Final Profession of Sr. Angella Nnakigudde

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'YES! Let it be done to me according to your Word!"

On the 25th March 2010, at St. Peter's Church, Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda, Sr. Angella Nnakigudde made final profession of vows, publicly and happily declaring her intention in the presence of her parents, relatives and friends as well as a number of priests and religious, to live the rest of her life as a Franciscan Missionary Sister for Africa.

The 25^th March, the feast of the Annunciation, was an ideal day for Angella to say her 'YES' to God's call to surrender her entire life to Him in and through Mary our model and Mother. Likewise, the Church at Nsambya, beautifully decorated for the day, was most appropriate as a venue for this happy celebration as in 1903, Mother Kevin and her five companions were welcomed at this church with Benediction. Two years later, from this church, two sisters were sent to begin a new mission at Naggalama. And through the years, some of our sisters that died in Uganda were buried at the cemetery at Nsambya Church. Our ancestors were truly with us as were St. Francis and Clare and all the other saints that were called on during the Litany of the Saints. Mother Kevin's picture and a large poster of the TAU and our Charism statement graced the front of the altar.

Sr. Kathleen Moran, our assistant congregational leader, together with some of our sisters from Kenya and Uganda were present as well as our postulants and some candidates who are also hoping to join the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa. Angella's mother and father, her brother and sisters, including Sr. Rosemary, a Comboni Sister, her uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews were also present together with the parish priest and some parishioners from Angella's home parish.

Fr. Peter Alenyo, a Comboni Missionary Priest was the main celebrant with about twenty other priests concelebrating. The choir from Mbikko parish where Angella had worked for a time, sang joyfully, and all present will forever remember how well their music enhanced the celebration.

At the beginning of the ceremony Angella knelt in front of her parents and they blessed her, presenting her with a basket of seeds, symbolizing the seeds of faith Angella will sow in the hearts of the people to whom she is sent. Angella in turn thanked her parents for giving her life and nurturing her faith and she presented them with a lighted candle, asking them to pray for her all the days of her life.

Another of the highlights during the ceremony was the procession of the Word which our sisters from Zimbabwe, Jesinita, Patience, Olivia and Rose who had served in Zimbabwe, carried out in the Shona language and custom.

Fr. Peter Alenyo gave a truly inspiring homily focusing on Mary's response at the Annunciation, the choir sang the Litany of the Saints after which Angella pronounced her vows to God in the presence of Sr. Kathleen Moran, delegate of our congregational leader, and of all in the church.

Our accomplished and eloquent MC, Sr. Rose Nakku, competently held the occasion together by linking and explaining parts in Luganda.

After the ceremony, there were speeches, a cake and lunch. All present rejoiced with Angella and were happy to learn that she will be going to the Sudan together with our Sr. Rose Mary Oduol in May this year to begin a new venture there. The pictures enclosed tell the story rather well.

For all of us it was a truly wonderful occasion and all we can say for the gift of Angella is "To God be the glory great things he has done"

Sr. Kathleen Hickey, FMSA