressed gratitude to the parents, formators, and teachers who have supported the sisters along their journey, and called upon senior sisters to warmly welcome the newly professed into their communities, guiding them and sharing with them the joy of religious life.

The parents of the newly professed expressed their gratitude to God and urged their daughters never to regret their choice of serving Him, assuring them of their continued prayers and support.

Hon Alex Ruhunda, the Fort Portal Central Division Member of Parliament, commended the increased population of the Banyatereza, acknowledging their contributions to the growth and development of the city.

He echoed Bishop Muhiirwa’s message on embracing technology to push forward their ministry.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Muhiirwa expressed gratitude for the growing number of new sisters this year. He encouraged all sisters to actively promote religious vocations by visiting schools and inspiring young people to consider consecrated life with hope and determination.