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Ugandan Novices Make First Vows

Ugandan Novices of Notre Dame
Sr. Mary Immaculate, left, and Sr. Mary Amony posed for this picture together
when they became novices.

On Saturday, October 7, two Ugandan Novices will make their first profession of vows. They are the first native Sisters of Notre Dame to minister to the people of Buseesa, Uganda.

Introducing Sister Mary Immaculate, SND
Sister Mary Immaculate is the oldest of twelve children. She is from the nearby mother parish in Bujuni. Ugandan Martyrs Parish in Buseesa at one time was an outstation of this parish. Sister's father, Charles, is one of the drivers for the sisters at St. Julie. He is also the leader of the Bujuni parish council. Sister Mary Immaculate taught at St. Julie School before entering the formation house. She used her salary to pay the school fees of her younger brothers and sisters. She is a member of the local tribe, the Banyoro. Her understanding of the local people in Buseesa will be a great blessing to the mission efforts there. Read Sr. Mary Immaculate's reflection on religious life on the Sisters of Notre Dame international website.


Introducing Sister Mary Amony, SND
Sister Mary Amony originally came from Gulu in northern Uganda. The rebel army (LRA) has destroyed the lives of thousands of people there, among them several of Sister's family. She and her mother moved to Hoima where they met the Bishop. He hired her mother and nurtured Sister's vocation. At his suggestion, she joined the teaching staff at St. Julie's. Sister continued to help support her mother, then entered the formation house. Sister is a member of the Acholi tribe. Sister's leadership skills will also greatly bless the mission efforts. Read Sr. Mary Amony's reflection about being a novice on the Sisters of Notre Dame international website.

 
 

These new Sisters of Notre Dame will serve the people of Buseesa in various ministries and live at St. Julie Mission. The Sisters of Notre Dame have been building St. Julie Mission in Buseesa since 1995 and now offer primary and secondary education to over three hundred children in the Kibaale District. The students and their families are immensely grateful to the benefactors who have supported the mission.

Since the primary school opened in 1998, students have won academic and music performance awards, often astounding more urban competitors. Their Catholic education in leadership and critical thinking gives them the promise of transforming their district from "the Lost Counties" to the "Promising Counties."

You can learn more about St. Julie Mission by viewing our commemorative book. To support the mission, contact our development office or consider sponsoring a student.