SR. AGATHER NAKIWEEWA FIRST ANNUAL PROFESSION OF VOWS AUGUST 6, 2022

BY SR. ELIZABETH ANN HAYES, CCVI

“What a joyful day the day of the Lord, a joyful day, we are happy and glad.” Indeed, the words of this popular hymn fittingly describe the First Annual Profession ceremony of Sister Agather Nakiweewa on the beautiful Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Aug. 2, 2022. Sister Agather was radiant with joy, peace, and thanksgiving as she fervently pronounced her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the presence of Sister Elizabeth Ann Hayes, representing Sister Celeste Trahan, Congregational Leader. We welcome Sister Agather Nakiweewa, our f i r s t native Ugandan, into membership with us.

This day was certainly joyful not only for all of our Sisters here in Kenya, but also for Sister Agather’ s family members who t raveled from Uganda and Kenya. One could feel a lilt in the air. The ceremony began with a procession led by our CCVI liturgical dancers, followed by our Sisters, family members, f r iends, and celebrants. The presider at the Mass was Fr. Syriack Malasi, S. J. assisted by Fr. John Akagwu, SMA, Fr. Rémi Fatcheoun, SMA and Fr. Richard Muema, CECC.

In his homily, Fr. Malasi talked about the vows. He reminded us that the vows are a commitment to love and a call to share the love of God with others. It is an experience of coming down the mountaintop to the real world. For a religious, the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are a tangible way of l i v ing the love of God in reality. In other words, l i v ing out the fundamental Christian virtues of hope, love, and faith. He addressed Sr. Agather as follows: “My dear Sister, remember in your journey of self-emptying you will encounter joys and sorrows, success and failures, encouragements and discouragements. They can come internally or externally.” He encouraged her to remain attached to Christ Jesus whom she desires and follows. He urged her to put Christ ahead of things, people, or apostolates. He said that in Christ you would have life, strength and courage to endure and persevere.

Following the Mass, the sun was shining and the clicking of cameras began. All enjoyed a sumptuous meal and a delicious cake, made especially for Sr. Agather’s first profession, was served with ice cream. In the afternoon people v i s i ted, sang, and danced. All who were present had a wonderful time and many expressed that i t was a day they will always remember.