On May 7, 2022, we celebrated the diamond jubilee of Sr Lelia O’shea and the silver jubilee of our sisters, Sr Florence Muuka and Coltrida Mooya. It was a phenomenal occasion. The celebration started Friday night with the Budima, a vibrant traditional dance group among the Tongas. Bishop Raphael Mweepwa blessed this occasion by presiding at the Eucharist for us. He and his brother priests from, within and outside, the Diocese of Monze were co-celebrants. Many members of other religious congregations joined us in celebrating this special occasion. We were blessed by their presence. Just to mention a couple, among those who gathered were The Religious of the Holy Spirit and the Precious Blood Sisters.
As a Pre-novice, aspiring to be an RSHM, I was very glad to be part of this event. It was a day filled with joy and for me it was and an occasion of unmitigated happiness. Marking 60 years and 25 years of living life to the fullest in dedicated service to God, the church and the community by Sr. Lelia, Sr. Florence, and Sr. Coltrida, was certainly worth celebrating. When all the sisters joined the jubilarians in singing, “My soul now glorifies the Lord who is my Saviour…rejoice for who I am that Lord has shown me favour”, I felt a real closeness to Mary in her canticle of praise. It was a cherished moment for me. One filled with great hope that a lot has been put in store for me by God and I have yet to discover all the graces and blessings in my life. By witnessing and being part of this special celebration, I hope to continue to grow stronger in faith, to rejoice in hope, to be on fire with, while being humble of heart and persevering in prayer.
We thank our sisters, Lilia, Florence and Coltrida for the good work they have done in the church and in the Institute over the past 60 years and 25 years. May God continue to abundantly bless them, their families, and their work.
Petronella Manjenje
Pre-novice
To view the videos of the celebration, please click on the links below:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=CvULLlh7OOs&feature=share
https://youtube.com/watch?v=cOT-1946N2E&feature=share
