CICLSALU Reporter
June 20, 2020 was a memorable day as participants of renewal and formation courses at Uganda Spiritual Formation Center Namugongo (USFCN) were commissioned. 17 out of 24 successfully completed their course despite disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
The course attracted participants from Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Malawi, South Korea and Uganda. By commissioning time, South Sudan and Kenya boarders were closed as well as Entebbe International Airport.
Fr. Martin Ochola, SSS the Vice President of the Conference of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSALU) (ARU), who represented the president during this occasion thanked the participants for their perseverance and said; “…patience can cook a stone! Hence hardness is softened. For those who found it hard to cope with washing plates, cultural diversity /uniqueness, and similar challenges, today all is but joy; which means you have realized your goal. Go and practice what you have learnt, add value to life that will attract others to come to this Spiritual Centre.”
He continued, “…Raise the flag of the Formation Centre. Rome is reminding us to be updated about the documents of the Dicastery. Many times, our genuineness is questioned yet our quality of life attracts people. Formators, go to form not deform the young ones so that we can have a bright future. For instance, Amazonia has no vocations as the Pope is calling us to aspire to inspire…before we expire …”
Sr. Lydia Apili Bwor, LSMIG, the Secretary General CICLSALU, remarked, “…Despite the obstacles/huddles posed by the lockdown you have successfully completed your courses. You are not going back empty. Fruits that have gone through tough times are good. Renewal members, go back to renew your brothers and sisters. Formation is a process from the womb to the tomb…gives them the best you can.” She thanked Sr. Florence Achanda who accepted to complete 2019 before winding up her contract at USFCN. We ask pardon in case we stepped on your toes. To fail is human and to forgive is divine.” Sr. Lydia concluded her speech with the song: I commission you to bear much fruit…
On the same note, Sr. Rita Nabukalu, SMR the Director, USFCN appreciated CICLSALU (ARU) and the entire staff members of USFCN for exhibiting family spirit. She thanked the Bishops and Superiors for sending participants to the Centre. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the benefactors who have supported this programme since its inception. “Dear participants, we shared a lot with you during the nine months. Today we close the programme. We hope and believe you attained what brought you here. It is time to open up and share your treasured gifts with others to cause positive change.
The participants were equally jubilant and grateful for what they referred to as enriching programmes and what they gained out of it. “This Centre provides courses like self-care that enhances self-critiquing, it provides for community life and checks individual lifestyle. We appreciate Ugandan hospitality. Let us keep the bond that has been created. Let us forgive every wrong encountered during the course of our stay. We sowed with tears and now we are reaping with joy. Real work begins from outside the gate and we will be judged by the fruits;” a participant representative remarked.
In another development, some of the seminars that were not covered at the Spiritual Centre due to COVID-19 interruption were extended and covered at the CICLSALU – ARU Secretariat for the willing participants. Among others they did Enneagramme that enhances transformation of self, Canon Law of the Consecrated Life, African Cultural Values Vs Consecrated life, Psycho-Spiritual Counseling and Child Protection. With these, there was a total fulfillment exhibited by the participants.
