The prelate implored parents to continue sending their children to religious institutions to serve God. Seminaries train priests, while convents trains Catholic nuns.
Ssemogerere made the remarks during his encouragement homily made before hundreds, who gathered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Reparatrix Ggogonya off Entebbe Road to witness the occasion where sisters made their perpetual vows on Wednesday. At the same function, several nuns celebrated 25, 50 and 60 years in sisterhood.
“On this important day of harvest, parents, continue sending more of your children to the convents and religious institutions to serve God,” he said.
He congratulated those who made their vows in different categories of 25, 50 and 60 years, including those who made their perpetual vows.
Perpetual vows commonly called final vows, are professed anytime between three to nine years after temporary vows.
The time may vary according to the tradition of the community. Perpetual vows are professed for life. They also take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience – the three evangelical counsels of perfection in Christianity.
He added: “God chose you to serve Him, so, serve with a smile and love. This is what will make both God and his people happy. You are religious not merely to preserve the status, but rather to bring joy, gifts of spirit to the mission of envangelisation to God’s people.”
The chairperson of the Episcopal Conference and Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana, Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Bishop of Lugazi, Christopher Kakooza and the retired Bishop of Lugazi, Mathias Ssekamaanya, attended.