Perpetual Profession and Diaconate of Three Ugandan Confreres

MBARARA, Uganda - The Africa Anglophone General Delegation on 14th August 2016 welcomed three members into final vows and diaconate: Ronald Musinguzi, SMM. Ludoviko Ahimbisibwe, SMM and Nobert Tukwatanise, SMM – all from Uganda.

The event was preceded by a three-month preparation facilitated by Fr. Paul Lonely Mashonga, SMM, which took place at the Montfort Community in Mbarara. The three brothers consecrated themselves to Jesus through Mary on 13th August, 2016 before Fr. Charlie Bernie, SMM, assisted by Fr. Paul Lonely Mashonga, SMM.

On 14th August 2016, they made their perpetual profession in the Company of Mary before Fr. Charlie Bernie representing the Superior General at the Nyamitanga Cathedral during the Eucharistic celebration which was presided over by the Most Reverend Paul K. Bakyenga, Archbishop of Mbarara.

On 15th August 2016, the confreres joined nine diocesan candidates presented before Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga for diaconate ordination. It was indeed, a breath-taking event and a historical one, to witness three Ugandan men joining the Company of Mary. The Archbishop could not help but to express his deep joy for the recommendable work done by the Montfort Missionaries in the diocese. He further pledged his endless support to the Montfort Missionaries. In his address, the archbishop said that the relationship between the Montfort Missionaries and Mbarara Archdiocese has been strengthened by the incorporation of these three new Ugandan members to the Company of Mary.   

The Archbishop also appealed to the superiors of the Company of Mary to consider appointing more ministers to work within the archdiocese. He expressed that there is still hunger in the archdiocese as far as the spread of the devotion to Mary was concerned.

The three brothers noted three things that were significant in these occasions. This is what they had to say: “We do not take it for granted that our final profession happened as the Church is celebrating the Jubilee year of Mercy and the Montfortian family is celebrating the Tercentenary of the death of St Louis Marie the Montfort and that our diaconate Ordination took place on the feast day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These three significant events will be for us great reminders of our vows and commitment to God. To move out with the burning zeal of St Louis Marie de Montfort, to spread God’s forgiveness, mercy and tenderness while relying on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is the Queen of the Apostles.”