North Kigezi Diocese News
The Mother’s Union at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano on Sunday joined millions of members across the world to celebrate 150 years of faith, service, and family values, with Christians challenged to embrace joy in Christ, uphold strong Christian families, and renew their commitment to serving God and their communities.
The call was made by Hon. Enid Origumisiriza, the Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, while preaching during a special service held to mark Mary’s Day and celebrate 150 years of the Mother’s Union worldwide.
Preaching from Luke 1:28, Hon. Enid urged Christians to remain joyful in the Lord, reminding them that they are highly favored and deeply loved by God.
“Be happy, even you who may be contemplating suicide,” she said. “God has given you a family so that you may find joy in it and not live in anger.”
Addressing married couples, Hon. Enid encouraged women to speak words of life to their husbands and to uphold their dignity.
“Husbands need recognition,” she said. “And to the men, love your wives. These women you see need to be loved. Even in times of trial, remain joyful. Marriage is not only about happiness during good times.”
She further urged couples to practice forgiveness, describing it as a key ingredient in building stable families.
“Guard your marriage vows. Do not break them because of difficult seasons such as poverty, sickness, or challenges in your marriage. Instead, fall on your knees and pray to God. We serve a God of the impossible,” Hon. Enid emphasized.
Following the sermon, 23 people received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.
The Guest of Honour, Allen Asiimwe Ruteikara Lutaaya, the Leader of the Women’s Ministry at All Saints Chapel, Lweza, called upon women to emulate the life and virtues of Mary, including humility, obedience, and good character.
“Mary laid a strong foundation for us. This day reminds us of the many lessons we can learn from her life. She became a model in families, workplaces, and businesses,” she said.
She challenged Mother’s Union members to reflect on the example they portray through their membership.
“When we are enrolled in the Mother’s Union and wear the uniform, what do people outside our families, our children, and our husbands see in us? What example do we set? We ought to be examples just as Mary was,” she noted.
Allen Asiimwe encouraged women to embrace values such as discipline, integrity, purity, resilience, and patience.
“These values are slowly diminishing in our nation, yet they are first nurtured in our homes. What went wrong? On a day like this, let us reflect on ourselves and intentionally pass these values on to our children.”
She added that Mary’s life demonstrated responsible leadership and moral courage, virtues that every Mother’s Union member should strive to uphold.
“Let this celebration renew our commitment to peace, love, service, and above all, commitment to Jesus Christ. Let us also make the Mother’s Union sustainable for those who will come after us. Nurture your children well, love your husbands, and remain committed to your families. These are the core values of the Mother’s Union,” she said.
In support of Mother’s Union projects, the Guest of Honour contributed ten million Uganda shillings (UGX 10,000,000).
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, commended the significant role the Mother’s Union continues to play within the Church of Uganda.
“Whenever I visit a church and find Mother’s Union uniforms present, I am assured that the church is alive,” Bishop Asiimwe remarked.
He encouraged women to continue respecting and loving their husbands.
“Respect and submit to your husbands the way they are. Respect us the way we are,” he said, adding, “Mothers, continue to soar higher and stronger. You are the ones holding the Church together.”
Speaking to the congregation, particularly the women, Maama Florence Asiimwe encouraged them to appreciate and embrace the small ideas God places in their hearts for the benefit of others.
Reflecting on the life of Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mother’s Union, Maama Florence noted that her vision continues to impact lives 150 years later.
“Never despise yourself or the ideas God gives you. Mary Sumner was not a great woman in the eyes of the world, but she had a great God within her. You too have a great God. Give your ideas to Him, and He will expand them beyond your imagination,” she said.
Other dignitaries present included a delegation from the Diocese of Kigezi led by Gloria Kiconco, Vice President of the Mother’s Union in the Diocese of Kigezi; Penninah Ssajjabi, Headteacher of Bishop Kivengyere Girls’ School, Muyebe; and a team from All Saints Chapel, Lweza, including Mrs. Rebecca Mugisha, Chairperson of the Mother’s Union, Mrs. Rhoda Kyakunzire Mugumya, and Mrs. Florence Uwamahoro Gashugyi.
By: Sezi Ayebazibwe DIOCESAN ICT COORDINATOR
