From Humble Beginning to Golden Jubilee
The Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary (MCESM) marked a historic milestone with a solemn and joyful Golden Jubilee celebration on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 15th August, 2026, bringing together Church leaders, government representatives, religious men and women, Pioneers Sisters, clergy and faithful from Africa, Europe and America.
The Jubilee Eucharistic celebration took place at the Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral in Moroto Diocese, Uganda, in an atmosphere of thanksgiving, prayer, music, cultural expression and joyful communion.
The Eucharistic celebration was solemnly presided over by Rt. Rev. Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, MCCJ, Bishop of Moroto Diocese, who welcomed the Sisters and their guests to Moroto for the historic occasion.
Among the distinguished Church leaders present was Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, AJ, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Tororo, together with priests and religious men and women representing different congregations and dioceses within and out of Africa.
The celebration also brought together representatives of the Government of Uganda, including Her Excellency Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, who delivered a special message from the President of the Republic of Uganda acknowledging the incredible mission of the Sisters.
Bishop Damiano's Homily
During the homily the main celebrant Bishop Damiano congratulated the Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary for its fifty-year missionary journey and recognized the important apostolates through which the Sisters have served the Church and communities in line with their charism. He encouraged the faithful to remain committed to seeking the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of a daily encounter with God through His Word and prayers. The Bishop's message invited Christians to deepen their relationship with God and to allow faith to shape their daily lives and service to others.
Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo's Address
On the other hand Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo AJ in his address, congratulated MCESM on reaching its Golden Jubilee and encouraged Christians to make prayer their first priority. The Archbishop also reflected on the early history of the missionary presence that gave rise to the Religious Sisters, Priests and brothers, recalling the contribution of the pioneers in laying foundations for missionary evangelization in the region.
His reflections connected the congregation's present celebration with its historical roots and challenged the current generation to remain faithful to the missionary heritage entrusted to them.
Remembering the Founders
The Jubilee was also an important moment to honor the founders of the congregation, Bishop Sisto Mazzoldi and Very Rev. Fr. John Marengoni, whose missionary vision and dedication contributed to the establishment of the congregation.
The Congregation also celebrated with gratitude to remember the pioneers whose courage, faith and missionary commitment helped shape the congregation's journey. The presence of the pioneer Sisters at the Golden Jubilee added a special historical dimension to the celebration, providing a living connection between the congregation's beginnings and its present missionary reality.
Message from the Superior General
Sr. Prof. Jacinta Mary Adhiambo, Superior General of the Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary, expressed deep gratitude to God for the congregation's fifty-year journey. Reflecting on the foundation and development of MCESM, Sr. Prof. Jacinta gave thanks for God's providence and the many graces experienced throughout the years.
She praised God for the Jubilee day and acknowledged the contribution of the founders, former superior generals, pioneer Sisters, successive generations of members, Bishops, clergy, benefactors, collaborators and communities that have supported the congregation's mission. For the Superior General, the Golden Jubilee was not merely a celebration of fifty years but a moment to recognize God's faithfulness throughout the congregation's history.
Silver Jubilee Celebration
The Golden Jubilee celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize six Sisters who marked their Silver Jubilee of consecrated life.
Surrounded by the congregation, family members, clergy and faithful, the Sisters renewed their commitment to God, giving renewed expression to their vocation and missionary calling.
Their renewal served as a powerful reminder that the Jubilee was not only about looking back at the past but also about recommitting the congregation's future to God and to the service of His people.
Message from the Vice President of Uganda
Her Excellency Hon. Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, delivered a special message from the President of the Republic of Uganda and joined the Catholic Church and MCESM in commemorating the significant milestone.
The Vice President recognized the valuable practical contribution of the Sisters through their various apostolates and their service to communities. She commended the Sisters for their commitment to the people and acknowledged the positive impact of their missionary work in areas where they serve. Her Excellency also expressed her willingness to support the Sisters as they continue with their mission and apostolic work.
Her presence at the celebration highlighted the importance of the contribution of consecrated women to the social, spiritual and human development of communities.
A Cathedral Filled with Prayer and Joy
The Golden Jubilee Eucharistic celebration was characterized by a profound atmosphere of prayer and thanksgiving. The angelic voices of the choir, elegant Sisters together with the singing of the congregation, filled the Merciful Love of Jesus Cathedral with beautiful sacred music, creating an atmosphere of worship and celebration.
The liturgical dance added color, dignity and cultural richness to the Eucharistic celebration. Through music, dance and prayer, the diverse communities represented at the Jubilee expressed their gratitude to God for the fifty-year journey of MCESM.
The joy of the Sisters and the faithful was evident throughout the celebration as the congregation came together to celebrate God's blessings and the missionary legacy of MCESM.
A Jubilee of Gratitude and Renewal
The Golden Jubilee in Moroto brought together the past, present and future of the Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary. From the MCESM gallant pioneers who witnessed the congregation's early beginnings, to the Sisters currently serving in different apostolates and the younger generation preparing to carry the mission forward, the Jubilee offered a powerful testimony of continuity, faith and missionary commitment.
The presence of the Holy Father's message, Church leaders, government representatives, religious congregations and faithful from different parts of the world demonstrated the wide reach of the congregation's missionary journey.
As MCESM celebrated 50 years of God's faithfulness, the Sisters expressed profound gratitude for the blessings, challenges, vocations, apostolic opportunities and countless people who have formed part of their journey.
Long live MCESM!