Bishop Hiiboro Calls for Prayers for the Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (MSBVM) as they hold their Second General Chapter
The Congregation of Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary is beginning their second General Chapter today 8th October, 2021 in Kampala Uganda. The Religious congregation that was founded in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, South by the first native Bishop the Late Titarani, Bishop Joseph Gasi Abangite is also known as Mupoi Sisters.
His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, the present Local Ordinary of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio while explaining about the whole event expressed that most of us who are not part of a religious congregation, often experience an aura of mystery when we hear that the sisters who minister with and among us and in our diocese are meeting for a “General Chapter.”
Bishop Hiiboro explained that sisters or religious have done this for centuries but, as the needs of our world evolve, so does the process of General Chapters. During the event which will take place throughout the month of October, 23 delegates will undertake various activities that are crucial for the life of their congregation.
“The entire General Chapter process is a time of communal discernment and decision making that emerges from the community and personal prayer, contemplative listening, and conversation,” Bishop Hiiboro expressed adding that the sisters gather urged on by the Love of Christ and confident that the Holy Spirit breathes with and within them. The chapter he explains is made up of three parts, namely Prayers, Reflections, and Consultations.
The first part is an 8-day silent-directed retreat for all the delegates. The retreat creates an environment that helps the delegates to recognize and attend to where God is in their life.
“There are several key factors in the retreat which help them: personal prayer, reflection, silence, daily meeting with a director, and participation in the Eucharist. This has already been done last week for six days,” Bishop Hiiboro indicated.
The second part is the “Chapter of Affairs.” which commences today, October 8th is a time for the delegates to be together discerning the needs of their times; and a time for evaluating the life of the Institute in the light of these calls.
The third part is the “Chapter of Elections” Bishop Hiiboro explains that as the delegates consider what God is calling them to at this time in the life of their Religious Institute, our Church, and our world, they ask one another who amongst them might the Holy Spirit be inviting to lead them in implementing these calls. Therefore, the Chapter of Elections leads to identifying a new leadership team. This will take place on October 26th, 2021.
Sisters who cannot be present as delegates have committed to being supporting participants through prayer and then the implementation of Chapter decisions. As women of the Church and rooted in the Gospel, they realize they are part of an ever-widening circle of relationships.
“I count on the prayers of all sisters, associates, partners in ministry, family, friends, and benefactors, near and far. As they enter into this Spirit-led event l invite you all to pray for their Chapter and our Religious Institute of the MSBVM,” Bishop Hiiboro appealed.
“Our Beloved Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mupoi Sisters), the entire church, and your diocese (CDTY) love you! We are praying for you!”
The event is taking place at the Congregations Mother House in Namugongo, Kampala, Uganda.
