In the day of 29 November – 3 December 2019 we host in Lodonga 11 girls from Uganda and South Sudan. Our ministry in Uganda has started 2 years ago, but already some girls how’s interest to know more about our congregation. For those girls Sr. Theresia Sitriyati and Sr. Francesa prepared the program of Vocation Camp. The accommodation was in the Marian Brothers house nearby to our community house. The meal were serve also in that place the rest activities took place in our house in Lodonga.
On the first day we had activities integrating this multicultural and even international group of girls. after that, through input given by Sr. Theresia, they could reflect on the love of God. In the evening we had adoration and were given the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Next day, on Sunday, we had Holy mass together with the community. Because our chapel is small, we pray in our “Tocool”. After breakfast Sr. Francesca had for them two session about vocation. The girls got to know better the meaning of vocation seeing the people in the Bible. They learn also 7 important steps helping to discern the vocation.
Afternoon we involved them in preparation for celebration of renewal of vows of Sr. Celestina. Evening we pray together Mission Rosary in Grotto of Blessed Mother Marry in Marian Brother place. On Sunday, through Morning Prayer lead by Sr. Theresia, we welcome with them the new liturgical year and the time of Advent. The girls joined us in Basilica for the Holy Eucharist with renewal of vows of Sr. Celestina Amaka, our junior from Nigeria.
The girls were sitting behind us and were presented by the parish priest as our aspirant. For this day we prepared and placed on the back of Basilica the board with important information about our congregation. Through this celebration the young people could be really encouraged to respond positively to God’s call.
The girls were with us during lunch and presented nice entertainment by Sr. Celestina and all our guests. In the evening we showed them the movie about appreciation of Blessed Mother Mary in Lourdes “Bernadette”
On Monday, Sr. Theresia presented to the girls story about our Founding Generation. The girls could also get to know about missionary service of our sisters all over the world. Sr Dorothea shared with them the experienced to be missionaries.
On the last day, We evaluated with them the experience of this few days. through this we realized that it was very important time for them. They received the proper knowledge about vocation to religious missionary life; They got courage to continue the way of discernment. The girls experienced the unity and togetherness despite the differences of the background. They had time to reflect on their life and on the call from God. some of them showed true interest to join our congregation.
It was our first experience with this group, but we really see the need to continue this program.
By Sr. Francesca Ratajczak SSpS
